Complex Geophysical Survey of Historical Shallow Tin Mines in Abertamy-Hřebečná, UNESCO Site in Ore Mountains, Czechia

Abstract The rich mining history of the Ore Mountains led to the development of many unique mining landscapes, today recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Underground mines, which have often been disused for hundreds of years, are often an interesting target for mining archaeology. The exact location of many of these historic mines is today uncertain or even completely unknown, making excavation and further investigation a challenge. In one of the tin mining districts in the village of Hřebečná, we have identified location of several shallow mines, using a range of near-surface geophysical methods, the evaluation of historical sources, and terrain analysis. We have used microgravity survey in combination with electrical resistivity tomography and ground penetrating radar. We describe the entire process from the planning phase, including the evaluation of prior historical and geological knowledge, through to processing of observed field data. Then we discuss the general capabilities of each geophysical method for the detection of underground mines. We have found promising indications at three investigated locations, using mainly the microgravity method. We were able to interpret these indications and present the most probable location of the target underground mines.