On 28 November 2025, the 49th Meeting of Slovenian Mining Rescue Units took place in Mežica, Slovenia, bringing together professionals from the mining sector to discuss technical developments, cultural heritage, and operational practices.
The first part of the event featured a series of lectures covering both technical and cultural topics. Among the speakers was Tomaž Bizjak, Vice-President of the Federation MINES.B and professional associate of the CUDHg Centre in Idrija.
In his presentation, titled The Route of Idrija Miners – Between Heritage, Community and the Future, Bizjak introduced the association and its activities focused on developing thematic mining routes across Europe. He explained how these initiatives aim to preserve mining heritage, strengthen ties with local communities, and promote a sustainable vision for the future of mining regions.
Bizjak also highlighted the association’s ongoing efforts to secure a nomination within the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, a prestigious recognition that would further enhance the visibility and impact of current projects. He shared the network’s long-term vision, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and the preservation of mining heritage as both a cultural and tourism resource.
The meeting in Mežica thus proved to be not only a key occasion for technical exchange among mining rescue specialists, but also an opportunity to reflect on the cultural significance of Europe’s mining landscapes and the promising future of collaborative mining heritage initiatives.
