Staro Igrčevo Mine

Mindat.org

Mežica, Slovenia

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Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

  • Staro Igrčevo Mine is located in Mežica, northern Slovenia, near the Austrian border, in the Karawanks mountain range.

  • It is famous for wulfenite crystals, with galena and sphalerite also present in the broader Mežica Mines.

  • The mine's geology involves Triassic carbonate rocks, formed by hydrothermal processes.

  • Mining started in 1665 and ended in 1994, with significant lead production historically.

  • The area has a rich mining culture, now a tourist attraction with underground cycling and tours.

  • The climate is humid continental, with cold winters and warm summers, in an Alpine ecological setting.

Location and Minerals

Staro Igrčevo Mine sits in Mežica, Carinthia, northern Slovenia, close to Austria, under Mount Peca in the Karawanks. This mountainous region is part of the Alps, offering scenic beauty. The mine is renowned for wulfenite, a vibrant yellow to orange-red lead molybdate, prized by collectors for its unique twinning. The broader Mežica Mines also feature galena and sphalerite, key for lead and zinc extraction.

Geological and Historical Context

The mine's deposits are in Triassic limestone and dolomite, formed by hydrothermal fluids depositing minerals. Mining began officially in 1665, lasting until 1994, and was a major lead producer, contributing about 1% of global output post-World War I. Its long history reflects changing ownership and economic importance.

Cultural and Environmental Notes

Mežica's culture is tied to mining, with the Narodni dom Mežica hosting cultural events and the mine now offering tours and underground cycling for visitors. The climate is humid continental, with cold, snowy winters and warm, wet summers, set in an Alpine forest ecosystem, impacting both mining history and current tourism.

Unexpected Detail: Modern Adventure

An unexpected aspect is the mine's transformation into a tourist site, where visitors can cycle through its tunnels, offering a modern adventure in a historical setting, enhancing its appeal beyond mineralogy.

Citations