Vihanti mine, Cultural Heritage Mine in Lampinsaari, Finland.
Vihanti mine is a former extraction facility near Raahe where zinc, copper, and lead were pulled from the ground. The site preserves the old mining structures and industrial buildings that show how extraction operations worked.
The mine began operations in the mid-twentieth century and became a major employer for the area. It drove significant economic growth in the Raahe region before eventually closing down.
The site reflects how mining shaped work and community life in the region for generations. The structures and equipment on display show the importance this operation held for local families and the wider area.
The site can be explored on your own, but a guided tour reveals much more about mining methods and daily operations. It is best to wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground and aging industrial structures.
The ground beneath the site contains rare combinations of gabbro and diorite rock that mineralogists still study today. This unusual rock composition made the location valuable for scientific research beyond simple extraction.
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