Japan

Japan has a fascinating mining history that dates back to the Jōmon period around 10,000 BCE. The Japanese have long used natural resources such as gold, silver, copper, and tin to create a thriving mining industry. During the Edo period (1603-1868), small-scale mines were operated by individual landowners, and the proceeds were shared with the shogunate. In the early 20th century, the Japanese government began to take an interest in developing the mining industry as a key component of the country's industrialization efforts. 

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Japan's mining industry reached its peak in the 1960s and 1970s, with the country producing large amounts of coal, iron, copper, and zinc. However, the industry began to decline due to a combination of factors, including high labor costs, the depletion of reserves, and increased competition from other Asian countries. Today, Japan is still a producer of minerals such as coal, gold, and copper, but the mining industry makes up a relatively small proportion of the country's economy. However, with advances in technology and infrastructure, Japan's mining industry is poised for a potential revival in the coming years.