Besshi copper mine

Summary

The Besshi copper mine (別子銅山, Besshi dōzan) 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.

Besshi Dōzan
Location
LocationNiihama
PrefectureEhime Prefecture
CountryJapan
Production
ProductsCopper
History
Opened1691
Closed1973
Owner
CompanySumitomo Group

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

External links edit

33°51′55″N 133°19′41″E / 33.86528°N 133.32806°E / 33.86528; 133.32806