SEARCH FOR URANIUM MINING AREAS IN CENTRAL CHINA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T05161A000500010001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 131
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 26, 2004
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: October 1, 1965
• Content Type: IR

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SEARCH FOR
URANIUM MINING AREAS
IN CENTRAL CHINA
25
63017
25;
DATE OCT -1965
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SEARCH FOR
URANIUM MINING AREAS
IN CENTRAL CHINA
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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
FIGURE NO(S)o AREA NO.
1 Location Map
2-3 Area 8
4-9 Area 10
10-14 Area 13
15-20 Area 14
21 Area 15
22-26 Area 18
27-33 Area 19
34 Area 20
35-36 Area 21
37 Area 23
38-40 Area 24
41 Area 30
42-45 Area 39
46-49 Area 42
50-51 Area 4
52 Area 9
53-54 Area 12
55-56 Area 26
57-59 Area 27
6o-61 Area 29
62 Area 33
63 Area 35
64 Area 37
65-66 Area 38
67-68 Area 40
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CIA PIR- 3o17
SEARCH FOR URANIUM MINING AREAS
IN CENTRAL CHINA
A total of 42 areas in Communist China were specified in the referenced
requirements as sites of reported possible uranium mining activity. An
initial photographic search within an arbitrarily assigned radius of 25
nautical miles (nm) was conducted to locate all indications of mining in an
area, and if possible to determine whether such mining was for uranium. This
report is issued in conjunction with a similar report, CIA/PTR-63016, Oct.165,
covering mining areas in eastern China.
With one exception, the search areas were located in a band from 97-OOE
to 110-30E longitude in central China. The exception was a single location
in northwest Sinkiang Province. Figure 1 is a map showing the names and
locations of the areas studied.
The search was accomplished b mining the first clear coverage found
on KH-4 photography of 1963-1965. examining
missions (if available) were used on
a limited basis, especially in areas where some activity warranted closer
examination. The use of several missions was usually necessary to obtain
complete, good-quality coverage of the entire search area; in a few instances
complete cloud-free coverage was not obtained. Conditions and amount of
coverage are noted as appropriate in the References sections for individual
areas.
Only the larger mining operations are readily identifiable on KH-4
photography. Many smaller individual mines are probably not discernible.
The features necessary to distinguish mining operations on small-scale (KH-4)
photography in general are:
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The geographic coordinates, a brief description, and references are
listed for each area where mining activity was noted. These listings have
been divided into three broad categories as follows:
Areas of Extensive Mining Operations (Section I)
Areas characterized by large or multiple mines, highly active appear-
ance, and good location relative to roads and rail lines.
Probably Insignificant Areas of Mining Activity (Section II)
Areas characterized by remoteness, lack of improved roads or rail
service, and small size.
Negative Areas (Section III
Where possible, the type of ore being mined has been correlated with
collateral information, the most useful being the comprehensive area studies
compiled by the Defence Intelligence Agency. Likely individual descriptions
are keyed to the map location numbers of mines referenced in these studies.
1, 2/ Because of the time limitation imposed by the large number of areas,
no sustained effort was made to detect changes by comparisons or to thoroughly
review information.
respectively).
No firm uranium mines could be identified in any of the search areas
from photography alone. One or more of the mining areas described might be
suspected of having a uranium producing capability if other source material
on follow-up requirements so indicated. The most likely candidates are the
unidentified mines in the Kueiyang and Kaiyang areas (Areas 13 and 21
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Further study of those areas deemed the most likely candidates for
uranium mining and milling operations is anticipated in answer to more
detailed follow-up requirements based on this report and other source
materials.
