Besshi copper mine explained

Besshi Dōzan
Place:Niihama
Subdivision Type:Prefecture
State/Province:Ehime Prefecture
Country:Japan
Owner:Sumitomo Group
Products:Copper
Opening Year:1691
Closing Year:1973

The was a rich source of copper in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The deposits were discovered in 1690, and copper mining began in the following year. From then until the closing of the mine in 1973, Besshi produced about 700,000 tons of copper, and contributed to Japan's trade and modernization. The Sumitomo family managed the mine, which helped build the Sumitomo zaibatsu. The Dōzan River was named after the copper mine.

The Minetopia Besshi theme park uses some of the mine's facilities.

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33.8653°N 133.3281°W