Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of exploring an underground mine? Well, now you can! The Slovak Magnesite Works have opened up their magnesite mine near Jelšava (district Revúca) to the public, offering a unique and adrenaline-pumping experience like no other. Visitors are taken deep into the heart of the Slovak Magnesite Works on pick-up trucks and V3S vehicles driven by experienced drivers, navigating through narrow tunnels and wading through deep waters until they emerge in the midst of the mining activity, where giant machines extract rock from the earth.
The journey for visitors begins as they hop on off-road vehicles and a special train to traverse a 2.5 km long tunnel. But the real adventure begins when they step into a fascinating space filled with mining equipment and an underground cinema that projects images directly onto the rock walls, creating a mesmerizing experience for all who visit.
The idea to open up the mine to the public was brought forth by the regional governor, Ondrej Lunter, but gaining approval to allow visitors into an active mining site was no easy feat. „After a year of persuasion, the governor convinced us, and we decided to make his idea a reality. We are proud to have done so,“ stated Roman Gažúr, the general director of the Slovak Magnesite Works, emphasizing their desire to showcase the modern technologies used in mining.
„It is a craft, an art, and a science. We believe we have approached the fulfillment of this goal uniquely because we present mining directly in the mine,“ added the director, highlighting that visitors from 6 years old and above are offered a unique weekend stay that guides them through the history and present of mining.
„People can see, touch, and feel how magnesite is mined and the conditions in which we work here. It is a unique and one-of-a-kind project. There is no other mine open to the public like this in Slovakia,“ concluded the governor.
In conclusion, the opportunity to explore an active magnesite mine is a rare and thrilling experience that offers visitors a glimpse into the world of mining like never before. The Slovak Magnesite Works have truly created a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines history, technology, and excitement, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable underground experience.