The Hishikari gold deposit, discovered by the Metal Mining Agency of Japan, has become a giant class epithermal gold
deposit with the highest grade of gold yet recorded in the world through detailed exploration and development by the
Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. The exploration strategy involved a regional approach combining geological and
gravity surveys over a 900 km2 area which had historically produced over 120 t of gold. These surveys were carried out to
grasp the common geologic features of epithermal gold deposits in the survey area. A genetic model for epithermal gold
deposits in the area under regional survey was also considered based on detailed research of the Kushikino epithermal gold
deposit which was in operation at that time. This model was applied to the targeted areas, and important relationships
between mineralization, host lithology, intensive propylitic alteration and gravity highs became apparent. The Hishikari
block was selected in this way and bonanza gold was discovered during drilling. Since the development of the Hishikari
mine, information useful for further exploration for the same type of deposit has been accumulated.