The town of Senjski Rudnik is located on the River Ravanica in central Serbia, approximately 150 km south-east of Belgrade. Senjski Rudnik is Serbia’s oldest still active coal mine, complete with shafts, administration buildings, storages and workshops. The mine is surrounded by an old, well-preserved community, typical for 19th – 20th century industrial communities. Today, the mine is still in operation, and the coal reserves are estimated to last some 7-10 more years. Without revitalisation and finding new sources of income and employment for its inhabitants, Senjski Rudnik may suffer dramatic changes and will face a high risk of depopulation in the coming decade.The vision for Senjski Rudnik
The general idea is to take advantage of the history and present state of the place (an old, well-preserved industrial heritage, with still active coal mine, set in a beautiful landscape full of other historical monuments from various times). The aim is to create an ecomuseum as a national industrial heritage centre, comprising the entire community, as an enriching complement to existing nearby mediaeval monasteries, walking paths, etc.
History
The mine was opened in 1853, after Serbia had gained its independence. As it can be
seen from the still existing architecture, Senjski Rudnik was developing through time
six distinctive stages:
- Establishing a mine and settlement (1853-1892);
- Construction of a railway connecting the coal mine with central Serbia (1892);
- Intense economic growth and urban development (1903–1914);
- Further economic and social development (1920-1941);
- Ongoing economic, urban and commercial development (1950-1970);
- The period of decline (from 1970 up to now).