China Underground > Magazine > China Magazine > 25 pics depicting the terrible conditions in alum mines in China

25 pics depicting the terrible conditions in alum mines in China

Last Updated on 2020/10/30

In Cangnan County, not too far from Wenzhou, southern Zhejiang, there are tens of alum mines.

However, because of pollution and shortage of alum resources, the area is living a difficult crisis.

China detains 60% of the world reserves of alum, however, with the rapid economic development, alum is replaced by many new materials combined with the use of refined bauxite ore.

Now, because of corporate aging, shortage of alum resources, high energy consumption, low performances, pollution, the area is facing a crisis.

Source

mines in China

Today, resource exploitation zone Jilong shan is nearly exhausted. Almost the entire mountain has been mined out.

mines in China

There are two types of alum: potassium alum and sodium alum.

mines in China

Water is used to crystallize the alum.

mines in China
mines in China

A common method of producing potash alum is leaching of alumina from bauxite, which is then reacted with potassium sulfate.

mines in China
mines in China

The water is highly corrosive.

mines in China

After being calcined ore is raked into the pool.

mines in China
mines in China
mines in China
mines in China

Many miners are affected by silicosis (known also as miner’s phthisis or grinder’s asthma), a form of lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust.

miner's phthisis

Jilong shan waste dump.

Jilong shan waste dump
Jilong shan waste dump
Jilong shan waste dump
Jilong shan waste dump

The effects of pollution on a nearby river bed.

silicosis in China
silicosis in China

Old miners are suffering from silicosis after working in local mines.

silicosis in China

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