Mine History
It was developed in 1526 by Kamiya Jutei, a Japanese merchant. It reached its peak production in the early 17th century of approximately 38 tons of silver a year which was then one third of the world's production.
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. It was later secured by fences and barricaded by pine trees. Yamabuki Castle was built in the centre of the complex.
Silver production from the mine fell in the nineteenth century as it had trouble competing with mines elsewhere. Then in exchange for silver some kinds of mineral like copper had been mainly mined in the mountain. The mine was eventually closed in 1923.
Read more about this topic: Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
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