Mining Officials Society
Text
For the proper organization, administration, and control of Kuttenberg mining, it was necessary by the end of the 13th century to appoint a considerable number of royal and supervisory officials and overseers.
In addition to stewards who collected taxes from the mined ore, mining offices also employed urban clerks, miners, judges, or senior steigers. The internal operation of the mines was managed by mine masters (hormasters, from the German Bergmeister), other clerks, foremen, and other overseers.
Steigers, or royal chief miners, oversaw the adherence to fiscal regulations within the mines.
The chief mining officer leased mines and presided over mining courts. He was someone from the Kuttenberg council.
In 1386, the office of mint master was established, responsible for the administration of the mines, the quality and minting of coins, the collection of mining taxes, and the operation of mining activities.
Mining offices not only supervised the miners and awarded benefits to them but also helped secure wages, provided for the families of miners in case of their death, and supported those who worked in difficult conditions. Those who took on flooded and abandoned mines were granted reduced mining taxes and other benefits.
No Comments