Amakusa coalfield explained

The Amakusa coalfield consists of a group of coal mines on the main island of Amakusa, Kumamoto, Japan.

History

The northern Amakusa coalfield has been discovered under the Kyoho era (between 1716 and 1736), while Oniki, the southern part of the coalfield was discovered under the Tenpo era (between 1830 and 1843). The exploitation started in the northern part under the Meiji era. In 1897, a railroad was constructed for the transport of coal between northern mines and Tomioka Bay now Reihoku, Kumamoto by Dainippon Rentan Company. Between 1900 and 1912, a monthly production of 4000 tons was recorded. In other areas, horse-drawn vehicles were employed.^[1]

Notes and References

1. Amakusakensetsugyoukyoukai[1978:686-690]
2. Akakusa Kensetsugyoukyoukai[1978:690]
3. Amakusachikukensetsugyoukyoukai[1978:687</ref> However, Amakusa coal mine was characterized by relatively thin layers of coal (30&nbsp;cm - 100&nbsp;cm) and the mining condition was relatively difficult. So, only small-sized or medium-sized enterprises took part in the ventures. On the contrary, the characteristics of coal were good, such as [[anthracite]], and the Japanese Imperial Navy bought Amakusa coal mine in great quantities.

   The Change of the Government Policy

   Around 1950, the Japanese government changed its policy and started importing cheap coal from foreign countries, and many Japanese coal mines had to be discontinued. Amakusa coal mines were no exception. One of the southern Amakusa mines, Okini coal mine discontinued in 1975. Since there were no big enterprises, it is believed that more than 5,000,000 tons of coal remains there.

   Names of Amakusa Coal Mines around 1955

   • Northern mines
     • Sakasegawa, Ootake, Shiki, Reishu, Takenosako, Komatsu, Wakunobori, Kuratsuki, Ryoumatsu
   • Central mines
     • Imatomi, Asahimuen
   • Southern mines
     • Oniki, Gongen-yama, Sunatsuki, Horinosako, Nanten, Nakanoura

   ^[1]

   Yearly Amounts Produced

   Fiscal Year (年度)	Production
   1946	61,071
   1947	73,105
   1948	90,543
   1949	82,852
   1950	83,360
   1951	123,071
   1952	137,638
   1953	148,580
   1954	164,844
   1955	173,231
   1956	212,591
   1957	275,772
   1958	278,693
   1959	319,230
   1960	398,606
   1961	402,062
   1962	370,827
   1963	381,211

   ^[2]

   References

   • Amakusachiku Kensetugyoukyoukai, History of Constructions in Amakusa 1978, Amakusachiku Kensetsugyoukyoukai.

   Footnotes