The Kohtla Miners' Park-Museum is located in the village of Kohtla-Nõmme near Kohtla-Järve. The museum was opened a few years ago on the site of a former oil shale mine. The mine was closed in the 90s, when the consumption of oil shale decreased. Initially they wanted to flood it, but later they decided to organise a museum on its base. The museum accepts organised groups, for single tourists also a guided tour is organised as and when a group arrives. In season, i.e. During the summer months, will not have to wait long for groups to fill up, but at other times, it's best to call ahead and inquire about available excursions.
The tour lasts about an hour and a half. Before entering, you will be properly before entering: you will receive a jacket, as the temperature in the mine is constant and 8 degrees Celsius, a helmet with a torch and a battery for the light bulb.
The tour starts with a descent into the mine via a ladder, which, however, does not take a long time, as oil shale mines are usually not deep, about 10 metres. To the right place you will take a ride on a small miner's train, which used to be used by miners to get to the mining site.
Slate was discovered in Estonia in the early 20th century, but it was not until the 1920s that organised mining became possible. Slate is laid down in layers, alternating with limestone rocks. This is clearly visible on the walls of the mine: the grey layers - are limestone and the brown layers are shale. Originally, this rock was mined was done by hand, with picks and shovels. The slate was hauled on horseback to the top. Later, the extraction of the rock took place with the help of explosives. With the help of a hole was drilled in the wall and dynamite was placed in it. A special harvester to the site of the explosion, a special harvester would drive up and haul the pieces of shale away.
Later another method of oil shale extraction appeared. A special combine with two cutters was lowered underground and gnawed out the rock. The collected oil shale was loaded onto on wagons and taken on rails to a conveyor belt, which travelled on an inclined belt to lift the shale to the surface.
During the tour you will learn and see how and with the help of what technique shale was extracted, and you will also be able to try to use to use a drill. On the territory of the museum there is a shop where you can buy memorable souvenirs and gifts.
