Bienstandstollen Copper Mine

The beekeeping tunnel in the Imsbach district is the smallest copper ore mine. The interesting thing about the pit is that it belongs to the earliest mining period in Imsbach mining. The dismantling of the apiary was probably started at the beginning of the 16th century, but was stopped shortly after 1556. A small mineralization, which also emerges over days, was mined, with small enrichment zones, in the rhyolite.

The mine was not restarted in the second mining period of Imsbach's copper mining. Only in the third period of operation around 1900 was the beekeeping gallery opened again. This was made possible by the improved leaching method in which the poor ores could be used. The final out of the pit came in 1919, when leaching was discontinued.
The remains of the apiary can be seen in the Katharienental, just north of the Katharina II pit.
The mine was known by mineral collectors for the excellent azurite steps for Imsbach. However, the azurite-bearing zones have long since been dismantled and no more finds are to be expected.

Very impressive and exciting for both amateur geologists and children. The rocks there have very pretty, green, turquoise inclusions. You can even go into the tunnel, with a flashlight you can go a little way.

"The mostly green and blue copper ores are clearly visible on the small heap in front of the pit [medieval in origin]."
Source (quoted verbatim): bew-imsbach.de/index.php/de/22-montanhistorische-wanderwege/bergbauwanderwege