Bastnäs gruvfält

The mines at Bastnäs were first mentioned in 1692, and a large number of different minerals have been mined here since then. The mineral bastnäsite, which was first found here, is also named after the site. Scientists and collectors from all over the world come to Bastnäs to find minerals for their collections. Up to 42 different minerals can be found in the large warp piles (rubble piles of rock).

Initially, copper and then iron were mined in the Bastnäs mines. At the end of the 19th century, it was cerium ore that attracted people to the mines, and during the Second World War, that particular mineral was needed in the war industry, and the large spoil heaps at Bastnäs were searched to find all the pieces they could.

The iron ore in one of the largest mines on the site was first hoisted up using a horse-drawn winch, but after 1873 this was replaced by a so-called hook winch. The windlass found at Bastnäs is of a type invented by the well-known Christopher Polhem. It is located in the playhouse and is the only one in the world that remains in its original place. There is also a gallery in the area - a way into one of the underground mines.

For those who are interested in learning more about the Bastnäs minefield, what minerals can be found here and also have the opportunity to look into the gallery, the associations Geocentrums vänner i Riddarhyttan and Riddarhyttans Hem och Intresseförening offer open tours at certain times during the year. You can also contact them to book your own tour of the area with a knowledgeable guide. More information and contact details can be found here https://geoparkriddarhyttan.se/