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CHINA LOCATION MAP
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CIA IMAGERY ANALYSIS DIVISION
LEGEND (for Figure 1)
NAME COORDINATES
Changtu
Changyeh
Chaochiao
Chenchi
Chengtu
Chienchiang
Chilienshan (Mts)
Chungking
Chungkungchi
Fenghuang
Kanghsien
Kangyuan
Kueiyang
Kunming
Lanchou
Lichiang
Lonan
Luchou
Mengtzu
Lungshan
K'aiyang
Nancheng
Nanning
Paotou
Paise
Salachi
Telingha
Tungjen
Wuchung
Wuwei
Wuyuan
Yentung
Yinchiang
Yinchuan
Yumen
Hsintu
Hsichang
Mienning
Pinglo
Wutu
Kolamai
Shantan
31-1ON 97-14E
38-56N 100-39E
28-03N 102-50E
28-OON 110-11E
30-40N 1o4-04E
29-31N 108-46E
39-1ON 98-42E
29-34N 1o6-35E
li-1-40N 1o8-37E
27-57N 109-36E
33-26N 105-37E
32-26N 105-52E
26-35N 1o6-43E
25-04N 102-41E
36-03N 103-41E
26-53N loo-14E
34-05N 110-09E
28-53N 105-26E
23-22N 103-24E
23-50N 1o8-15E
27-04N 1o6-58E
33-05N 107-02E
22-49N 108-19E
4o-36N 110-03E
23-54N 1o6-37E
4o-33N 110-30E
37-15N 97-OOE
35-30N 102-07E
37-59N 1o6-12E
37-58N 102-48E
41-o7N 1o8-15E
19-27N 110-42E
28-o1N 1o8-28E
38-28N 1o6-17E
4o-17N 97-o8E
30-50N 104-10E
27-53N 102-18E
28-35N 102-11E
38-53N 1o6-32E
33-24N 104-50E
45-33N 84-53E
38-47N lol-18E
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SECTSON II
EXTENSlIVE AREAS
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Chungking, Szechwan 29-34N l06-35E WAC 495
Multiple mining activity, 29-26N to 29-38N l06-23E to 106-26E, in
immediate area west of Chungking. Several different types of mining
are evident from a sedimentary ridge with a general north-south strike.
Both surface workings and underground methods are being employed with
some appearing more active than others. There appear to be three dis-
tinct trends: a) surface trenching and probable shallow inclined shafts
at 29-30N l06-23E, 29-31N 106-23E, and 29-34N l06-24E, characterized
by dark-toned waste piles, small heat processing buildings, and rail
connections; b) vertical shaft mines at 29-26N 106-24E and 29-29N
106-24E, containing prominent headframes, hoist houses, small trans-
former yards, machinery buildings, grayish-toned waste piles, and
connecting roads, probably associated with ore loading and storage
point on railroad at 29-27N 106-25E; c) surface diggings along out-
crops at 29-27N 106-25E, 29-31N l06-25E, and 29-37N 106-26E marked
by light toned appearance (Figures 2 & 3). Type - iron (siderite)
and/or coal. (Map location Nos. 470 and 484 J )
Surface scarring, 29-21N 106-24E, 15 nm SW of Chungking on both sides
of Yangtze River. Excavated area on east bank of river appears asso-
ciated with conveyer-connected buildings and loading facilities to
hopper cars on railroad siding Type - unknown, suspect lime-
stone.
Outcrop scarring, 29-23N 106-33E, 10 rim south of Chungking, and 29-31N
1o6-35E, 3 nm SSE of Chungking. Two prominent areas of surface work-
ings in apparently the same stratum on west flank of a NNE/SSW-striking
sedimentary ridge; road served, but no extensive buildings are present;
appear relatively inactive Type - probable aluminum clay
deposits.(Map location No. 4
Outcrop scarring, 29-32N 106-37E and 29-35N 1o6-38E, 3 nm SE and NE
of Chungking. Two separate surface workings on east flank of same
NNE/SSW-striking ridge q Type - probable limestone quarries.
(Map location No. 485
Probable surface mining, 29-16N 106-26E, 19 nm SSE of Chungking. A
small open pit in sedimentary strata near main rail line to Chungking;
no visible connection between pit area and rail line. Workings are
recent since not present on earlier coverage; does not appear signifi-
cant in present stage Type - unknown.
