Mining tourism
Photo: Hans Lindqvist, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
- For the danger posed by landmines, see War zone safety.
This is a travel topic that deals with all man-made structures under and above ground whose primary purpose is or was the extraction of natural resources as well as their remains, associated culture and small scale resource gathering such as gold panning from rivers and creeks.
Understandif you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
TalkIn many areas that have a long mining tradition a whole range of mining-related terms have been coined and in some cases entered the general vocabulary.
SeeEvery state of Australia has a mining history, and in most states there are former mining sites that are considered vital heritage locations, and current active locations that have facilities for visitors and tourists…
DoOne of the more obvious things often offered to tourists is gold panning, especially in areas where it has a tradition, like those invoking the Old West of the U.S.
Stay safeBefore modern times, miners commonly died in accidents, if not from unhealthy conditions. Even today, mining is a hazardous industry.
RespectAs mining can be both a vital part of a local economy, and a hazard for the environment and traditional lifestyle, it tends to be a sensitive political topic. Be aware that locals can have strong opinions on the issue.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Mining tourism" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Hans Lindqvist, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons