The history of mining and metallurgy of metal ores in upper Silesia preserved in metallurgical waste dumps

Abstract

Abstract The history of mining and metallurgy in Upper Silesia dates back to the early Middle Ages. Initially, appearing on the surface, calamine, i.e. oxidized zinc-lead ores, and limonite – iron ore were used. The development of mining technology allowed for exploitation of ore deposits at greater depths. It contributed to the intensive development of industry at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. At that time, one of the most important industrial settlements was today's Ruda Śląska. In its area, apart from hard coal mines, there were several forges processing locally exploited zinc, lead and iron ore. The testimony of the former mining and metallurgy, among others, is the dump, which is a remnant of the Hugo zinc smelter (1812-1932). Mineralogical and chemical analyzes of waste material collected on the dumping ground provide a lot of interesting information about the processed raw material.