A delegation of the Civil Guard visited the Puertollano Mining Museum to see first-hand the industrial heritage of the region. The officers toured the facilities that recreate the harsh conditions of underground work, observing the machinery and tools used for decades in coal extraction. The visit is part of the museum's cultural outreach activities.
Underground mining engineering: from pickaxe to mechanization ⛏️
The tour allowed the officers to appreciate the technical evolution of the sector, from manual systems to mechanization with pneumatic hammers, conveyor belts, and electric traction locomotives. The use of ventilation and drainage technologies that reduced risks in deep galleries was highlighted. The exhibition includes panels on room and pillar extraction methods, as well as the metal support systems that replaced wood.
Agents in the mine: looking for coal, not criminals 🦇
The Civil Guard officers, accustomed to operating on the surface, faced an unexpected challenge: distinguishing between a miner's pickaxe and a pickpocket's tool. After several hours underground, one agent commented that coal dust stains less than accident reports. At least in the galleries, you don't have to ask bats for identification, although some showed interest in whether they fly in formation.