The European Mining Heritage Network Welcome Mining and quarrying are Europe’s most ancient industries. They have contributed to the social, cultural, economic and technological development of the continent since the dawn of human habitation in the Stone Age. Today, we are no less dependent upon these industries to supply us with the raw materials for computers, the building materials for our homes, roads and offices, as well as the metals for our cars, trains, ships, and aeroplanes. Europamines, the European Mining Heritage Network, exists to advance knowledge, awareness and appreciation of the contributions that these industries have made to the development of all European nations and cultures.