Second Life of Post-Mining Facilities: Mines as a Tourist Attraction of Southern Poland

Post-mining facilities, particularly those associated with historical mines such as coal, silver, gold, salt, flint, chalk, uranium, and oil wells, can be successfully repurposed as tourist attractions. This study highlights the Tarnowskie Góry Lead-Silver-Zinc Mine in southern Poland, where former mining infrastructure—including buildings linked to workers and mine-owners—now serves as museums or service facilities, drawing visitors while preserving industrial heritage. The research demonstrates that such sites offer educational value, economic benefits through tourism, and sustainable preservation of cultural and natural history. The approach combines historical analysis with contemporary tourism studies to showcase the potential for post-mining areas to transition into dynamic tourist destinations.

Hojka, Z. (2023). Second Life of Post-Mining Facilities: Mines as a Tourist Attraction of Southern Poland. Studia Historiae Oeconomicae, 41(1), 121–142. https://doi.org/10.14746/sho.2023.41.1.005