Lastabotn
Mining has characterized Lastabotn for about 200 years, but unfortunately, it has never been particularly profitable. Despite this, mining has created life and activity in the fjord, and visible traces of the operations can still be found in the area.
Since 1745, Lastabotn has had several periods of mining, but unfortunately, it was never very profitable. The mining industry attracted the hiring of both local and foreign workers, including German and other miners. “Enighetens Kobberværk” was established in 1764, but after a few years, the owners disagreed, and transport of ore to a smelter in Hjelmeland became too expensive.
During the mining period, there was a lot of activity in Lastabotn. The foreign workers were well-received in the fjord, and some of them even married women from the area. But when mining was shut down, many moved on to other mining communities. English interests resumed mining in 1868, but again without success. In 1915, people from Stavanger tried their hand at mining, also without much success.
Today, the mine tunnels are closed, but traces of mining are still visible in the area, and the rock bears the mark of copper ore.
