History
The coal mines are the life line of Longyearbyen's history and an important reason for the Norwegian presence in the Arctic region. Mining in Longyearbyen started in 1906, in what was simply called Mine 1. The American company Arctic Coal Company, headed up by Mr. John M. Longyear, was responsible for operating the mines and with that Longyear City, today called Longyearbyen, was founded.
Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani (SNSK) was established in 1916 and they bought the entire operation. Since then SNSK has been coal mining at Svalbard and has been an important contributor to Norwegian Sovereignty of the archipelago.
Over the years there have been, in total, 9 operational mines in and around Longyearbyen, however only Mine 7 is currently active. Approximately 70 000 tons of coal is mined annually where 30 % of this is used by Longyearbyen's coal operated power plant. SNSK wants to illustrate how modern mining in the Arctic region actually works and has, in cooperation with Svalbard Explorer, opened the mine to the public. This allows for the unique possibility of entering a historic mine which is still fully operational.
Description of guided tour
The guests will be picked up from their respective accommodation in Longyearbyen by Svalbard Explorer. A car with guide will bring you through the magnificent Adventdalen and up to Mine 7 which is located at the top of Breinosa, 400 metres above sea level. On a clear day the view of Adventdalen and Isfjorden is exceptional.
On arrival in Mine 7 a presentation of both Longyearbyen and its coal mining history is given as well as information on current modern coal mining in Mine 7 and the Svea Mine.
Before heading into the mine you have to put on overalls and other mining equipment. A car will then bring us 5 km inside the mountain. In order to reach the operative area special vehicles called "Ohlemann" are used. Due to the height restrictions in the mine, this vehicle requires both the driver and the passengers to lie down. This is an experience you will not easily forget - guaranteed!!
In December of 2006 some unique and historic discoveries were made, approximately 4 km inside Mine 7. During the mining of coal from one of the ores one of the crew discovered something odd in the ceiling. After closer examination and fine polishing of the coal remains they discovered something that resembled systematic footsteps. On some of them you could clearly see the outline of 5 toes at the front of the imprint. The National History Museum in Oslo was contacted and experts from the University were immediately dispatched to Svalbard. The tracks proved to be from a prehistoric group of animals called Pantodonts.
These animals roamed the earth 55-60 million years ago. The footsteps discovered in Mine 7 came from animals that migrated from North America, across Greenland and onwards to Svalbard, proving that these continents were at one time connected. The Pantodonts were probably the very first large mammals ever to exist on the planet. Only 5 sets of imprints from this prehistoric animal has ever been found around the world, and only one set of prints in Europe - namely the prints found in Mine 7. On our journey around
Mine 7 we will of course stop to view these unique and historic fossil footsteps closely.
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and is suited for both individual travellers and groups.
For groups of more than 6 people we recommend that you contact us for a quote.
All guests will be issued with the necessary equipment, however we recommend that you wear good boots.
If you suffer from back problems or claustrophobia this tour is probably not something you should undertake. You have to be 14 years or older to participate. Intoxicated people are not allowed to visit the mine.
As Mine 7 is fully operational there might be some coal dust in the mine. Bear this in mind when selecting clothes for the tour.
Mine 7 is the only operational coal mine in Longyearbyen today. This is a modern fully operated mine where the coal is extracted using machines.
We are introduced to Svalbard's mining history before being kitted out in overalls, helmet, headlamp, ear guards, mask, belt and mine self rescue equipment. We are driven 5 km into the mountain and observe how the coal is mined.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Lowest age: 14 years
Price: NOK 650,- per person
Includes transport from/to accommodation, overall, helmet, gloves, head-lamp and insurance.
You can reade more about mining on Svalbard in encyclopedia "Store Norske". |
