Svalbard/Spitsbergen: Coal mining started at the beginning of the 20th century, and several permanent communities such as Pyramiden or Barentsburg were established. The Norwegian Store Norske and the Russian Arktikugol remain the only mining companies in place. There existed 7 mines in history, but only mine 7 is still under operation today and soon will be closed as well. Tourists can book a guided tour to take a look at mine 3.
The first part of the coal cableway was built in 1907, in the early years of the American time of Longyearbyen (then Longyear City, named after the founder). It connected the first mine, mine 1 (now often referred to as the “Americans’ mine”) which is located high up on the slope of Platåberg above the church, and the harbour. The coal cableway system was enlarged over the years as new mines were established, first around Longyearbyen and later further away in Adventdalen (mine 5, 6 and 7). The coal cableway centre (taubanesentrale) was built in 1956. The whole coal cableway system were abandoned in 1987.
I stumbled upon this place while walking to the local church. I had no camera with me so all the photos were taken with my phone, and it was kind of tricky at -20 degrees.
Mine 2 is not far away from the city
Some abandoned facilities
The first part of the coal cableway was built in 1907, in the early years of the American time of Longyearbyen (then Longyear City, named after the founder). It connected the first mine, mine 1 (now often referred to as the “Americans’ mine”) which is located high up on the slope of Platåberg above the church, and the harbour. The coal cableway system was enlarged over the years as new mines were established, first around Longyearbyen and later further away in Adventdalen (mine 5, 6 and 7). The coal cableway centre (taubanesentrale) was built in 1956. The whole coal cableway system were abandoned in 1987.
I stumbled upon this place while walking to the local church. I had no camera with me so all the photos were taken with my phone, and it was kind of tricky at -20 degrees.
Mine 2 is not far away from the city
Some abandoned facilities
