Japan's Sole Commercial Gold Mine
Nestled in the rural landscape of Isa, Kagoshima Prefecture, lies the Hishikari Mine, Japan's sole commercial gold mine. This "town of gold" thrives as the precious metal's price reaches new heights, extending the life of this historic mine that dates back to the Edo Period.
The Hishikari Mine boasts some of the world's highest gold content, with an astonishing 20 grams per ton of ore. This far surpasses the global average of 3 to 5 grams, making it one of the most efficient gold mines in the world.
A 40-minute drive from Kagoshima Airport leads to the mine, where a narrow tunnel descends towards the excavation site. Here, miners carefully extract the gold-rich ore, using specialized machinery to drill holes and explosives to break the rock face.
Despite the painstaking process, the Hishikari Mine has produced a staggering 264.5 tons of gold by 2023, dwarfing the 80 tons produced by the now-closed Sado mine, once Japan's second-largest gold producer.
The soaring gold price, fueled by global uncertainties and a weakening yen, further bolsters the mine's future. This allows Sumitomo Metal, the mine's operator, to explore even low-grade veins that were previously uneconomical.
However, the mine's mission extends beyond mere profit. Sumitomo Metal aims to manage this precious resource responsibly, ensuring its longevity for future generations. This includes reducing annual production from 8 tons to 4 tons and implementing digital transformation initiatives like Wi-Fi connectivity and automation.
The Hishikari Mine's success has also brought prosperity to Isa, which proudly labels itself the "town of gold." The municipality even offers gold ore as a gift under the "furusato nozei" program, attracting attention despite the minimal gold content.
As the Hishikari Mine continues to operate, it serves as a testament to Japan's rich mining history and its commitment to responsible resource management. The "town of gold" shines brightly, not only for its economic value but also for its dedication to sustainable practices and community development.