Shilu Iron Mine

Shilu Iron Mine

Shilu Iron Mine

The Hainan Shilu Iron Mine is situated in Shilu Town, Changjiang County, Hainan Island. It lies over 280 kilometers north of the provincial capital Haikou and is connected by rail to Basuo Port to the west, just 52 kilometers away. It is one of the large open-pit mines under China’s former Ministry of Metallurgical Industry, renowned for its high-grade iron ore, and is the country’s largest rich iron deposit.

The Shilu Iron Mine ore body stretches from the Shilu River in the south to Yangjiaoling in the north, and from Shiluling in the west to Hongshantou in the east, covering an area of 16 square kilometers. It has a long, narrow shape, running north–south and being relatively narrow east–west. The main ore deposit is concentrated in the area about one kilometer directly south of Shilu Town, centered around a major ore body to the north.

The origin of the name “Shilu” is believed to date back to the 47th year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1782 AD), when copper ore resembling malachite was discovered on the surface of the mountain here. It was thus initially named “Shilü Ridge” (Copper-Green Ridge), later changed to “Shilu Ridge” (Stone-Green Ridge). The Shilu Iron Mine is located within this area, hence the current name.

The Hainan Shilu Iron Mine is one of China’s important bases for iron ore. In addition to abundant iron, cobalt, and copper resources, it also possesses various mineral resources such as nickel, sulfur, aluminum, and gold. Exploration indicates that the iron ore reserves amount to several hundred million tons, with grades exceeding 62%. Experts consider the Shilu Iron Mine to be rich in resources and exceptional in grade, renowned across Asia and famed worldwide, earning it the title “Pearl of the Treasure Island, National Treasure.”