The opening of Mine 3 started in 1969, and the mine was in operation from 1971 to November 1996. It was Store Norske’s last mine to be operated in the “old way” – low headings. First, the coal layer was cut at the bottom, blasted, and then the coal was scraped out of the stopes. The ceiling height in the stopes was only between 60 and 90 cm, which was the thickness of the coal layer that was driven out.

You will be given a lomp (overalls), helmet and headlamp. It can be a bit chilly in the mine, so warm clothing is recommended.
You will get to see the mine today, abandoned as it was during operation. You will see the locomotives, coal wagons, equipment and the various stations in the mine. The tour ends by going into the mountain, into the mine itself.

Here you’ll learn about the mining history of Svalbard, how coal mining built up Longyearbyen, the history of Store Norske and Mine 3. Interspersed with good stories about being a miner and the camaraderie among the miners.