From 22 to 26 September 2025, the Slovenian town of Ravne na Koroškem hosted the 17th International ERBE Symposium – The Cultural Heritage in the Geosciences, Mining and Metallurgy, a key event bringing together experts, researchers, and professionals from across Europe. The symposium offered an important platform for dialogue on cultural heritage in geosciences, metallurgy, and mining, with particular attention to the preservation and promotion of industrial identities and historical mining landscapes.
Among the many presentations, a highlight was the contribution of Tomaž Bizjak, Vice President of the MINES.B Federation and representative of the CUDHg Idrija, who presented a paper entitled “New Ways of Discovering Heritage.”
In his talk, Bizjak presented the ongoing activities and projects of MINES.B, emphasizing the outcomes of European cooperation initiatives in the field of mining heritage and the development of new strategies for heritage interpretation and public engagement. He also shared examples of successful partnerships and best practices among institutions, museums, and mining sites that are helping to build an increasingly cohesive and recognized European network.
A central theme of his presentation was MINES.B’s ongoing efforts to achieve recognition as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, a milestone that would further strengthen the visibility and protection of Europe’s mining heritage. Such recognition would mark an important step toward consolidating the network and promoting cultural tourism related to Europe’s mining and metallurgical history.
The ERBE Symposium once again highlighted how transnational collaboration and knowledge exchange are essential for preserving and promoting the richness of Europe’s mining heritage.
The participation of MINES.B and its Vice President, Tomaž Bizjak, demonstrates the Federation’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation among institutions, communities, and professionals in the sector.