The Mining History research department concerns itself with the social, cultural, technical and economic aspects of mining, including the processing and refining of mineral resources, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Spanning different periods and using methodological and theoretical approaches, the Mining History department takes a particular interest in the networking of mining districts, the history of knowledge and technology, the mining boom periods, and the development of social security systems within the mining industry.

History of Mining Knowledge

This research area explores the historical development of the knowledge of mining history. This is understood as including implicit, explicit, experience-based, scientific knowledge, knowledge embedded in materiality, among other aspects. Focal aspects observed here are the production, dissemination and application of this knowledge, and to its representation in different media: images, written texts, maps. A key question is whether it is possible to identify period-specific cultures of knowledge within the mining industry, including corresponding strategies and principles for the production and validation of knowledge. The ongoing processes of mechanisation that shaped the mining industry since the Middle Ages, are closely connected with these cultures of knowledge. These are studied alongside the development of knowledge in mining, within a broad framework of social, cultural and economic history, spanning different periods.

Structural change as a historical consequence of mining

Large-scale mining operations have transformed the economy, society, infrastructure and culture of regions to a very considerable extent. The objective in this case, is to investigate the emergence but also disappearance of regions shaped by mining, as complex processes of structural change. One special focus, however, is on structural changes in the Ruhr region, closely connection with the museum’s upcoming “Commemoration of German coal-mining” presentation. Questions about the sustainability of mining are also be examined in this research area.

Theories and methods of mining historiography

This research area concerns the examination and further development of the methodological and theoretical foundations of mining historiography. In this case, the primary goal is to ensure the compatibility of mining history with the kinds of questions asked in “general history”. The methodological and theoretical considerations are closely linked with the other research areas that examine issues across a range of periods.