Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine was a silver mine in the Shimane Prefecture of Honshū, Japan. It was added to the World Heritage List in 2007. [1]
Mine history
It was developed in 1526 by Kamiya Jutei a Japanese merchant. It reached its peak production of 38 tons in the early 17th century of approximately 38 tons of silver a year which was then a third of world production. [2]
Silver from the mine was used widely for coins. It was contested fiercely by warlords until the Tokugawa Shogunate won control of it in 1600 as a result of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. [2] It was later secured by fences and barricaded by pine trees. Yamabuki Castle was built in the centre of the complex. [2]
Silver production from the mine fell in the nineteenth century as it had trouble competing with mines elsewhere and it was eventually closed.
Heritage site
Parts of the mining town remain in good condition and the Japanese Government has designated it as a Special Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. The government also applied for it to become a World Heritage Site which was successful in July 2007. [1]
