Matthias Dolhnger, the chief officer at Ghremnitz for the gold mines, recently invented a new mill to pound the ore more finely than before. This invention allowed miners to extract a significant amount of gold from ore that would otherwise have produced none. When I visited his house, I saw many types of minerals, and he treated me very kindly. While I was at the bottom of the gold mine, he even sent down a gift of excellent wine to drink to the Emperor’s health Customized Turkey Tours.
Changes in Mine Passages
Some passages in the mine that were previously cut through solid rock and had been wide enough for moving ore have slowly closed over time. In moist areas, the walls of the tunnels have shifted, making the passages narrow and difficult to walk through. Interestingly, the tunnels do not collapse uniformly from top to bottom; instead, one side may close while the other remains open.
Transporting Ore Underground
The miners carry ore underground in special boxes called a Hundt, or “Dog.” These boxes run on four wheels and are higher at the back than the front. They have an iron tongue on the bottom that fits perfectly into a wooden channel in the center of each passage. This design keeps the box aligned, preventing it from moving off course Mining Techniques in Ghremnitz.
Even young boys can safely run the Hundt at full speed with three or four hundred pounds of ore or earth in front of them. The box moves precisely along the tunnel, even in complete darkness, showing the ingenuity of the mining system.
Sounds and Movement in the Mine
The sound of the Hundt moving through the tunnels is remarkable. As the boxes pass near and far, the noise changes in pitch and volume. Watching them move is fascinating—they come quickly out of the rocks, overturn their boxes at the designated spot to unload the ore, and then rush back into the dark tunnels to repeat the process. The speed and skill of the boys operating the Hundt in such difficult conditions are impressive.
Efficiency and Safety
This system not only makes the transport of ore efficient but also reduces the risk for miners. Without a proper path, moving such heavy loads underground would be dangerous and slow. The combination of well-designed equipment, careful engineering of tunnels, and skilled operators ensures that the mine functions smoothly and safely.
Matthias Dolhnger’s innovations, including the new ore mill and the Hundt transport system, show the advanced technology and organization of the Ghremnitz gold mines. The careful design of the tunnels, efficient ore transport, and attention to safety allowed miners to extract gold effectively while working in challenging underground conditions.
