002.181.Idrija

Idrija Mercury Heritage Management Centre, Bazoviška 2, SI-5280 Idrija

Public

Republic of Slovenia

/

Mine

The separating fan has a long composed pipe made from thin sheet metal, for air supply. The individual part of the pipe was perpendicularly curved outward at both ends. The curved part is in a shape of a cuff, through which it is connected to the next part of the pipe. Right at the end of the fan, the pipe is closed with a net and on the other end of the fan, a plastic air pipe is attached.

Length 1500 cm, diameter 37 cm.

Steel, artificial mass.

1960s

Idrija Mercury Mine

A share of dusty flint particles in the pit air depended on flint content in the excavated ore and on the ore excavation technology. Dustiness in the pit was the highest during mechanical loading and pouring of the ore. It was also high during dry drilling, mining and blowing backfill. During machine drilling a lot of fine dust was released, which represented a serious threat of respiratory illnesses. The miners often suffered from a disease called silicosis – dust in the lungs. To limit this occupational disease, they used a special ventilation system (separating fans), which sucked the dust from the site and wet drilling (drilling with return water). Other preventive measures, which were implemented for worker protection against Hg vapours (personal anti-dust protective masks, shorter working hours, changing workers and regular medical check-ups), protected the miners against the harmful dust. After 1975, Idrija mine did not report any case of miners diagnosed with illnesses connected with harmful effects of mercury, not even lung diseases.

The separating fan is being preserved, secured and presented as important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the CUDHg mine collection. Visitors can view it within the permanent museum display Anthony's Main Road. It is a part of the presentation that represents the entire story of mining in the Idrija Mercury Mine and with the related work process.

Working at the mining field of Idrija Mercury Mine.

Anthony's Main Road (level I/20 of the Kropáč mining field), Kosovelova 3, 5280 SI-Idrija.

The fan with the suction hose is well preserved. It was cleaned for the purpose of the permanent museum display. Additional interventions are not necessary. Security of the premises is taken care of.

good

Regular seasonal maintenance.

- CUDHg Inventory Book.

Mestni muzej Idrija

Miha Kosmač

6. 3. 2018

Never