ILLUMINATION IN THE MINE

Estimates suggest that the candle was invented at least 5000 years ago, likely serving as the first underground lighting. Since the 14th century, oil lamps such as the “Frosch Lampe” in Germany and later the “rave” in France were used in mining. At the beginning of the 20th century, the carbide lamp (“Karbidsluut”) became the miner’s faithful companion, which is not surprising considering it shines ten times brighter than an oil lamp. The electric lamp first emerged after the Second World War. It consisted of a battery tied around the waist and the lamp fixed to the helmet.