After a millennium of continuous operation, the Falun copper mine in central Sweden has finally run out of ore. Cleanup operations at the mine began in December and are expected to continue through this year.
Originally known as Stora Kopparberget (the Great Copper Mountain), the deposit was documented in written records more than 700 years ago. However, recent archaeological research has revealed that primitive mining may have started as early as in the 7th century. In 1288, a shareholder’s company, believed to be the oldest still existing, was formed to safeguard mining operations.
Over the centuries, some 400,000 tons of copper, 500,000 tons of zinc, 160,000 tons of lead, 380 tons of silver and five tons of gold have been extracted from the deposit. Extensive exploration programs conducted since the 1980s have failed to delineate any new reserves.
One industrial operation related to the mine — red paint manufacturing — will continue to survive. “Falun red,” a staple commodity used to paint Swedish barns and buildings, is made from mine tailings containing iron ochre and silicic acid.
After the mine operations are closed, some of the 17th-century mine workings and a mining museum will remain open to the public.
Be the first to comment on "Swedish mine closes after a millennium"