Mining; application for information on old mining or mining conditions

The mining authorities are responsible for averting dangers from underground mining facilities that are no longer subject to mining supervision under the Federal Mining Act and also respond to inquiries from third parties and local authorities.

In some areas, the legacies of old mining, such as dumps, potholes and adit mouths, are still preserved. Mines, tunnels and, above all, opencast shafts close to the surface can lead to deformation and damage to the surface due to the collapse of cavities and the failure of previous coverings and backfillings, some of which are decades or even centuries old and no longer meet today's requirements. These become apparent through subsidence, the formation of cracks and fissures as well as day breaks.

These old mining-related damage events, which often occur without any prior signs, usually pose a risk to life, health and property. In addition to agricultural and forestry areas, traffic areas as well as residential and construction areas can also be affected.

The mining authorities are responsible for preventing hazards from underground mining facilities (mine workings and shafts) that are no longer subject to mining supervision under the Federal Mining Act.

As part of the hazard investigation (Section 55 of the State Criminal and Ordinance Act), a systematic inventory and assessment of the old mining objects is carried out. A great deal of information is compiled so that a reliable risk assessment can be carried out for the respective object. If a risk to public safety is identified, the mining authorities initiate safety and remediation measures. The mining authority only takes action in its capacity as the responsible party if the person responsible for the damage (the so-called "disturber") cannot be identified.

In addition, the mining authorities also respond to inquiries from third parties and local authorities on issues relating to abandoned mines that are no longer subject to mining law, particularly with regard to public safety. This also includes, for example, statements as public interest bodies in the course of urban land-use planning and in the implementation of building permit procedures with regard to hazards arising from old mining.

Information can only be provided if proof of ownership is submitted to the Mining Authority, the area of the project is marked on a site plan and the district, municipality, district with parcel or address of the building plot are indicated.

Information can only be provided if proof of ownership is submitted to the Mining Authority, the area of the project is marked on a site plan and the district, municipality, district with parcel or address of the building plot are indicated.

• The following documents are required:
  • Proof of ownership
  • Site plan
  • if necessary further documents