The Meggen mine was in continuous operation from 1853 to 1992. Sulphur gravel, lead, zinc and barite were mined. In the 140 years of mining history, Meggen mining was one of the most important mines in the world.
History
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the iron industry flourished in the Olpe district. The charcoal from the Sauerland and the water power were important location factors. Initially, smaller ore deposits were mined here. This included the "iron hat" of the sulfur gravel deposit in Meggen and Halberbracht. Later, horse-drawn carts fetched the better iron spar from the Soiegerland and in return brought the charcoal from the Sauerland there.
Operating parts of the Sicilia mine
Today, the branded grain reel with the information center, the pithead gear with the shaft hall and the hoisting vessel, the two hoisting machines with the workplaces of the machinists, the compressors, the pit control room, a show gallery and mine vehicles can be visited. In the shaft hall, the construction of the headframe and the ore hoisting vessel can be seen. One of the two hoisting machines, which brought 3,000 tons of ore to the surface every day, can be put into operation. How to imagine the miners' work is explained in a show gallery.
Permanent exhibition
A glass model illustrates the ore deposit down to a depth of 750 m between Meggen and Halberbracht (3.5 km away). It also shows how the Meggen ore deposit was formed 370 million years ago in the Devonian period and how mining methods have developed over time. From the surface, a ramp with a 12% gradient led to 650 m underground, passable by the large loading equipment and trucks that can be seen outside. The exhibition also informs about the processing and further use of barite and sulfur gravel for chemical indsutry.
The people in mining
The exhibition focuses on the hard work of generations of capable miners, their training, the handling of the most modern techniques, but also the threatening dangers underground. It is not forgotten that the women also shared the well-being of their husbands and sons employed in mining and made their contribution to the survival of the families.
Hiking trail through Meggen's mining history
The 4.3 km hiking trail leads through Meggen's mining history with 17 information boards, the 3.7 km hiking trail leads through Halberbracht's mining history with 11 information boards.
The hiking trails can be used at any time. Flyers with hiking maps are available at the mining museum.
Offers for school classes
As part of the "Südwestfalen macht Schule" project, the Meggen Mining Museum offers two experience-oriented learning programs on the topics "Of mountains and miners" and "Raw materials in rocks" .
The Siciliaschacht Mining Museum is a WasserEisenLand - Industriekultur Südwestfalen attraction.
Opening hours and prices can be found at www.bergbaumuseum-siciliaschacht.de.
Special tours (also on weekdays) by appointment under 02721/9539954 or 02721/80922.