Důl Jeroným u Čisté

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Důl Jeroným u Čisté Area on the Map

Location: The Karlovy Vary Region, Sokolov area

Brief history

Endocontact tin mineral zones and quartz veins with cassiterite were the focus of mining activity here at the turn of the 15th and 16th century. The biggest mining boom happened in the 16th century and then continued sporadically in the 17th and 18th century. The last exploitation of the district happened in small degree between 1940 and 1943.

It is estimated that 500 to 700 metric tons of tin were extracted. The concentration of metal in the ore ranged from 0.2 to 0.4% Sn, albeit with a good milling yield. The Čistá – Jeroným mining district has not been officially assigned and it lies in the deposit area of Horní Slavkov, that was declared a protected territory in 1975. Reserves of Sn and W ores were written off.

Type of activity

  • Underground mining of tin using shallow shafts and subsequent washing out of the cassiterite in a nearby stream.
  • The ore was also mined using drainage adits.
  • The main mining method was by fire setting, by which relatively large spaces (chambers) were created.
  • The shallow tunnels were no deeper than 50 m.

Present-day conditions

The Jeroným mine at Čistá is officially registered as a cultural monument in the Central List of Immovable Cultural Monuments. It is just a part of a system of old and abandoned mines of unknown dimensions. Entry into the underground is secured by new stone portals to the early tunnels with lockable barred gates, openings for bats and a reconstructed entrance shaft. The outflow of mine water and ventilation are provided by a new adit.

In 2009 the voluntary conveyance of the cultural relic to the Karlovy Vary Region as a part of prospective Czech - Bavorian geopark was decided.

The Environmental Problem and its Solution

There are negative effects on the surface (depressions, cave-ins) due to mining directly below the surface, the disruption of chamber pillars due to recent tectonic activity, the crumbling of chamber walls and tunnel ceilings. For example is the stability of the road II/210 which connects the towns of Krásno and Sokolov. We also cannot disregard the potential effects on the areas of the unmapped mines of unknown dimensions.

Mine Water

Free flow of mine water from the adit to the Chalupecký stream, right bank tributary of the Lobezský stream.

Tailings Impoundments

A small historic tailings impoundment which has been shut down and covered with natural forest and grass vegetation. No noticeable harmful effects on the surrounding area.

Waste Dumps

A small historic tailings dump, covered with natural forest and grass vegetation. No noticeable harmful effects on the environment.

 
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