SW23 Visit to Sala silver mine

The Swedish teachers responsible for the activity organise the day to learn about important aspects of Swedish cultural and historical heritage: the Sala silver mine. Groups of international students visit both sites with English- speaking guides. The number of mines and miners in Sweden fell during the 1900s. There are currently only twelve mines left in Sweden but a lot more ore is extracted today than before.

In the past, mining was heavy and dangerous work. Today, however, working in swedish mines is no more dangerous than performing any other work within heavy industry. This is partly because much of the work isnow carried out by machines but also because the mining companies consciously work to remove the mostdangerous aspects of the mining process.

In the 1500s, King Gustav Vasa used to call the Sala Silver Mine “Sweden’s Treasure Chest." Today, the mine is still a treasure chest—filled with history and adventures, above and below ground. For 400 years, the 155-metre-deep mine was the most important silver producer in Sweden, and one of the five most significant silverdeposits in the world. In total, 450 tons of silver were extracted.

The mine has been a large producer of other minerals too, such as lead and zinc.

Today, the mine is a well-known tourist attraction. Above ground there is a variety of beautiful and well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The High Wire Track includes a suspension bridge among the many challenges along a 300-meter adventure stretching out over a fantastic mining environment.Despite the breath-taking feeling, students were protected by the guide and the safety ropes.

Students were really impressed about the big hole created by men without any electricity. They walked alongthe same trails and paths downstairs as the ancient miners from the 18th and 19th centuries. There are heatedcavities including the underground Victoria Concert Hall