The underground laboratories

Hagerbach Test Gallery

Switzerland

For more than 50 years, Hagerbach Test Gallery has extended its unique underground infrastructures to realize innovative projects offering ideal conditions for research and education. Besides an accredited material testing laboratory, new concepts and prototypes making smart use of underground space are brought forward.

GIG Experimental Mine ‘Barbara’

Poland

The EM ‘Barbara’ in Mikołów used to operate as an ordinary coal mine but after the WW II it has become the only research and scientific post in Poland with an experimental range for testing devices, equipment, materials and procedures in real-scale underground conditions.

Callio Lab

Finland

Callio Lab is a new environment for underground research and other activities. The laboratory is located in the Pyhäsalmi Mine, the oldest operating mine in Finland and the deepest active hard rock mine in Europe, going as deep as 1444 metres.

KGHM Cuprum Research and Development Centre

Poland

The KGHM Cuprum Research and Development Centre has a long tradition of research and design services for the copper mining industry in Poland. There are plans to set up new underground laboratories for research, technical development, tourism and education in selected areas of the existing KGHM mines.

Reiche Zeche

Germany

Since the 1800s, silver production and mining education have benefitted from one another in Reche Zeche. Today multiple research institutions and industry partners use the mine for developing new technology, production methods and materials.

Ruskeala Underground Laboratory

Russia

Ruskeala Underground Laboratory is the place where mining industrial heritage meets science and innovation. It is located in an old abandoned marble quarry in the Ruskeala Mining Park. Methodological and technical development is conducted for testing, designing and construction of safe tourist destinations.

Underground Low Background Laboratory of Khlopin Radium Institute

Russia

The underground low background laboratory of Khlopin Radium Institute is located inside the St. Petersburg subway, at the crossing between Nevsky Prospekt and Gostiny Dvor stations. The laboratory is about 65 meters deep, equivalent to about 120 meters of water shield. The rooms were built in 1965–1967 specifically as a laboratory. The Radium Institute initiated the construction.