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Possible mining site, 29-OON l06-18E, 36 nm SSE of Chungking.
Light-toned clearing at crest of hill. New appearing road termi-
nates at site. One L-shaped building in clearing. An obstruction
appears to be across the road at the approach to the site. No
waste piles are discernible Type - questionable; may
be military-associated.
Scarred area, 29-05N lO6-42E, 30 nm SSE of Chungking and 5 nm NE of
Chichiang. Area covers approximately 2 square miles. No other per-
tinent features evident. Another similar area, located approximately
10 nm west at 29-04N 106-32E, is slightly larger. Both areas are
road served Type - possible oil fields.(Map location
No. 547 2/)
PHOTOGRAPHY (Partial Coverage*)
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* Extreme NE and SE portions not covered
MAPS AND CHARTS
ACIC. USAF Operational Navigation Chart, Sheet ONC H-ll, scale
1:1,000,000, 2d classified ed, August 1962 (CONFIDENTIAL)
ACIC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet 495-17HL, scale
1:200,000, 2d ed, December 1963 (SECRET)
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=w. AREA
29-27N IOC-25E
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Fenghuang, Hunan 27-57N 109-36E WAC 497
Extensive mining district, centered at 27-32N 109-12E, 33 nm SW of
Fenghuang (or 11 nm south of Tungjen, Kweichow) in area 3 nm east of
Laoshankou. The road-connected mines cover approximately 2 square
miles and appear old but still very active. Located on plateau of
what appears to be highly eroded limestone on the surface. The mining
activity is probably underground, either.as adits or inclined shafts.
Waste. piles are usually being deposited in steep canyons surrounding
the rim of the plateau; at least 11 separate waste areas can be seen,
some with additional tailing dumps that indicate an onsite separation
process. None of the possible processing buildings are large, and no
additional larger processing plants are in the immediate area. A
large number~of'old relatively small housing/support buildings are
scattered throughout the area. The three tallest buildings are lo-
cated at the road entrance and possibly serve as storage for ore. An
improved road and probable powerline trace leads SW from the mining
district (Figures 4-6). Type - possible mercury (cinnabar). J
Mining district. centered at 27-45N 109-20E, 19 nm SW of Fenghuang
(or 8 nm ENE of Tungjen). Numerous active mines covering approximately
1 square.mile similar in appearance to those just described. Probable
combination of surface and underground mining follows primary veins
trending NE/SW and secondary veins trending NW/SE along fissure zones.
Nine separate areas are characterized by waste piles. Two tones of
waste material,, but no large processing buildings are evident in the
more developed areas; however, some initial grinding and/or small ini-
tialpro`c'essing is indicated by the two types of waste. Housing. and
support buildings are grouped around each mining site. Individual areas
are road connected with a single road leading west (Figures'7 & 8).
Type - unknown, suspect mercury. '
Probable-underground mines at 27-43N 109-11E on NW edge-of Tungjen,
Kweichow.- Peculiar arrangement of housing and support buildings suggests
an old mining area. No waste piles, but several discolored-areas are
evident. Two elongated features possibly are subsidence areas; no large
processing facilities observed Type - unknown.
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Probable mining area, 37-34N 109-52E, 27 nm SE of Fenghuang (or
5 on west of Yu shuwan). Two light toned scarred areas containing
a structure in each clearing are possible beginning of surface or
underground operation near base of a hill. A small waste pile is
present at the westernmost area; a small excavation is present near
the easternmost area. A support area of dark-roofed buildings lies
between the two clearings. Road served (Figure 9). Type - unknown.
