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Mining method
From mining by hand to the use of machines, and present day.
Open pit mining
Open pit mining was the mining method that has been used from the beginning. The main method was called “flat ground digging,” which was conducted by digging vertically from the top of the stone layer downward. Presently this is combined with hedge digging, to conduct mining in a very efficient manner.
Open pit mining locationOpen pit mining location
Open pit mining location
Underground pit mining
At the start of the Taisho period (1912 – 1926), underground pit mining was introduced, which progresses mining horizontally right beside the stone layer, and as the mining range increased, miners would dig deep underground. Underground pit mining became prevalent as it was not impacted by the weather.
Underground pit mining locationUnderground pit mining location