Rules of the Japan Mine Research Society

(Adopted at March 31, 1990, general meeting)

  1. The name of this organization shall be the Japan Mine Research Society.

  2. I) This organization is to be comprised of people interested in matters related to metal and other mines, and its aim is to contribute to the research activities of and interaction among members. II) To achieve this aim, the following activities will be carried out.

    1. Research conferences (around four times annually), retreats, and an annual research convention will be held.
    2. A newsletter and other publications will be issued.
    3. Other activities necessary to achieve the purposes of the organization.

  3. A general meeting will be held annually, at which the following matters will be decided.

    I) The selection of chairperson, members of the steering committee, treasurer and auditor. II) Basic policy for the year and long-term projects. III) Report and approval of the budget and financial report. IV) Other necessary matters.

  4. The operations of this organization will be carried out, in accordance with decisions at the general meeting, by a steering committee composed primarily of officers (except the auditor).

  5. The annual dues for each full member shall be 7,000 yen.

  6. The office of this organization shall be located in a place decided upon by the steering committee.

"Formation of the Japan Mine Research Society"

(Newsletter No. 1, November 1973)

Since last year, one major metal mine after another has closed. Other aspects of metal mining, such as the pollution problem, have created a stir in the press during the first half of this fiscal year.

Under these circumstances, we were motivated to form the Japan Mine Research Society by the following factors.

1) The viewpoint of journalists differs from that of those of us involved in mining. Their reporting is shallow and not based on a sufficient understanding of the industry.

2) With mines being scrapped at an accelerating pace, there is the danger of both tangible and intangible legacies disappearing in the matter of a few years.

3) While research on mining has been carried out over many years, it has been extremely limited in both subject matter and perspective and a comprehensive, united approach has been lacking. Furthermore, contacts among researchers have been seriously insufficient.

4) In considering the long history of mining, even though problems in mining are closely related to society as a whole, there has been a tendency to study mining in isolation, within a limited framework. Mining research has also had little impact as an academic field. It is necessary to overcome the narrow framework of "mines" and acknowledge that mining is in fact a cutting-edge field of academic research full of hidden treasures, and to make the importance of the field widely known.

Realizing that the current condition of Japan's mines makes it an urgent task to create a forum to bring like-minded people together so they can support each other's research, a call for organization was issued in July this year. People have since responded, and the first meeting was held on Nov. 10.

Conflicts with work and health problems limited attendance at this meeting to five people, but a spirited debate was carried out despite the small number participating.

Because of this situation, participants thought that others who had supported formation of the organization should be informed of events at the meeting and consulted as to operation of the group and dues, but it was decided to proceed with setting up the group, as a preparatory committee to begin with, and to obtain the others' authorization later.

Statement of Purpose

Since last year, major metal mines across the country have, one after another, scaled back their operations or closed altogether. The remaining mines, with a few exceptions, are in danger of extinction.

Japan's metal mines, needless to say, have a long history. Particularly since the Meiji period (1868-1912), they have undergone notable technological innovation that transformed not only mining but the Japanese industrial structure as a whole, bringing about the start of modern industrialization.

Despite this, mining research has been limited, focusing primarily on the introduction of pre-Meiji documents, and comprehensive research has yet to be undertaken. Considering the long history of mining in conjunction with the current condition of the industry and the scattering of research materials, it is an urgent task to quickly compile a comprehensive history of mining, covering not only technology and management but diverse areas such as labor organizations and movements, and customs.

Based on this perspective, we would like to gather people with connections to all aspects of mining from around the country and work toward the presentation of the results of comprehensive research utilizing the varied perspectives of members working in close contact with each other.

We sincerely hope for participation by all who agree with the aims stated above.

Nov. 10, 1973

Japan Mine Research Society Preparatory Committee (Nimura Kazuo, Hara Kazuhiko, Matsui Katsuaki, Murakami Yasumasa, Yoshiki Fumio).

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