Nagy Károly: Somsálybánya története (Borsodi Kismonográfiák 20. Miskolc, 1985)

NAGY KÁROLY HISTORY OF MINING AT SOMSÁLY 1900-1980 Mining can be considered as the oldest trade in the coal-field at Borsod County. It turned into main source of living for population at Sajókaza in 1786. The golden-age of early coal-mining and development of industry can be dated between the Compromise of 1867 and turn of the century, by that time the Borsod-coal could be considered as demanded and indespensable goods. Progress of quick development for technology of iron-production ran parallel with drawing of energy requirement of vital importance for ironindustry evolved in second half of the 18th century. In first part of 19th century the iron-production of Gömör County was of nation-wide importance, despite it proceeded within feudal conditions: owners of mines were noblemen while workers were serfs. Close connection can be observed between importance of iron metallurgy in Gömör County and exploitation of coalmines in Borsod County, namely the development of metallurgy led to necessity of erecting of an iron refinery to ensure the required refining for producing iron of large quantity as well as rail production. Iron refinery had to be set up on a site, where brown coal fields with sufficient reserve, forests and brooks abounding in water could be found within a relative close area. Thus the village, Ózd located at joining of valleys of Nádasd and Hangony as well as Uraj was the most suitable for foundation of the works. On the other hand the demand of newly founded ironworks for coal resulted in requirement for development of coal-mining and this fact led to breaking of new ground. In order to exploit the coal field the Company entered into contract with owners of Csépány and Somsálypuszta to transfer the right of usufruct for mineral coal. According to this contract the Company would pay one and a quarter Pengő krajcár

1 on each quintal of coal mined to the landowner by virtue of coal-rating, the mine-rent. 1 Pengő krajcár: the legal currency of the age, krajcár legal change, 1 pengő was devided into 100. 133