Abstract:
This thesis analyses various aspects of mining on mint metals, especially copper, in the south-western Chinese province of Sichuan as well as their further processing in the Chengdu Mint. The time frame reaches from the beginning of large scale mining activities during the first half of the 18th century until the decline of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the adaption of western technology in mining and minting at the beginning of the 20th century. As most important source for a quantitative analysis of mint metal and coin output numbers, the mint's accounting reports recorded in the so-called routine memorials were used. At this time, Sichuan was China's most important copper producer second only to Yunnan. Other than Yunnan, Sichuan developed a system of investment and mine administration, which predominantly relied on private structures. In spite of few governmental efforts, this system could withstand numerous problems such as conflicts with the indigenous Yi population or notorious fuel scarcity and was able to provide not only the Sichuan mint but also the mints of neighbouring provinces with mint metal on a regular basis. This is the first comprehensive study on this important topic within Chinese economic history.