Copper Mine L-UR

The upper (technical) level of the copper mine consists of several interconnected dead-end adits and two flooded shafts. The portals are concrete; holes have been knocked through the backfill. The accessible length of the workings runs to a couple of hundred metres. Inside, the concrete vault lining has survived, along with an interesting section of iron mine support made from bent I-beams. At this spot, copper brines seep through the walls, forming striking azure mineral crusts. In the shafts, ironwork has been preserved — a rare chance to appreciate the Albanians’ generosity when it came to using metal underground. The mine also has a curved drainage tunnel that channels mountain water past the waste dumps, and the remains of some crushers and conveyors (most likely from gravel extraction from the river rather than from the mine itself).

Outside, the waste dumps and building ruins remain, even with some scrap metal. The shaft tops are sealed with concrete.

Security is a particular feature: a ferocious dog on a chain and some fellow who keeps pigs in the former mine administration building; he may occasionally close the gate and refuse entry, but you can get around by the river — there is no fence.