The Amakusa coalfield consists of a group of coal mines on the main island of Amakusa, Kumamoto, Japan.
History The northern Amakusa coalfield was discovered during the Kyoho era (between 1716 and 1736), while Oniki, the southern part of the coalfield was discovered during the Tenpo era (between 1830 and 1843). The exploitation started in the northern part during the Meiji era. In 1897, a railroad was constructed for the transportation 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.Amakusachikukensetsugyoukyoukai[1978:687 However, Amakusa coal mine was characterized by relatively thin layers of coal (30 cm - 100 cm) and the mining conditions were 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. The Amakusa coal mines were no exception. One of the southern Amakusa mines, Okini coal mine, was 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 Amakusakensetsugyoukyoukai[1978:686-690]
Yearly Amounts Produced Fiscal Year (年度)Production 194661,071 194773,105 194890,543 194982,852 195083,360 1951123,071 1952137,638 1953148,580 1954164,844 1955173,231 1956212,591 1957275,772 1958278,693 1959319,230 1960398,606 1961402,062 1962370,827 1963381,211 Akakusa Kensetsugyoukyoukai[1978:690]
References Amakusachiku Kensetugyoukyoukai, History of Constructions in Amakusa 1978, Amakusachiku Kensetsugyoukyoukai.
Footnotes