In 1848, Long Jaafar’s discovery of rich alluvial tin deposits in Larut ignited Perak’s mining boom. The industry expanded rapidly, attracting thousands of Chinese miners and transforming settlements such as Taiping, Kampar, Papan and Ipoh into thriving towns. The building of roads and railways followed, connecting the mines to global markets.
By the 1870s, the mining population of Larut and Kinta Valley had risen to 40,000 Chinese, comprising mainly of Cantonese and Hakkas. They maintained strong cultural and financial links to their families in China, sending money overseas regularly.
During the Second Industrial Revolution of 1870 to 1914, Perak’s tin helped met growing demand for solder, bronze, pewter and tin plating.