Idrija, Slovenia, hosted the Annual Forum of the European Mining Routes of Saint Barbara Federation (MINES.B) from 18 to 20 June 2026, bringing together the network’s members for several intensive and highly productive working sessions. The event, organised by the CUDHg – Idrija Mercury Heritage Management Centre, a member of the Federation since 2022, combined the General Assembly with a rich programme of scientific exchange, heritage visits, and an immersion in Idrija’s living mining culture.
Beyond the Assembly itself, the gathering marked a decisive step forward in preparing the dossier that will be submitted at the end of July in support of the European Mining Routes’ application to become a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe — an important milestone in promoting Europe’s mining heritage, strengthening cooperation between territories, and continuing to build a shared project that unites history, culture, landscape, and identity.
The Forum benefited from the presence and support of the institutions of the host territory. The proceedings were attended by the authorities of the Municipality of Idrija, represented by Mayor Tomaž Vencelj, and by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, with Tomaž Jerina, Secretary of the Directorate for Cultural Heritage. Welcoming words were also delivered by Tatjana Dizdarevič, Director of the CUDHg, and Tomaž Bizjak, Second Vice-President of MINES.B.
The event also drew the attention of the Slovenian national press, confirming the growing institutional and media interest in the project and in the value of mining heritage as a cultural and social resource for the future.
This year’s edition held particular significance, as it saw the Scientific Committee of the Route take part in the proceedings, holding its meeting in Idrija. Those present included the Committee’s President, Prof. Alexandra Bitušíková (Matej Bel University, Slovakia), together with Prof. Ginevra Balletto (University of Cagliari, Italy), Prof. Simone Bozzato (University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy), and Gaspar Oitzl (from the National Museum of Slovenia), whose contributions helped enrich the discussions and shape future lines of work.
The Forum also welcomed Professor Mark Rhodes of Michigan Technological University (USA), who has carried out a study dedicated to MINES.B. Professor Rhodes presented his feedback to the Assembly on the network and on the new model for valorising mining heritage promoted by the Federation, offering analytical insights and development perspectives that greatly enriched the exchange among partners.
Alongside the institutional moments, the programme featured the screening of the documentary “Voices from the Mines”, introduced by its Slovenian co-author Tara Caruso Bizjak. Participants also had the opportunity to visit Anthony’s Main Road and to discover Idrija’s UNESCO World Heritage, before attending the grand opening of the 44th Idrija Lace Festival. The gathering concluded with an e-bike tour along the Idrija Miners’ Route, the trail linking the miners’ houses, the mine facilities, and the religious sites devoted to Saint Barbara.
Throughout the working days, the Federation consolidated the documentation of its dossier, through which it intends to demonstrate the exchange of experiences, the joint development of projects, and the design of sustainable, networked tourism products aimed at the social and active enhancement of Europe’s mining and industrial heritage. The dossier will be submitted at the end of July, with the decision of the Council of Europe’s evaluation committee expected in spring 2027.
The European Mining Routes Federation remains committed and enthusiastic in its work to ensure that Europe’s mining legacy receives the recognition it truly deserves.
