近代铁矿业的产销困境——以益华公司为中心

Production and Marketing Difficulties of Modern Iron Mining Industry:A Case Study of Yihua Company

益华公司是民国时期长江下游一带矿区规模最大的铁矿公司,由安徽督军倪嗣冲家族牵头创办,意在挽回利权,开辟地方财源。然在20年的经营过程中,无论是资本筹措、生产运营,还是公司改组、运输销售,都遇到重重困难。公司举步维艰、惨淡经营。其间不惟夹杂各方的利益争夺,更有利权外溢的无奈与尴尬。益华公司的境遇是近代铁矿业发展的缩影,最为突出的问题就是产销困境与供求矛盾。显然采矿业的发展不能仅仅依赖出口导向,以原料换取生存,近代中国冶炼业、机械制造业的同步发展更为必要。产业结构的升级与调整滞后,在国际分工与贸易中就会受制于人。

Yihua Company was the largest iron mining company in the lower Yangtze mining area during the Republic of China era. It was founded by Sichong Ni, who was the governor of Anhui, intended to retrieve rights and develop revenue channels based on local resources. However, during the twenty years＇ operation, no matter the capital raising, production, corporate restructuring or transportation and sales, the company encountered numerous difficulties, which leaded to a dilemma and dire financial straits. During this period, different parties competed for interests and the loss of rights was not avoided. The situation of Yihua Company was the epitome of modern iron mining industry. The prominent problem was production and marketing difficulties, and also disparities between supply and demand. Apparently, the development of mining industry could not only rely on export and raw materials. It is necessary to have smelting industry and machinery manufacturing industry grow together. If the upgrading and adjustment of industrial structure lags behind, it will be limited in international division of labor and trade.