Düppenweiler Schmelzertag

Industrial Culture at the Litermont

The Historic Copper Mine Düppenweiler at the foot of the Litermont mountain in the Beckingen district of Düppenweiler is an industrial monument of supra-regional importance. Copper ore was mined here from the 16th century onwards and smelted on-site — a pioneering achievement in pre-industrial metal processing in the Saar-Mosel region. Today, the facility is a museum and one of the few places in Germany where the complete 18th-century copper smelting chain is preserved in working order.

Ascension Day = Schmelzertag

Once a year — on Ascension Day — the mine fires up its facility. The day is called Düppenweiler Schmelzertag, and on this day, the focus is not on theoretical museum explanations but on the actually functioning smelter. The complete facility, including the crushing mill, bellows, and all three smelting furnaces, as well as the refining furnace, is put into operation.

From Ore to Copper Casting

Visitors can experience the complete smelting process using 18th-century methods:

1. Ore Washing — the raw ore is rinsed and cleaned
2. Crushing Mill (Ore Crushing) — water-powered stamps crush the rock
3. Roasting — the ore is roasted over an open flame
4. Smelting in the Small Blast Furnace — copper is extracted from the ore at around 1,200 °C
5. Refining Furnace — the raw copper is refined
6. Casting — molten copper is poured into molds

More Than Smelting: Mystallica and Hands-On Program

In parallel with the smelting, the mine opens its tunnels for guided tours — including the atmospheric Mystallica light and sound installation, which transforms the underground tour into a theatrical experience. On the surface, a varied accompanying program takes place: blacksmiths in action, traditional craft demonstrations, gold panning for children, a farmers' market with regional products, children's play activities, and catering.

Community Engagement

The Schmelzertag is organized by the Friends of the Historic Copper Mine Düppenweiler and the municipality of Beckingen. Without the voluntary commitment of the smelters, supervisors, and helpers, the facility would have long since become history. Those who visit the day directly support the preservation of the industrial monument.