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Museum
update:
Mine History Centre completed (August 2004)
Taebaek Coal Museum, Korea (January 2006)
Do you call something or someone outdated and appearing to be no longer
relevant in the present context a “museum- piece”? Think again. Everyone
knows that museums preserve rare specimens, artifacts and exhibits for
posterity. But for a mining museum to represent the age, atmosphere and
feel requires special care by dedicated persons.
GEOLOGICAL MUSEUMS
Geological museums provide an opportunity to get an exposure of the
wonderful gift from nature. Anyone who is frequently visiting museums
would have noticed fine mineral specimens and gems in the geological
section. Mining yields specimens which otherwise could never see the
light of the day and some of the exhibits show rare characteristics that
they become a rarity.
What does a geological museum exhibit? Generally good specimen of
minerals, crystals, fossils, exposed formations and gemstones. We also
find that the mineral associations and crystal formations enhance the
richness of display. Some museums also display objects related to
extraction and processing of minerals. While these exhibits are spread
all over the world a few call for special mention:
The Lavrion area is noted for its variety of minerals. The
Mineralogical Museum of Lavrion maintained by Hellenic
Ministry of Culture, Greece has some rarities like serpierites, spangolites,
laventulanites, apart from beautiful specimens of azurite, adamsite,
smithsonite, etc. While at Lavrion, the 19th century Mining
Complex of Camariza is not to be missed .
STERLING HILL MINING MUSEUM
The museum and 200 years of history are just one hour drive from New
York is the locality with almost 10% of all known minerals in the world.
And as if this is not overwhelming, there are about 80 fluorescent mineral
species and the display is seen to be believed. The details of how to
reach, the timings, and rates of admission are all available and the
guides make the visit totally spectacular. Never to be missed.
Geological museum of Japan has
a good collection of rocks from all over the world.
MINING MUSEUMS
How does the mining museum differ from a geological museum? The
technology has been playing a major role only recently in understanding
the geologic structure. In the earlier days, one followed the instinct
and literally followed a lode or vein while mining. This speculative and
more often hazardous method did not permit visitors outside the mining
community. The brave efforts of men and women in battling nature went
unnoticed. Working of each mine differed from one another and was
dictated by natural occurrence of mineral . While some thrived there
were also failures. Such ventures were just abandoned and the ghost
towns came about.
GHOST TOWNS
The mining industry however has played its part in creating awareness
through some mining museums. These museums provide a living environment
and a physical experience. Some of the outstanding museums around the
globe call for special mention. It takes extraordinary vision and
efforts to resurrect “a ghost town”. Jerome Chambers
of Commerce’ has done just that. In preserving Jerome, the historic
mining town in Northern Arizona, care has also been taken for providing
the amenities for a visitor to experience "live-in" and salivates the
past age. A visitor relives the times when the town was in its elements.
A visit to Jerome is not to be missed.
There is a web
ring for anyone to get in touch with the like–minded
regarding ghost towns.
One of a kind:
New Mexico Mining Museum is
stated to be the only underground uranium mining museum in the world.
There is a self-guide tour which allows anyone to set one's own pace to
experience the atmosphere and environment of an underground mine. The
information and details of work underground and equipment is
fascinating.
COAL AND DIAMOND
Under suitable geological conditions coal turns to diamond. But the
wait? The mining museums offer immediate access from switching over to
diamond from coal. We are fortunate that someone had taken pains to
preserve the rich history by resurrecting the conditions for us. It is
now possible for anyone to visualize the environment and learn and all
it takes is a visit.
Illawarra district in New
South Wales takes us back 200 years with the discovery of coal. Bulli
Miners Cottage dates back to 1871-1874 and is protected under
the Heritage Act of NSW. The cottage was purchased by Wollongong City
Council in 1990 and is managed by a management committee representing
the Council, community, mining industry and unions. Visits are allowed
on the first and third Sunday each month between 10 pm and 3 pm. This is
then the place to relive the history.
The museum is
located in Benham in Harlan County, Kentucky where mining history dates
back to 1900's. The museum takes pains to bring to the knowledge of a
visitor about how coal was formed. In addition to the exhibits and
visuals there is also a video narration creating a complete coal mining
experience and timeline.
Bruges, the capital of
West-Flanders, Belgium houses one of the 5 diamond museums in the world.
The museum takes one from the 15th century through to the 20th century.
One could learn the origin of diamond in the museum. The experience is
enriched with photos, texts and exhibits which include tools, major
resources, jewelry over the ages and even full scale models of famous
jewelry. The geological model, sections, paintings keep us rooted to the
museum. The highlight of course is the live demonstration of diamond
polishing daily.
THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT
The geological
museum of Japan has excellent models and create a living
environment. While the coverage includes focus on Japan and seismic
forces, the coverage on the living environment is not to be missed. Some
of the highlights include :
living fossils like Coalescence and Metasequoia that
are no longer extinct as thought but are living.
New oceanic crusts are formed with the ejection and solidification of
magma. How do these find their way to the Pacific
Plate and form at a rate of 3-10 centimeters annually? These
are some of the fascinating facts to look for when one visits the
museum.
The videos on the solar system and living
earth. are not to be missed. The displays at the entrance are
very impressive.
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
While it is true that the present exploration techniques make it
possible to have a second look at all the abandoned properties, many of
the abandoned mines remain as such. The technological developments in
mining have made mining almost an art and with the foreknowledge of the
deposit, planning and working are carried out to a nicety. The
advancements now available make it possible to work the mines to a
degree of safety which at one time was considered impossible. Mines
these days are no longer black holes but are technological wonders
specially designed for the geological structure being worked. With the
degree of safety, it is increasingly possible for visitors to have a
look at these mines and actually live in the atmosphere like never
before. The mining museums admirably fill the gap.
END NOTE
This article touches not even the tip of the iceberg. The article
highlights some of the focused action around the globe and efforts to
resurrect the past.. The mining museums are living testimony of the
resourcefulness of the mining industry and are to be seen and felt. |
