Pak Ngan Heung Mine
Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong and was once rich in mineral resources. For example, wolframite was mined at Sha Lo Wan, and silver was mined near Silver Mine Bay.
The modern mining history of Lantau Island can be traced back to the late 19th century, when Lantau was still under the governance of the Qing government. Ho Amei (alias Ho Kwan Shan), a merchant, obtained permission from Zhang Zhidong, the Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi to operate a mine in Mui Wo on Lantau Island. He agreed to pay a royalty of 10% on the silver production and leased land from Mui Wo landowners to mine silver ore. Mui Wo is close to the sea and has a waterfall nearby. Access to the sea provided convenient water transportation for the mines, and the nearby river and waterfall provided hydropower for the mine's hydraulic engines. The mine officially began operation on 28 March 1886. The mining company employed European engineers and used modern mining techniques. It was equipped with a 30-horsepower power-boiler, stone breakers, crushing rollers, jiggers, buddles, frue vanners, and other mining equipment. The mine's smelting machine was located near the shore and was connected to a pier. An aerial 3,000-foot-long ropeway was used to transport the minerals to the seaside for smelting.
Owing to operational difficulties, Ho Amei's Tien Wah Mining Company ended its mining operations in Mui Wo after only two years. The mining company was bought and taken over by merchants Tang Ting-shu and Xu Run in 1889. However, due to problems such as poor quality of the minerals, operations were stopped again in about 1894. The mine was abandoned more than 120 years ago.
The facilities of the former mine vanished long ago, except for the adits, shafts and underground tunnels. However, some names of places in the area may be related to the mine due to their proximity, such as Pak Ngan Heung. It is believed that the Man Mo Temple in the village was used to resolve disputes among the villagers related to mining activities. Other related places, such as Silver Mine Bay Beach, River Silver and the Silver Mine Bay Waterfall, have become scenic spots, as well as historical references.
