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The term ‘mining rights means the prerogative to dispose of mining resources which are not already exploited. Sovereigns had always required this right to be respected in their kingdoms, but they were not always able to impose their will on the local seigneurs. General political and economic conditions sometimes prevailed over rights and the law. And it was precisely in the South Tyrol, thanks to its strategic position in Medieval Europe and its considerable mining resources, that great conflict had always existed between the king and neighbouring seigneurs.
In the early 15th century, when mining flourished, the powerful princes of the area had already established clearcut positions. Mining rights belonged to the territorial seigneurs. They nominated the ‘mining judge’ and other authorities, granted rights to excavation, automatically charged a tax (generally 10%) on all ore quarried from each shaft and if necessary, exerted their pre-emptive right, which was in practice a monopoly.
For several centuries, mining rights ensured larger and more easily obtainable incomes for the Tyrol princes. Mineral wealth was the basis upon which the economic and political importance of the area developed and expanded. This ‘golden age’ may still be seen today in the artistic beauties and culture of both North and South Tyrol.
When a man seeking ore believed he had discovered a new seam, he first had to ensure his right to exploit it officially. The competent mining judge examined his request and established the exact position of the shaft, to which a small portion of nearby land was also annexed. If no-one else claimed the same seam, the new shaft was given the name of a saint, a tax was applied, and the mining concession came into force.
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history
history of mining on Schneeberg
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