Naganobori copper mine, Copper mine and Historic Site in Mine City, Japan
Naganobori copper mine is an ancient mining site along the eastern edge of the Akiyoshi-dai limestone plateau, featuring extensive underground tunnels and excavation areas. The site contains multiple shafts and sections that reveal different phases of extraction work.
Copper mining at Naganobori began in ancient times and supplied ore for Japan's first minted coins during the 8th century. The operation continued as an important production center across more than two thousand years.
The mine reflects how copper workers lived and organized their daily tasks centuries ago. Wooden administrative tablets found here show how the operation was managed and documented by those who worked underground.
Access to the site is provided through guided tours where experts explain the mining techniques and equipment used over centuries. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing as the underground pathways can be uneven and conditions vary.
Researchers study stalactites from the Ogiri No. 4 pit to detect environmental changes caused by copper smelting activities over centuries. These geological records provide unexpected evidence of how ancient mining shaped the landscape.
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