Iwami Ginzan

Iwami Silver Mine

Useful Information

Location:	Omori, Ohda City in Shimane Prefecture
Open:
Fee:
Classification:	Silver Mine
Light:	electric.
Dimension:	L=600m, T=16°C.
Guided tours:	L=172m.
Bibliography:
Address:
Last update:	$Date: 2008/07/01 20:26:05 $

History


1526		mine opened by Jutei Kamiya, a wealthy merchant from Hakata in Kitakyushu.
1533		silver refining technology called haibuki introduced.
1715		Ryugenji Mabu built.
1922		mine closed.
1943		Ryugenji Mabu closed.
1969		became a National Designated Historical Site.
1987		the area became a national preservation area of important traditional buildings.
2001		submitted for the UNESCO WHL.
JUN-2007		enclosed into UNESCO WHL.

Geology

Description

The Iwami Silver Mine is an importants silver mine of Japan, and was probably the most important siver mine during the 16th century. During the first half of the 17th century it produced about 38 tons per year. This was the majority of the silver produced in Japan. At this time Japan produced one third of the worlds silver. Japan was called the Silver Archipelago by the Spanish.

The whole area with many mining related locations is protected today. Beneath above ground building, fucrnaces and harbours, there are several mine tunnels which were excavated and one is now open to the public. It is named Ryugenji Mabu.