This article deals with the development of the coalfield and the undersea coal mine on the island of Hikishima, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The mine is now producing 1. 2 million tons/yr of bituminous coal. A description is given of the geological survey which included geophysical prospecting and deep sea drilling, the mining operations and transport system, the mine ventilation, cooling and drainage systems, as well as shaftsinking by the short-step and grouting method. Future outlook for the mine is also discussed.