State reforms in early modern mining: Røros copperworks and the role of workers managers, investors and the state in business development

Abstract

State reforms adopted in the 1680s prevented the largest copperworks in the Oldenburg Monarchy, Røros, from shutdown. The changes ensured supply deliveries and regular wage payments through spread of ownership, delegating more responsibilities to the Director and managers and introducing complex control mechanisms and state monitoring of the accounts and daily tasks. They appear relatively advanced and may well have been a forerunner in the European context. Why were the reforms adopted, and why were the regulations formed this way? Miners, smelters and farmers all had a role in the implementation of these reforms. They organised themselves in an early form of union and demanded regular wage payments and better terms of work. Two Royal Commissions were staffed by a handful of state officials, which meticulously went through the accounts, regulations and organisation of Røros and in the main acknowledged the interests of the workers. The increased state involvement was related to the Kings Frederick III and Christian V’s economic interests in Røros who were inspired by mercantilist thoughts of the time.