The Kinta tinfield, Malaysia

S. Senathi Rajah, . (1979) The Kinta tinfield, Malaysia. Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, 11. pp. 111-136. ISSN 2637-109X

Abstract

This paper reviews the present state of knowledge of the geology and mineral resources of the Kinta tinfield, Malaysia. It identifies areas where knowledge is wanting and where further research is warranted. The Kinta tinfield, in the State of Perak, is an extensive area located in a valley flanked by granitic ranges to the east and west. The bedrock in the valley is composed mainly of crystalline limestone with minor argillaceous and arenaceous rocks of Silurian to Permian age. The sedimentary strata generally strike north to northwest, dip steeply with beds folded or overturned. The granitoids, intruding into the sedimentary sequence, are of probable Triassic age. Since 1890 the Kinta Valley area has been the largest and most productive tinfield in the world, and to date has contributed approximately 30 per cent of Malaysia‘s total recorded tin production. Much of the tin is recovered from alluvium by dredging and gravel pump methods. Ilmenite, monazite, zircon, xenotime, scheelite, wolframite, gold, columbite and struverite are the chief by-product minerals of tin-mining operations.

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