EL-DORADO OF THE EAST - UNDERGROUND TIN MINING UNDER PAHANG CONSOLIDATED COMPANY LIMITED (PCCL)

Layout of Sungai Lembing Underground Tin Mining

Mining began in the 19th century in 1868 when Sultan Ahmad signed a concession with Baba Ah Sam. From 1891, the Pahang Consolidated Company Limited, (PCCL), which was under British control, had a 77-year lease to mine the area. It is a reminder of the lengths the British would go to make some money from the remote areas.

PCCL managed the mine from 1906 until its liquidation in 1986 when world tin prices collapsed. The Sungai Lembing tin mine, among the world is largest and deepest, once earned Pahang the name ‘El-Dorado of the East’. The total tunnel length is 322km, with a depth of between 610m and 700m. There were two main mines. Myah Mine is 700m deep, and Tabeto Mine 488m.  They would then spend six hours underground, extracting the tin ore from the main lode. At the end of their shift, the lift would transport them back to the surface and daylight and fresh air.

Up to 1942 the mine employed 1,350 personnel, of who half worked underground. Today the old buildings and surface workings lie rusting and silent, and there is little to show of this once bustling place.

           However, a new museum has been set up to re-live the glorious days of Sungai Lembing as Pahang’s richest manufacturer of tin. Its objective is to publicize the history and exhibit relics from the mine.  The museum is housed in a refurbished bungalow, once home to the mine’s general manager. The almost century-old building is perched on a small hill with stunning views of the hills which surround Sungai Lembing.

Station that monitor and control the movement of the workers.  Worker need to regularly going in and out to the underground tunnel through the lift @ elevator.

Workers spend six hours underground, extracting the tin ore from the main lode.

Workers spend six hours underground, extracting the tin ore from the main lode.