Mining Park Museum in Kohtla located in the town of Kohtla-Nõmme far from Kohtla-Jarve. The museum was opened a few years ago on the site of the former mines of slate. The mine was closed in the 90s, when the reduced consumption of oil shale. Initially, it would flood, but later decided to organize on the basis of her museum. The museum receives organized groups, for individual tourists and tour organized as a set of groups. During the season, ie in the summer months, you will not have to wait long for a set of groups, and at another time is better to call and find out about the conducted tours.

The tour lasts about an hour and a half. In front of you properly equip: you get a jacket, because the temperature in the mine is constant and of the order of 8 degrees, a helmet with a flashlight and a battery for the light bulb.

The tour begins with a descent into the mine on the stairs, which, however, did not take long, because the slate mines are usually not deep, about 10 meters. To the right place, you ride the small mining train, which used to rock the place of production drove the miners.

In Estonia oil shale found in the beginning of the 20th century, however, managed to organize an organized production only in 20-ies. Shale overlies layers, alternating with limestone rocks. It is perfectly visible on the walls of the mine: the gray layers - a limestone and brown - slate. Initially, production of the rock occurred manually, using picks and shovels. The mined oil shale were taken on horseback to the top. Later, the extraction of the rock occurred with explosives. With the help of the drill hole is drilled in the wall, in which laid the dynamite. To the place of the explosion drove a special processor, which took out pieces of slate.

Later, there was another way to oil shale mining. Under the land sank a special harvester with two cutters, which gnaw the rock. Assembled shale immersed for trolleys and the rails delivered to the conveyor, which is inclined to the tape lifted shale surface.

As during the tour, you will learn and see as well as using a technique quarried slate, in addition, it will be possible to try to take advantage of their own drill. The museum has a shop where you can buy souvenirs and gifts.