The Assay
The Assay represents the ongoing research and work of the ERC-STG project SCARCE at the University of Vienna. Team members present sources and methodology, as well as report on interesting research activities.
The blog is aimed at a broad interdisciplinary audience, combining a focus on different areas within the history of mining, such as the history of science, medicine, environment, and others while also addressing environmental and social science issues.
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Sebastian Leitner visits the Workshop „Environmental History of Resin and Charcoal Training School”
In September 2025, our PhD student, Sebastian Leitner, travelled to Gutenstein in Lower Austria for a couple of days to explore traditional resin harvesting and charcoal burning.
Author: Sebastian Leitner
08.09.2025
Short Reflection
Yasar Gultekin -
Mining for precious documents in Vienna’s archives
What are the hidden layers of Vienna’s archives? Our PhD Sebastian Leitner traces Hungary’s early modern mining history and reveals how navigating historical documents is much like mining itself — complex, surprising, and richly rewarding.
27.06.2025
Author: Sebastian Leitner
7min read
Research Report
Sebastian Leitner -
Sarah Seinitzer Explores Idrija’s Mercury Mining Heritage
In July 2025, our PhD student, Sarah Seinitzer, travelled to Idrija in Slovenia for a week to learn about its rich mercury-mining history.
Author: Sarah Seinitzer
22.07.2025
Short Reflection
Sarah Seinitzer -
Team SCARCE goes Minescapes 2025
A Journey Through the Ore Mountains’ Mining Heritage
26.05.2025
Author: Sarah Seinitzer
Short Reflection
Sarah Seinitzer -
SCARCE Explores Slovakia's Mining Heritage
In February 2025, SCARCE visited Banská Štiavnica to explore its mining heritage—both underground and in archives—with expert guidance from Dr. Peter Konečný of the Slovenský banský archív.
11.04.2025
Author: Claire Sabel
10min read
Research Report
Claire Sabel
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Funded by the European Union (ERC, SCARCE, Grant number 101076422). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
