Mining Helmet

This model is a helmet from the Dutch National Mining Museum in Heerlen, The Netherlands. The museum is located in the mine shaft of the oldest and second largest mine of the Oranje Nassau mining company. The mine, named Oraje Nassau I, was the company's last mine to stop operating, closing in 1974. The helmet itself is an older model, estimated to be from the 1950s or 1960s. However, unlike earlier head protection used in coalmines (which were made up of canvas, cloth, and leather), this helmet is made from metal and leather. Helmets are critical for miners’ safety and mines in Limburg were considered the safest in the world when still operating. Created by: Mia van der Burgt