Exploration of Ozokerite Deposits on the Territory of Austrian Galicia: Short Historical Survey

Abstract

The article is devoted to the history of ozokerite mining in Galicia during the 19th – the first third of the 20th century. The historiography of the issue has been considered as well as the main scientists, who devoted their works to mineral description and forecasted ozokerite deposits on Galicia territory, have been highlighted. Having based on the presented studies, the volumes, technical supply and staffing of ozokerite industry have been revealed. Comparison of ozokerite deposits’ investigation in different years has been accomplished due to comparative historical method. Moreover, structure and functions of ozokerite industry in Galicia, its external and internal connections have been analyzed. It was mentioned that ozokerite mines were in Boryslaw, Truskavets, Dzvyniachi, Staruni and other towns. Deposits of ozokerite-rich mineral were estimated in 30 ml tons at the end of the 19th century. Boryslaw’s mine was actively explored: up to 1.5-5 thou mines worked yearly where 2-10 tons of pure ozokerite were mined in 1850–1900-s. The peak of development was achieved at the last quarter of the 19th century where 10-19 thou tons were mined. At the beginning of the 20th century was a gradual decay of industry where only 2.6-3.5 thou tons of ozokerite were mined. The price of pure ozokerite had been constantly soaring from 280 to 1533 corona for 1 ton of mineral from the mid of 19th century. Annual ozokerite production varied between 200 and 500 tons in Truskavets, Dzvyniachi, Staruni. Due to ozokerite deposits’ depletion and reducing demand on the international market, annual ozokerite production had decreased from 3.7 to 1.6 thou tons during 1900–1913-s and during the interwar period – up to 0.7 thou tons. Consolidation of mining companies led to production enlargement; as a result there were 20-25 mining companies and 2-3 processing plants in Galicia at the beginning of the 20th century.