Hong Kong is practically devoid of any significant mineral resources. The mining for graphite and lead at Cham (“Needle”) Hill and iron ore at Mount Ma On stopped long ago. The small-scale mining of feldspar, feldspar sand, and kaolin clay ceased by 1990. Hong Kong is similarly poorly endowed in other natural resources: no commercial timber is produced from its sparse forest cover, and there is no hydroelectric potential from the small and short streams. Indeed, even water has been in serious short supply as a consequence of the limited areal extent, the steep terrain, and the lack of catchment areas. In spite of the many reservoirs, which were built mostly before World War II, and several giant projects, such as the water desalinization plant at Castle Peak and the Plover Cove and the High Island reservoirs, which are enclosed sea areas, the bulk of water consumed is piped in from Guangdong province.
[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
Kowloon-street-at-night-Hong-KongKowloon street at night, Hong Kong.[Credits : Photos.com/Jupiterimages]
Hong-Kong-skyline-at-night-including-the-Convention-and-ExhibitionHong Kong skyline at night, including the Convention and Exhibition Center (centre).[Credits : © Digital Vision/Getty Images]
Hong-Kong-Island-from-Victoria-Peak-Hong-KongHong Kong Island (centre background) from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong.[Credits : © M. Borchi/DeA Picture Library]
Street-scene-Hong-KongStreet scene, Hong Kong.[Credits : © Goodshoot/Jupiterimages]
Boat-people-in-Hong-Kong-Harbour“Boat people” (Tanka) in Hong Kong Harbour.[Credits : © Goodshoot/Jupiterimages]
Woman-lighting-incense-at-a-Buddhist-temple-Hong-KongWoman lighting incense at a Buddhist temple, Hong Kong.[Credits : © Corbis]
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