Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - Second part - IX. Mining Industry and Metal Production - 3. Other Minerals and Metals. By the late Lector C. G. Särnström
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756- ix. mining industry and metal production op sweden.
nual average of 1,760 tons. The total copper production at the said
mines from the middle of the 13th century up to our time is estimated
at over 500,000 tons, which is more than has hitherto been produced bv
any other copper mine in the world. Still the said total amount does
not correspond to more than a year’s production from all countries
together at present.
The Falun Copper mine.
From an historical point of view, this 3hould be the proper place to devote
some attention to one of the most interesting events in the history of Swedish trade.
Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags Aktiebolag * is the oldest company in Sweden
and probably the oldest industrial corporation now existing in the world. Its
origin dates back more than 600 years; in a Royal sanction of 1347 confirming
its privileges is spoken of »prior, of old existing letters of privilege, which
have been lost». The original object of the company was to work the rich
copper mine at Falun. The Government, which, in consequence of the asserted
regal nature of the mine, during centuries has had great influence over the activity
of the company, has been in receipt of a rent (tax) from it which was so
considerable during the 17th century that the heavy war expenses of that time were
to a very great extent covered by it. The year 1650 shows the maximum production,
which amounted to 3,067 tons. Afterwards the production gradually decrease!
but for nearly two centuries, nearly up to 1750, the company was the greatest
copper producer in the world. In 1642, the company erected the Avesta Copper
refining works. In 1689, the Domnarfvet Sawmill was taken over, and gradually
also forests were purchased. In 1735, the company finally extended its activity
to Iron production.
Now, as is well known, the production of copper plays but an inconsiderable
part in the affairs of the company; it has instead become the greatest producer
* I. e., The Joint-stock Mining Company of Stora Kopparberg (at Falun).
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