PHOTOGRAPHY (Complete coverage)
MAPS AND CHARTS
AMS. Series L500, Sheet NG 49-2, scale 1:250,000, 1st ed,
October 1955 (UNCLASSIFIED)
AMS. Series L500, Sheet NG 49-1, scale 1:250,000, 1st ed,
June 1955 (UNCLASSIFIED)
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Kueiyang, Kweichow 26-35N 106-43E WAC 496
Surface and shaft mines, centered at 26-39N l06-22E, 18.5 rim WNW of
Kueiyang (or 8 nm NW of Chingehen). Large active area of predominantly
surface mines along a north-south trend 3 nm long. There are six major
light-toned workings in apparently unconsolidated deposits. Waste
piles are being formed by hauling gangue aside from the workings. A
headframe for a shaft mine is located adjacent to the most northern
working. Three other unidentified tower-like structures in the same
area show no activity. Numerous trench cuts and small diggings for
prospects extend another 5 nm north. A rail spur from the Chingchen
area served the center of the mining area at a loading facility with
two conveyers. A narrow-gauge track runs from the shaft mine to the
base of the conveyers. A single hopper car is on the rail spur. No
onsite processing is evident. Numerous support/housing buildings,
some apparently new or under construction, are present (Figure 10).
The two most southern. workings, which are only road served have ex-
panded considerably in 22 years (Figure 11). Type - unknown.
Shaft mines centered at 26-32N 106-33E, 9 nm WSW of Kueiyang (or 4.5
nm east of Chingchen). An old but partially active underground mining
.area associated with a 4-track railroad siding. Dark-toned waste piles
are evident at probable sites for inclined or vertical shafts, some of
which appear abandoned. Nine gondola cars are located on railroad
siding, and approximately 20 small ore cars are located on narrow-gauge
track to mining area. The narrow-gauge track is in poor condition
and appears to have been replaced by a road system. The road leads to a
ramp for truck unloading at the siding. A loading facility with one
conveyer appears new but not in use. Five apartment buildings, one
administrative building, and one probable messhall located near the
railroad also appear new. Other housing/support buildings are older.
A small substation is centrally located in the mining area (Figure 12).
Type - coal and/or iron. (Map location Nos. 236 /)
Possible mining area, 26-32N 106-28E, 2 nm south of Chingchen. Twelve
closely grouped areas of surface scarring are located near railroad spur
serving the prevously described mines. One branch rail spur and another
under construction connect to two of the light-toned scarred areas which
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appear to be shallow diggings in low-lying hills. Approximately 30
mostly barracks-type buildings appear newly constructed. Additional
structural forms and trenches indicate?.further.,construction activity
in the center of the area. Another installation near a large reser-
voir may be-in early construction stage II 2 nm west of the
scarred areas. Type - possible iron. (Map location No. 235 J)
Surface mines, 26-33N 106-41E, 2.5 nm SW of Kueiyang. The largest of
many light-toned surface workings and scarred areas around Kueiyang.
These mines seem to be hillside quarries and are typical of similar
areas except for a probable crusher building and a long overhead con-
veyer from the mine to a loadin point on the railroad. Small waste
dumps are apparent Type -.probably Kaolin and fire
clays. (Map location No. 233 /)
Probable surface mines 26-46N 1o6-47E, 12 nm NNE of Kueiyang. Light-
toned scarred areas that appear to be surface workings in hillsides.
Three separate areas are road served; one road terminates in a pro-
mounced fishhook. Immediate area has a mottled appearance. Probably
new workings as not seen on coverage. Poor-quality
coverage precludes other details Figure 13). Type - unknown.
Probable surface mine, 26-27N 1o6-58E, 16 nm SE of Kueiyang at NW
edge of Lungli. Light-toned area with three prongs into hillside.
Rail served. Poor-quality coverage (Figure 14). Type - possible
gypsum.(Map location No. 240 J)
PHOTOGRAPHY (Partial coverage*)
most recent good coverage.
ACIC. USAF Operational Navigation Chart, Sheet ONE-H-11, scale
1:1,000,000, 2d classified ed, August 1962 (CONFIDENTIAL)
* 60% of area effectively covered by
MAPS AND CHARTS
ACIC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet s 0496-1OA, scale
1:200,000, 1st ed, August 1959 (SECRET)
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3SN 106-22E
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