HERITO, No. 56: Post-mining

Central Europe is unique in terms of its mining heritage, writes Barry Gamble in the latest issue of “Herito”. The mining industry has played a key role in social development in the area, which is why it is so important to appreciate it and think about how to preserve its legacy. How to do it and when is it worth it? We examine what place post-mining spaces have in society in the age of digital capitalism, climate apocalypse and the onslaught of developer activity. Or is this a vision of a dire tomorrow? We look for answers in interviews with experts, but also in photography, history or art.

In the issue of “Herito: Post-mining” we analyze the ways and possibilities of using the potential of post-industrial spaces of such unique character, such as adits, shafts and heaps. We follow the contemporary search for a narrative for them and the transformation of their identity. We also look at how economic transformation and privatization have affected post-industrial complexes in specific cases. We pose questions about what to demolish and what to preserve. Examples of outstanding preservation efforts in saving post-mining heritage show how many functions and issues post-mining infrastructure brings to the social discourse.

Together with our authors, we take a look at post-industrial complexes from Turów to Borysław and weave a reflection on their past and future, opportunities, but also threats, such as the creation of the proverbial heritage park with plastic horses or glazed shopping malls. We also explore various approaches to the legacy of mining, such as in Lower and Upper Silesia.

In the pages of the 56th issue of “Herito: Post-mining” magazine, we look at material, architectural and cultural traces of mining history, and consider various ways of taming post-mining heritage, often called “troublesome.”