Consideraciones sobre el patrimonio minero desde la perspectiva de un servicio geológico nacional

Abstract

We examine the concept of mining heritage from the archaeological, historical and ethnographic point of view. We also make a brief review of the elements which constitute this patrimony and their potential assessment, for scientific, educational or tourist purposes. Moreover,we look at the support provided by national geological surveys to the varied range of organizations involved in the preservation of mining heritage. Several ideas and two manuals about identification methods, analysis and assessment of potential mining heritage sites are also explained. Lastly, we review the main international organizations from several fields, which include mining heritage protection as one of their scopes.