GEOTOUR & IRSE 2012.pdf - Fakulta BERG - TUKE

GEOTOUR & IRSE 2012
in their surrounding or need to protect them in order to avoid danger to third parties etc.
Remains of mining and often also metallurgical works, represent a valuable and rich source of
knowledge concerning development of ore exploration technologies and also evidence of
knowledge and skills acquired by generations of miners connected for centuries with Lower
Silesia region.
Information concerning history of mining exploration within Lower Silesia region are found
inter alia in a series of documents originated by the former German State Mining Office based
in Wrocław (German: Oberbergamt zu Breslau), which offers considerable resources
concerning a period of time from 1779 to 1852 (subject to management of mining and
metallurgical works in Silesia region by the said office).
The main source publications for historical papers come from codes, which include names,
summaries and full content of extracts from old chronicles. Moreover, the most significant
volume of information is found in works by H. Festenberg-Packisch, E. Steinbeck and H.
Fechner. A piece of work by H. Dziekoński, published among other works after 1945, is of a
big significance and constitutes a rich source of information on history of ore mining within
Lower Silesia region, together with works by E. and Z. Piątek.
For centuries various mines were operated within Lower Silesia region. Gold, silver and lead
ore, copper, tin, later also rock coal, arsenic and cobalt used to be great natural resources of
the region. Lower Silesia was recognised as area of post-mining activity.
Lower Silesia comprises six main regions, where useful ore deposits are found, i.e.: Ziemia
Kłodzka (Kłodzko Land comprising Kłodzko Valley and surrounding Sudetes), Owl
Mountains including surroundings of Wałbrzych, foot of Karkonosze, exploited gold sand
deposits near Lwówek, Złotoryja and Legnica.
Condition of the preserved historic relics within Lower Silesia varies to a significant extent.
Research and documentation works conducted within them have revealed both barely visible
cavities, marking direction of adits and bottom roads explored at low depths, or collapsed pit
shafts, as well as perfectly-preserved excavations with fragments of their housings, pieces of
equipment etc. It is a concept of high significance for issues connected with development of
post-industrial structures since its properties such as accessibility, technical condition, tourists
value, will have a key meaning for estimation of investment expenses to be borne in order to
revive a given structure (Madziarz et al, 2005).
CONCEPTUAL STAGE OF THE INVESTMENT PROJECT
Field research, evaluation of tourist value of a given region as well as results of feasibility and
profitability analysis of the investment project constitute basic requirements of a revitalization
project aiming to restore old post-mine structures to life. Comprehensive approach will allow
to identify potential application of natural, technical and technological values. It is generally
believed that post-industrial area is nothing but wasteland and accumulation of waste, which
significantly decreases value of a given region.
Relevant features either positive, which speak in favour of some initiative, or negative which
speak against initiatives under consideration, are taken into account in order to establish a
specific character of chosen facilities. Such approach allows to choose the best direction for
use of facilities and their development, and points at prospects and risks. Choosing a structure
is not a difficult stage of the project. It is execution of next stages and adaptation works that
may present some difficulties.
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