The simplest light source that early miners could use was a burning chip of often resinous wood. This was held between the teeth or placed in a simple holder. In the case of this find, the holder was an animal’s vertebral bone. This meant that the light could be put down in a convenient place. These frog lamps were used to burn tallow (animal fat). A “frog” is a term for a historical type of fat or oil lamp used by miners from the 14th century onwards. Where the name comes from is not entirely clear. Possibly the device resembles a squatting frog when viewed from above. Here we see an open frog lamp; there are also variants with a closed fat/oil container. An evolution from simple to more complex metal forms is easily recognisable. Finely crafted models were worn with parade uniforms.

A constant hazard in coal mining in particular were combustible gases in the air (fire-damp). In early safety lamps, a metal mesh screen prevented a dangerous concentration of gas around the flame. The safety lamp burned even more brightly thanks to the glass case and the choice of fuel, petroleum. Lighting in mines changed in the 20th century from open flame to electricity. The evolution is illustrated by the three objects on display. In the carbide lamp, the acetylene gas still burns openly. The battery-powered hand lamp, invented around the same time, replaced the uncovered flame. Eventually, helmet lamps became established everywhere in the mining industry.

A fresh air supply was vital for working underground. Breathing and the burning of flames for lighting consume oxygen. As a result, miners are short of breath, lights go out and work has to be suspended.

In small mines, skilfully driven shafts help generate a natural draught. For large mines, machines were developed to move air mechanically. Modern, high-performance electric machines can ventilate and cool mines up to four kilometres deep.

A sensational discovery was made by Czech archaeologists in 2016 in an old mine in Kutná Hora/Kuttenberg. They were able to reconstruct an early 16th century mine ventilator from many well preserved parts. Hand-operated ventilation machines of this type are depicted in several illustrations from the period. Try out our replica to see how they work.

The digging of mines disturbs the natural forces and pressures acting in the earth. The resulting tensions can be released suddenly, causing considerable damage underground and on the surface.

To prevent movement in the surrounding rock, the mine must be stabilised. Early examples of pit stabilisation are rock pillars that have been left standing and simple wooden posts, which are known from the Bronze Age. As mines grew larger, the practice developed of completely lining them with timber, often in conjunction with masonry. Later, steel came into use. Modern mines are mostly stabilised with reinforced concrete or hydraulic shield supports. Wood nevertheless remains important as construction material in many areas of mining today.