Lehnscheid manganese mines
Sudeck, Diemelsee, Waldeck-Frankenberg, Kassel Region, Hesse, Germany
Mangangruben Lehnscheid, Sudeck, Diemelsee, Hessen, Deutschland
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Lehnscheid manganese mines are in Sudeck, Diemelsee, Waldeck-Frankenberg, Hesse, Germany, near the Diemelsee reservoir.
They produced minerals like psilomelane, pyrolusite, calcite, and quartz, with manganese oxides being significant.
Research suggests the mines are likely in Devonian sedimentary rocks, possibly dolostones, formed through paleo-karst or hydrothermal processes.
The mines opened during World War II for steel production and were small-scale, likely closing post-war.
The area has a temperate climate, with forests and the Diemelsee offering tourism and outdoor activities.
Geographic Location
The Lehnscheid manganese mines are located in Sudeck, a village within the Diemelsee municipality, in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district of Hesse, Germany. This area is part of the Sauerland region, known for its hilly terrain and natural beauty, and is near the Diemelsee reservoir, a popular spot for tourists. The coordinates are approximately 51° N, 8° E, placing it in the Rhenish Massif, a geologically significant area. Nearby, you can find other mineral localities like the Christiane Mine in Adorf and the Eckefeld Mine, both within Diemelsee, adding to the region's mining heritage.
Minerals and Geological Context
The mines are known for producing psilomelane, pyrolusite, calcite, and quartz. Psilomelane and pyrolusite, both manganese oxides, were crucial for steel production, while calcite and quartz are common in such deposits. The geological setting is likely Devonian sedimentary rocks, possibly dolostones, with manganese deposits formed through paleo-karst or hydrothermal activity, based on regional comparisons with similar mines in Germany.