The Centre for Environmental History (ZUG) at BOKU University in Vienna hosted a thought-provoking mini-symposium titled "Als Bergbau noch nachhaltig war? Ressourcenmanagement als Fall für eine angewandte Geschichtswissenschaft". The hybrid event, on 15 Mai, featured presentations by Sebastian Felten and Sebastian Leitner, moderated by Simone Gingrich from BOKU’s Institute of Social Ecology.

The symposium explored the ambivalent history of early modern mining in Europe, questioning whether historical practices of resource management could inspire new political narratives in the face of today’s climate crisis. While early modern mining was often exploitative and left lasting environmental damage, it also operated within agrarian societies, balancing profit-driven rationalization with communal norms and even magico-religious beliefs. This duality, the speakers argued, makes it a compelling case for applied history.

Sebastian Felten and Sebastian Leitner presented research on mining practices in Saxony and Lower Hungary (modern-day Slovakia), drawing on administrative sources to highlight both the ideals of "mining sustainability" and the practical challenges of managing resources like wood, water, and charcoal. Their work invites reflection on how historical ambivalences might inform contemporary debates on sustainable resource use.

The event was well-received, with engaging questions and lively discussions. We are thankful to the colleagues at BOKU’s Centre for Environmental History who organised the Symposium and look forward to future conversations about the messy history of 'sustainable' mining and wood management.