However, when Komori Mine located along the line was closed in 1969, Hokutan Railway's freight service volume decreased sharply and the company faced difficulty in continuing business.
しかし、1969年（昭和44年）に沿線の河守鉱山が閉山したことによって北丹鉄道の貨物輸送は激減し、経営が成り立たなくなる。