2023.07.06
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Visiting a Town with Mitsubishi Materials 〜Ikuno Plant edition〜
Ms. Stride, a woman traveling around the world, visits a town where a Mitsubishi Materials Group hub is located.
Navigator
Ms. Stride
A woman in her late twenties who enjoys factory tours and strolls around town.
Ikuno Plant edition
In this edition, we will introduce the town where Mitsubishi Materials’ Ikuno Plant is located. Ikuno Plant has long been responsible for tin smelting and the management and maintenance of closed mines.
Asago, situated in the north-central part of Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most prominent mining towns. There are numerous spots in the area where you can feel the historical signifi- cance, such as the remains of Ikuno Silver Mine and the buildings of Ikuno Plant.
Ikuno Silver Mine
One of Japan’s largest mines with over 1,000 years of history
One of Japan’s largest mines with over 1,000 years of history
It is said that silver was produced at Ikuno Silver Mine as far back as 1,200 years ago. It flourished as a shogunate-controlled mine and supported the modern- ization of industries for many years. The mine was closed in 1973 and is now a popular tourist attraction.
As the mine formerly belonged to the Meiji government and the imperial family, the gate posts bear the chrysanthemum crest.
Mannequins are used to recreate scenes from the old days!
Matsuba Crab, Tajima Beef
Popular ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture!
Popular ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture!
Matsuba crab is a specialty of the Tajima region in Hyogo Prefecture, which faces the Sea of Japan. It is character- ized by its sweetness, even when served cold. Tajima beef is renowned for its delicious balance of lean meat and fat, and it is known as the origin of domestic brand beef.
Takeda Castle Ruins
“The Castle in the Sky”
“The Castle in the Sky”
Takeda Castle is a mountain castle known as the “Castle in the Sky” because it appears to be floating on a sea of clouds. It stands at an elevation of 353.7 meters. Although none of the buildings from the Muromachi period remain, the stone walls are said to date back to that period.
Kanaya Festival
An event where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Showa Era
An event where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Showa Era
A local festival where you can enjoy strolling through the historic streets around Ikuno Silver Mine. In recent years, due to the COVID-19 pan- demic, the festival has become an event focused on walking around the town. Some people even dress up in old-fashioned clothing!
Welcome to Ikuno Plant!
About Ikuno Plant
Ikuno Mine, which was sold to Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha by the Meiji government, is the origin of Ikuno Plant. The former mercury mixing facility, which now serves as the office for Ikuno Plant, was originally constructed in the early Meiji period to extract silver from ore. The historical brick structure has been certified as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization site by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In 2017, it became one of the cultural assets that make up The Ban- tan Silver Mine Carriage Road / Ore Mining Road.
Certified as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization Site!
A former mercury mixing facility
A former mercury mixing facility
Management and maintenance of closed mines
The wastewater from the mine contains heavy metals, and Ikuno Plant is responsible for treating this water to clean it. We will continue to protect the natural environment around the mine.
So you’ve been working with the local mines for many years.
Tin smelting
Crude tin is produced by dry smelting tin scraps generated in the industrial sector. Subsequently, it is refined through processes such as electrolytic refining to achieve high- purity tin. Currently, the tin smelting business is managed by our group company, Materials Eco-Refining Co., Ltd.
There are a variety of other industrial heritage sites nearby.
Trolley Track Remains
Trolley Track Remains
These trolley tracks were used from the Taisho era (1912-1926). At the time, they played an important role in the local indus- try by connecting the mine to the station.
Former Ikuno Mine Staff Dormitory
The housing for mine employees, which had long been affec- tionately known as “Kou Company Housing,” was renovated in 2010 as the Former Ikuno Mine Staff Dormitory in Asago.
Guide
Manager, Administrative Section
Kazuaki Sugitani
Joined the company in 2011. Began working at Ikuno Plant in 2014. Responsible for general affairs, health and safety, and environmental matters. He recommends the Tajima beef dishes at Ikuno Kogen Restaurant Kassel.
His favorite local events include the Ikuno Silver Mine Heikuro Festival and the Kanaya Festival.
His favorite local events include the Ikuno Silver Mine Heikuro Festival and the Kanaya Festival.
