I'll write about the Besshi copper mine which is situated in my prefecture and is well-known for its huge deposits of copper. This mine had been essential for the modern development of Japan. The deposits were found in the late 16th century and the copper had been dug out for three centuries. The copper was truly a gift from nature, but the process of refining produced air pollution by sulfur oxide. The poisonous gas turned the mountains covered with green trees into bare mountains. The mine was closed a few decades ago due to the depletion of copper. Since then, the mine company started planting trees and the mountains are currently recovering their former normal glory.
If you go for a hike through these mountains, you would be surprised to recognize the ruins here and there which indicate that humans truly had lived there. This forest has been compared to Machu Picchu in Peru for its image of the disappearance of people. This former copper mine area is now called "Oriental Machu Picchu" and became a popular hiking route for good walkers.
I enjoyed trekking in the forest with my co-workers and recalled the harsh living circumstances of those days. The following picture shows the eco-friendly toilet. After the business, you have to work out for your excrement treatment.
(Vocabulary)
Besshi copper mine 別子銅山
deposit (鉱石・金属などの) 鉱床; (物質の) 堆積(たいせき)した層, 堆積物, 沈殿物
huge deposits of copper 銅の巨大な鉱床
refinery (石油・砂糖などの) 精製所, (金属の) 精錬所
bare mountain はげ山
good walker 健脚
excrement 排せつ物, 糞便
restore sth to its former glory ＜建造物など＞を元の状態に復元する
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