Lile Copper Smelter

An extensive copper refinery on the northern coast of Taiwan built by Taiwan Metals Mining Company (臺灣金屬鑛業股份有限公司). Construction began in 1977 but the plant did not become operational until 1981. Due to a collapse in copper prices the smelter ran at a loss for many years and was transferred to Taiwan Power Company (台灣電力公司) in 1994. A sulfuric acid leak in 1990 prompted public protests and the smelter was soon closed. The site is almost certainly contaminated with heavy metals and it is not recommended to enter the premises. According to netizen reports the remains of the smelter might be under demolition as of 2025.