The Museo de la Minería del País Vasco (Basque Country Mining Museum), located in the town of Abanto-Zierbena in Bizkaia, is a key site for understanding the region’s industrial past. Situated in the heart of the historic mining area of Las Encartaciones, the museum highlights the profound impact of iron mining on the development of the Basque Country.
The Basque Country was one of Europe’s most important centers for iron mining during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Rich iron ore deposits in the region fueled industrial growth and trade, transforming local communities and shaping the area’s economic and social fabric. The museum, established in 2002, is housed in the former Gallarta mining school, a fitting location for preserving and showcasing this heritage.
The museum’s collection offers a comprehensive look at the mining industry, focusing on its technical, social, and cultural dimensions. Key features include:
- Mining tools and machinery: From hand tools to large-scale industrial equipment, the exhibits demonstrate the evolution of mining technology.
- Geological displays: These showcase the rich mineral resources of the region, particularly the high-quality iron ore that made the area famous.
- Reconstructed spaces: Visitors can explore recreations of miners’ workplaces and living conditions, offering insight into the daily lives of those who worked in the mines.
- Photographs and documents: Archival materials illustrate the industry’s historical significance and its role in shaping local communities.
An outdoor area includes large mining equipment and a restored rail system used for transporting ore, providing a tangible connection to the past.
