Before you go any further...
I've read and accept the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy.
I accept to receive newsletter and other communications associated with firms of The Explorers Network group'
I accept to receive commercial offers of The Explorers Network partners'.
Thanks!
Vote everyday for your favorite content
SENSITIVE CONTENT
This media contains sensitive content which some people may find disturbing or offensive.
You must be 15 years of age or older to view sensitive content.
Log inBirthday
Content being validated
THE EXPLORERS +
Watch our premium movies
The Explorers + is our premium movie catalog in Ultra High Definition (HD/4K/8K)! Hundreds of videos already available and daily new content on all your devices (web, mobile, tablets, smart TV).
Post content (photo or video) and get 1-month free
OR
Subscribe and support The Explorers Foundation's field actions for biodiversity.
Content being validated
Ore extraction
0
0
In the 16th century, miners drilled galleries with a hammer and a ‘pointerolle’ (chisel) to access the mineralized zones. They then emptied the vein by digging shafts. The rock was very hard and progress was slow, only a few centimetres per day. The galleries were always dug on an incline, to facilitate the drainage of water. The ore was brought to the surface with the help of buckets, winches and small wagons called mining dogs. It was then separated from its gangue of barren rock, crushed and sorted to remove the last impurities. After a final wash, the ore was sent to the foundries for refining.
Related content
Médias en cours d’exploration