Coal Mine K-HB

A complex of structures for mining hard coal. On one bank of a river stands the production yard with an elevator and a coal store; on the opposite bank lies the mine itself. The banks are linked by a bridge of prefabricated steel sections. The mouth of the mine’s lowest level opens onto this bridge — extracted coal was tipped out here and carried across the bridge to the store in mine carts.

The mine was worked on several levels; thousands of tonnes of waste rock were dumped along the mountainside, and the spoil heaps are visible from afar. Most of the portals are blocked with stones or sealed with concrete, but at least one remains accessible. A turbulent stream of water flows from the lower portal of the haulage adit.

Inside, the mine is a low tunnel, often with a low ceiling and partly fallen in. Underfoot lies old, rotten timber support. In one spot there is an inclined drift, presumably connecting the levels above and below, but its condition is very poor. The mine has been explored only about a kilometre into the mountain; beyond that the cave-ins begin. Oxygen levels are normal and there are no dangerous gases.

The map marker is placed on the unblocked portal that was found.