Mining in the 10th Century

The Mines of Rammelsberg are a UNESCO World heritage site near the German town of Goslar.  The site has been a site of continuous mineral extraction over a period of more than 1,000 years and in different phases.  Goslar was founded in 922, and then in 968 the first silver was extracted from the metallic ore of the Rammelsberg.  Although the first recorded mining was in the 10th century there is some archeological evidence of mining activity dating back tot he 3rd and 4th centuries.  Silver was the first major discovery but copper, lead, gold and zinc were also extracted as the mining site expanded.

The first mines at Rammelsberg were open pits accessible via ladders.  These mines dried up though and it was then that the miners began to dig underground shafts.  This was done using fires to weaken and fracture the rock and then picks to break it away.  From the 17th century forward gunpowder was used to blast holes in the rock.  This significantly sped up the the mining process.

One of the greatest hazards to the mines was flooding.  As early as 1250 underground waterwheels were used to pump out the water and then later they were used for the creation of electricity.

A drainage passage was created in 1572 and was 7,710 feet long.  It was chiseled from the rock and enabled the miners to work in the deepest areas of the mine.

The nearby town of Goslar grew rich for the mines and became an important trading center with the Hanseatic League at the end of the 13th century.  The town continued to prosper through the 15th and 16th centuries.

Mining continued well into the 20th century but when the mining seams finally exhausted the commercial excavation ceased, this was in 1988.  Since then the mines have become a heritage center and living museum.  When visiting you can participate in underground tours of the mines that go as deep as 14 levels in addition to touring their processing plant, buildings and exhibits.

The Rammelsberg is a mountain, whose summit is at 636 meters above sea level.

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