Mútnik deposit
Hnúšťa, Rimavská Sobota District, Banská Bystrica Region, Slovakia
Mútnik, Hnúšťa, okres Rimavská Sobota, Banskobystrický Kraj, Slovenská Republika
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Mútnik deposit is in Hnúšťa, Slovakia, a town in the Rimavská Sobota District, known for its mining history.
It produces magnesite, talc, and notable pyrite crystals up to 10 cm, with over 70 minerals recorded.
The deposit is hosted in schists and chloritic shales, reflecting a metamorphic geological structure.
Mining is active, with 15,000 tonnes of magnesite mined annually from reserves of 20,000,000 tonnes.
Hnúšťa’s culture includes a mining museum with underground tours and revived Miner’s Days, reflecting community pride.
The area has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, supporting unique bryophyte flora on nearby mine heaps.
Geographic Location
The Mútnik deposit is located in Hnúšťa, a town in the Rimavská Sobota District of the Banská Bystrica Region, Slovakia, placing it in Central Europe’s southern region. It sits at 48° 36' 17'' North, 19° 57' 53'' East, in the Slovenské rudohorie mountains along the Rimava river valley, at 298 meters above sea level. Nearby settlements include Tisovec (8.2 km), Revúca (14.2 km), and Rimavská Sobota (25.1 km), all part of Slovakia’s mining-rich landscape.
Minerals Produced
This deposit is a treasure for mineral enthusiasts, primarily known for magnesite (MgCO₃) and talc (Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂). It’s especially famous for its pyrite (FeS₂) crystals, which can grow up to 10 cm and are often called “cat’s gold.” Over 70 minerals, including galena (PbS), hessite (Ag₂Te), and calcite (CaCO₃), add to its diversity, offering a visual and scientific delight.
Geological Structure
Geologically, Mútnik is hosted in schists and chloritic shales, metamorphic rocks formed under intense heat and pressure. This structure supports the formation of its key minerals, making it a fascinating study for understanding regional tectonics and mineral genesis.
Mining History
Mining at Mútnik is active, with annual magnesite production of 15,000 tonnes from the Hačava-Mútnik area, backed by reserves of 20,000,000 tonnes. While specific historical details are limited, Hnúšťa’s long mining tradition, dating back centuries, underscores its importance, with only 11 miners currently employed, reflecting a scaled-down but ongoing operation.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Hnúšťa’s culture is deeply tied to its mining past, highlighted by the 2022 Mining Museum with a 600-meter underground tour, showcasing iron ore, talc, and magnesite history, including pyrite exhibits. The revived Miner’s Days festival, last held in 1996, celebrates this heritage, though now smaller with only 11 miners left. Funded by a €45,000 subsidy, the museum reflects community collaboration and pride.
Climate and Ecology
Slovakia’s continental climate shapes Hnúšťa, with cold winters (January around 0°C or lower) and warm summers (July 20-25°C in mountains, 30-35°C in lowlands). Rainfall peaks in spring and summer, with snowy winters. Ecologically, nearby copper mine heaps support bryophytes like Ceratodon purpureus, indicating metal-tolerant flora, though specific Mútnik ecology details are sparse.