Štola Prokop, Mining tunnel in Stříbro, Czech Republic

Štola Prokop, also called Královská Prokopská dědičná štola or Brokárna, is an adit on the right bank of the Mže in Stříbro, about 200 metres southeast of Masaryk Square and beneath the Plzeň–Cheb railway line. Its entrance lies at the foot of Křížový vrch (472 m). The 700-metre guided route passes through passages cut in Neoproterozoic rock that hosted galena and sphalerite veins.

The tunnel system was first documented in 1513 and served mainly to drain silver mining operations until 1966. Work ceased when economic factors made mining in this region no longer profitable.

Mining shaped the daily life and identity of Stříbro for centuries, with the passages showing how workers organized themselves underground. The tools and equipment left behind reveal the physical demands and skills required to extract silver from the rock.

Bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear since temperatures remain cool underground throughout the year. Plan enough time to explore all areas thoroughly when visiting on a guided tour.

The adit was renamed C.k. Prokopi Erbstollen in 1743 when the Austrian state took it over; it was then about 2,500 metres long, with the main Göppelschacht shaft 340 metres from the entrance. In 1863 the state sold the works to three private mining companies for 16,800 Austrian gulden.