煤炭向為人類重要的能源，加以十九世紀以之為動力來源的蒸汽機械大幅進展，使煤炭在工業製造及運輸上更扮演著重要的角色。隨著以英國為首的西方勢力進入東亞，為確保代表其優勢國力的蒸汽船動力來源，於東亞地區廣泛進行煤礦調查與購買。緊接著中日兩國展開近代化運動，於工業、交通及軍事等部門上對於煤炭的需求擴增，具有煤礦礦脈的臺灣與西表島遂各自被納進關注範圍，並於十九世紀後半期陸續進入規模開採的啟動期。而本無積極關連的兩地，在近代能源需求及官方對新領地物產資源與人力調配引導，加以因被納入同一國家治權下而消卻了國界區隔帶來的移動成本障礙後，展開了煤礦與礦工勞力的相互流動。被稱為「八重山炭」的西表島煤炭，除以基隆港為轉運站，並在臺灣南北煤貨無法暢流之際，進入臺灣南部以做能源補充。而欠缺穩定開採勞力的西表島，則以臺灣北部為中心引進礦工，後甚至出現有臺人謝景經營、主要採用臺籍勞工的礦坑。然惡劣的開採環境及不友善的礦坑管理制度，使得流向西表島的臺灣礦業勞力呈現不穩定的狀態，更帶來諸多社會問題，並引發臺灣官方及臺灣民眾黨的關切。且隨著進入二次大戰時期的不穩定狀態，加以戰後臺日兩地的分屬，使得這段交換關係漸次走向衰微並告終止。

The late 19th century saw Taiwan and Iriomote Island emerge as key centers for large-scale coal extraction, driven by the growing demand for coal in modern industry, transportation, and military applications. Initially separate, these regions began to intertwine due to rising energy needs and the strategic allocation of resources within the Japanese Empire's newly acquired territories. Their shared national jurisdiction facilitated the unrestricted movement of coal and miners between the two areas.

“Yaeyama Coal” from Iriomote Island was shipped through Keelung Port to supply southern Taiwan, particularly when local coal distribution faced challenges. To address labor shortages on Iriomote, miners were recruited predominantly from northern Taiwan. This influx led to the establishment of Taiwanese-operated mines, notably by Hsieh Ching, who primarily employed fellow Taiwanese workers.

However, the harsh mining conditions and severe management practices resulted in unstable labor flows and various social issues, raising concerns from both the colonial government and the Taiwan People’s Party. The exchange relationship between Taiwan and Iriomote eventually declined and ceased due to instability during World War II and the post-war separation of Taiwan and Japan.

西表礦坑;八重山炭;綠色牢籠;斤先人;謝景

Iriomote Coal Mines; Yaeyama Coal; Green Prison; Contract Miners; Hsieh Ching