ASIA
JAPAN
Copper deposits are found over a large part of central Japan. The ores, which occur in Tertiary volcanics, consist of chalcopyrite and pyrite running 2¹⁄₂ to 3¹⁄₂ per cent. copper, and are commonly concentrated before smelting. The gangue is usually quartzose. Lenticular deposits of cupriferous pyrite in Paleozoic schists and sediments occur on the west and the south side of Japan. These mines yield smelting ore carrying about 3¹⁄₂ to 4 per cent., but contain very little silica. Pyritic smelting is extensively practiced. Over one-half the copper production comes from four chief mines: Ashio and Kosaka of the Tertiary type; and Hitachi and Beshi of the Paleozoic schist type.
The state reserves to itself the right of original ownership in all ores, including copper. The right to work them is granted to individuals or companies of Japanese nationality. Copper mining, smelting and refining companies seem to be entirely Japanese in ownership and policy. The number of mines is considerable, but their ownership is concentrated into a few hands and the smelting and refining industry is still more concentrated. Japanese producers sell their own copper, all foreign selling agencies being strictly Japanese. The mines in Japan are not generally worked as joint-stock enterprises, but are mostly family properties inherited by the present owners. A table showing the 1917 copper production of Japan indicates these facts. (See [Table 49].)
Because of labor conditions, abundant fuel near the mines and water transportation, Japanese copper production has increased rapidly in recent years. High prices and the adoption of modern methods of mining and smelting have been important contributing factors. There seems no reason to expect that Japan’s production will decrease, but not enough is known of geological conditions to enable one to discuss the future outlook. The only mine whose reserves are known is the Beshi, which has reserves adequate for 100 years of production at the present rate, which is 10 per cent. of the Japanese output. The reserves at other mines are not developed far ahead, but must insure several years of continued production at the present rate.
The production and exports of Japanese copper in recent years are as follows (in terms of metric tons):
| Year | 1912 | 1913 | 1914 | 1915 | 1916 | 1917 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production | 63,893 | 67,697 | 71,046 | 76,039 | 101,467 | 124,306 |
| Exports | 30,000 | 42,000 | 45,500 | 59,500 | 62,000 | 72,000 |
Table 49.—Japanese Copper Production
Producing companies and brands of copper marketed. The companies named have selling offices in London and in other foreign consuming centers.
| Company and chief mines owned | Smelters | Electrolytic refineries | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | 1917 production (pounds) of refined and casting[124] and brands sold | Location | 1917 estimated capacity (pounds) and brands sold | |
| Mitsu Bishi & Co. | Osaka | 15,000,000 | Osaka | 15,000,000 |
| Osaruzawa | ||||
| Arakawa | ||||
| Ikuni and 6 smaller mines | ||||
| Brands sold | Arakawa, Mitsui Bishi, casting, etc. (rough copper) | M. B. (Mitsu Bishi) | ||
| Furukawa & Co. | Osaka (Amagasaki) | 17,000,000 | Osaka (Nikko Plant) | 67,000,000 |
| Ashio | ||||
| also Ani, Furukura, Kune and 6 smaller mines | ||||
| Brands sold | Furukawa, Ani Tiles, refined Maragata Best Selected | F. M. (Furukawa Mines) | ||
| Fujita & Co. | Inushimo | 3,000,000 | Mosaka | 20,000,000 |
| Kosaka (North end Honshu) | ||||
| Brands sold | Obiye casting, etc. (rough copper) | Kosaka | ||
| Kuhara Mining Co. | None | Hitach | 100,000,000 | |
| Hitachi (near Tokio) | Reported capacity at least 20% in excess of 1917 output. | |||
| 3 smaller mines 30 per cent. custom ore | ||||
| Brands sold | H. M. (Hiatachi Mine) | |||
| Baron Sumitomo | Shikoku Island | 22,000,000 | ||
| Beshi | Beshi Best Selected | |||
| Brands sold | ||||
| Nippon Metals Co. of Kobe | Moji | 19,000,000 | ||
| Brands sold | S. Z. K. (Susuki) and some casting | |||
| Denkibundo Co. | Bundo | 13,000,000 | ||
| Total casting rough copper and best selected sold | 57,000,000 | |||
| Total electrolytic refining capacity[125] | 235,000,000 | |||
| 1917 output of electrolytic estimated | 217,000,000 | |||
| Total | 214,000,000 or 124,306 metric tons Eng. & Mining Journal figure 1917 output. | |||
[124] Balance smelted to cathodes and treated electrolytically.