A network of mines on a Japanese island famous for its use of conscript military labor has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List after South Korea withdrew its previous objections to its inclusion.
Sado's gold and silver mines, now a popular tourist attraction, are believed to have started operating as early as the 12th century and were in operation until the end of World War II, AFP reported.
Japan has made a case for their inclusion on the World Heritage List because of their long history and the artisanal mining techniques used there at a time when European mines were turning to mechanization.
Seoul opposed the proposal when it was first presented because of the use of forced Korean labor during World War II, when Japan occupied the Korean Peninsula.
UNESCO confirmed the listing of the mines during the committee's current meeting in New Delhi following a motion that highlighted the archaeological preservation of "mining activities and social and labor organization".
"I would like to wholeheartedly welcome the entry ... and pay sincere tribute to the long-term efforts of the local people who have made this possible," said Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa.
World Heritage listing efforts have been underway for years, inspired in part by the successful recognition of a silver mine in Japan's western Shimane region.
South Korea's foreign ministry said it agreed to the listing "on the condition that Japan faithfully implements the recommendation ... to reflect the 'full history' of the Sado gold mine site and take active measures to that end." | BGNES
