Historic Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry
The Upper Silesian Zn-Pb ores are hosted in the Ore-bearing Dolomite, that formed by hydrothermal processes occurring within the Middle Triassic limestones and dolomites. Typical feature of these ore deposits is their mineral composition of sphalerite (ZnS) and galena (PbS, which contains silver) accompanied by marcasite and less common pyrite. These ore bodies might be stratified or nest-like. Typical stratified ore horizons are attributed to metasomatic replacement of dolomite by ore minerals, and the 20-meters thick economic grade mineralization is documented for the Górażdże Beds. From the earliest times of the “silver rush” in the region, mainly galena was exploited (because of its content reaching even 70 % of lead and 2,4 % of silver) in the Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry.
The mine is unique not only because it is the only monument in the Silesian Voivodeship included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, but also because it allows to feel the real conditions of hard underground work and preserves the equipment and methods that were applied by local miners to extract treasures encapsulated in the rocks. The place is also known as the one in which first steam engine in Upper Silesia. The tourist route has length of 1740 m and is situated 40 m below the surface. It shows original harsh conditions (including low temperature and high humidity) of the remnants of “Fryderyk” mine, where silver, lead and zinc ores were sourced. The rout links three former mine shafts: “Angel”, “Viper”, and “God bless you”, and includes unique opportunity to sail on a boat along 270 long underground river.
