This lecture introduces histories and present conditions of development of mineral resources in Hokkaido.
The history of gold digging goes back to 12th century. But systematic development of mineral resources started from Meiji era especially for coal. Lyman's geological survey in this period established a foundation of mining industry in Hokkaido.
Metal, non-metal and coal minings and oil development grew rapidly during the World War I. And metal, non-metal and coal minings reached their highest production during the World War II. But the mining industries started declining from mid-1950's. Especially severe decline took place in coal mining due to its high production cost.
Activities of oil and gas exploration started increasing in 1970's according to MITI's exploratory drilling program as the fourth five-year-project. And Yufutsu gas field was found in 1989.
Currently three metal mines, seventeen non-metal mines, eight oil/gas fields and eleven coal mines are working in Hokkaido. Zinc and limestone mines have large shares of production in Japan. Yufutsu gas field started production from 1996 for town gas used in Sapporo.
Finally this lecture introduces new surveys for mineral resources in Hokkaido, because its potential is still high. And oil and gas development in Sakhalin is expected to give a great influence on Hokkaido.
