Let's dive deep into the darkness of the mining past. Mining in the Ivanec region goes deep into history and we can say that it shaped this region and gave it a specific identity. That's why we celebrate it every year with a special event called "Ivanec mining days" (“Ivanečki rudarski dani”). The town, located at the foot of a large mountain, guarded iron ore deposits along the Željeznica stream with traces of iron slag that reveal the skill of iron smelting even in prehistoric days. The unexpected discovery of limonite iron ore near the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, not far from the mysterious "Devil's Cave", yielded not only metal but was also used as ocher for living pigmentation. In the historical „Temni dol“ ("Dark Pit") above Prigorec, we can discover a long-abandoned mining shaft and signs of various ores, including iron-manganese ore.

European miners and businessmen in search of mining treasures in Ivanec

There are indications that miners from Germany (Saxony) gathered in the Ivanec region, attracted by the wealth of ores, and were later joined by miners from French regions. During the 19th century, archaeologists began the first geological investigations of northwestern Croatia, discovering the secrets of our rocks and soil and from the depths of Mt. Ivančica.

Good news travels fast

The word about Ivanec's mining wealth echoed in Vienna, Budapest and Belgium, and various joint-stock companies and businessmen came to use the vital fabric of the underground and extract the ore.

In the heart of the last century, on the northern slopes of Mt. Ivančica, zinc and lead were extracted from the location of Velika Obreš. The famous Kraševski Zviri mine had an estimated 20,000 tons of ore, but large amounts of water damaged its quantity. In addition to the "Kraševski Zviri" mine, there was also a zinc smelter in Kuljevčica, which operated from 1863 to 1883, when the factory was closed due to the lack of domestic ore and the high cost of transporting ore from Carinthia.

The wealth of lignite brings many jobs

The beginning of the 20th century brought new dynamics and momentum to mining activity. The discovered layers of lignite promised an extraordinary perspective through a potential centuries-long exploitation. Numerous mining shafts were opened, and by World War II, as many as 800 workers worked in the mines around Ivanec.

An impressive 7.8 million tons of coal were mined by 1975

The year 1962 marked the end of a long period of coal exploitation in Ivanec, while miners stopped extracting the ore from the area of the Ivanec-Ladanje coal mine in 1975. It is estimated that by 1945, about 3.5 million tons of coal were extracted from this mine. But between 1945 and 1975, that number grew to an impressive 7.8 million tons of coal. The mining tradition preserved numerous stories deep in the bowels of the earth, leaving a lasting mark in the history of this region at the foot of Mt. Ivančica.

Ivanec Mining Company: a bridge between the Past and the Present

Deep in the darkness of the Ivanec mines, using their calloused hands as their main tool, the miners provided for their families with their hard work for more than a century. The end of the 19th century and the 20th century were not at all easy for miners because they worked without modern machines and aids and relied on their own physical and mental strength, as well as their own risk assessment. Later, horses took on much of the burden pulling wagons filled with ore, but their time in the mines took its toll. Unlucky horses often became blind and exhausted from the burden they carried, and when they fell ill, they ended up in butcheries. Accidents among the miners themselves were common because working in a mine was always a high-risk job.

Ivanec Mining Company – rescue and help to the miners

Recognizing the difficulty and demands of this work, the mine owners, with the approval of the Royal Mining Company, founded the "Ivanec Mining Company". This company gathered about twenty brave individuals, skilled workers, artisans, and officials who knew the basics of rescuing injured miners. Their mission was to take care of working conditions in the mine and rescue miners in case of accidents.

Uniforms as a special symbol

Members of the company wore special uniforms consisting of caps with a brass laurel wreath, belts, trousers, and high boots. Gilded bands on the collars indicated the roles of commanders, lieutenants, doctors, buglers, paramedics, and other members. The parade uniform included a special mining ax with a representation of the entire production process in the mine. The uniform itself was strictly prescribed, and its sewing was possible only with the approval of the "Royal Mining Company". Over time, the company acquired its own premises and the necessary resources for work. Their interventions saved many lives. Firefighters and a brass band also worked within the company.

Revived history of the old mining company

In 2006, at the initiative of the visionary Boris Jagatić Daraboš, the "Ivanec Mining Company" was re-established as a historical unit of the Croatian Army. The aim of this re-establishment was to pay tribute to the former miners, preserve part of Ivanec's tradition from oblivion and actively include it in the tourist promotion of the town of Ivanec. The first public review of the company was held on June 24, 2006, as part of the "Ivanec Town Day" celebration. The attractive uniforms were faithfully reconstructed according to examples from the end of the 19th century.
The „Ivanec Mining Company" is unique in this part of Europe and proudly preserves the mining heritage.