Overview:

Falun Mine is an open-pit copper mine located in the historical city of Falun, Sweden. It is the oldest still operational copper mine in the world and a source of copper since its first recorded extraction in the mid-12th century. The mine is now owned and operated by Boliden AB, the world's fourth-largest copper producer. The copper-ore deposits from the mine have been mined since at least the mid-12th century, and are located in central Sweden, approximately 100 kilometers west of Stockholm. They extend for some five kilometers in length and five kilometers in width. It is estimated that more than 9 million tonnes of ore were mined prior to 1717 and an additional 29 million tonnes since. The average grades of the ore are said to be around 1.6% copper, 0.6% zinc and 0.3 g per ton of gold and 13 ppm silver. The mine also contains the closely related ores chalcopyrite, pyrite, and bornite. In addition, it has also been found to contain small amounts of cobalt, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, and selenium. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Sweden
Prominent Features:

1. Located in Dalarna Couny: Falun Mine is located in the Swedish municipality of Falun in Dalarna Couny. 2. Oldest Mine in Europe/ First copper mine: Falun Mine is one of the oldest mines in Europe, and it is believed to have been active since the Viking Age. It is also the first copper mine ever in the world. 3. World Heritage Site: Falun Mine has been World Heritage Status by UNESCO since 2001. 4. Remnants of underground workings: Falun Mine contains several interesting underground workings, which have been preserved throughout hundreds of years of mining. 5. Production of copper, silver, cobalt and zinc: During its long history, Falun Mine has been known for its production of copper, silver, cobalt and zinc. 6. Visitor Center: There is a visitors’ center in the old mining village of Falun, which is open to the public. It offers a great insight to the history of this old mining village as well as the history of the mine. 7. Mining Museum: The Falun Mine mining museum museum has a collection of old mining tools that have been used in the past and an underground mining tour. 8. 19th-century fortress: The 19th century fortress that stood at Falun Mine is one of the most important remains in the area and it is a reminder of the importance that the mining industry had in Sweden centuries ago. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Sweden.

History:

The Falun Mine is located in Falun, Sweden and is one of the oldest copper mines in Europe. Records show that the mining of copper began in the area as early as the 12th century, although mining activities on a larger scale did not begin until the 16th century. By the end of the 17th century, the mine was supplying up to two-thirds of Europe's copper demands. In 1687, the mine was sold to the Swedish state and continued to be a major player in the Swedish mining industry. During this period of mining, the town of Falun grew up around the mine and the mine buildings were designed by Carl von Buchhards, the rococo architect, who laid out the town as well. By the 19th century the mine had become well known for its production of copper and cobalt, as well as producing other minerals such as cobalt, nickel, arsenic, tin and lead. During the beginning of the 20th century, the production of copper in Falun decreased, leading to a decrease in the number of workers, up until 1989 when the mine was closed. Since the early 2000s, efforts have been made to redevelop the area into a tourist and cultural hub. In 2016, the copper mine was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Sweden with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Falun Mine is the deepest operating mine in Europe, with a depth of 1,122 meters (3,678 feet). 2. The Falun Mine has an area of more than 25 hectares and is one of the largest copper mines in Europe. 3. The mine is home to thousands of bats, who inhabit its deep underground tunnels. 4. The Falun Mine has been in operation since the 17th century, when it was first used to extract copper ore. 5. The mine is said to contain an underground lake, but it is yet to be explored by humans. 6. The extremely hot temperatures within the mine make it impossible for humans to enter, but automated machinery is used instead. 7. A variety of unusual species of fish are said to inhabit the waters of underground lake, one of which is the European bullhead. 8. In the late 19th century, workers in the Falun Mine used knives to cut out the ore, transporting them from the mine in small sacks. One of the historical monuments of Sweden, it tells the story of a bygone era