MEMORIAL TO LUDĚK RAUCH
Introduction
The small memorial bearing the inscription “Luděk Rauch *1. 7. 1951 +5. 12. 1983” stands almost opposite the Havlovka lodge at the bus stop, in the area of Shaft No. 12, also known as Rovnost II. Passers-by are usually unaware that a fatal accident occurred at this very place. The memorial was installed by Zdeněk Medek.
Person
Luděk Rauch was a teacher in Ostrov and an enthusiastic explorer of the underground of the Jáchymov region as well as a mineral collector. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern mining heritage studies and mineralogy. Although he was an experienced climber active throughout former Czechoslovakia, Jáchymov ultimately proved fatal to him.
The Accident
The shaft had originally been covered by a concrete slab. Due to weathering, surrounding soil gradually fell inwards and created an opening. On 3 December 1983 Rauch descended through this opening with two friends after they had enlarged it using explosives. At a depth of approximately 120 metres, on the second level of the shaft, he attempted to pass a partial collapse in a crosscut leading toward the Adam mine (Shaft No. 11). In doing so, he dislodged further rock which buried him. His companions were unable to free him and therefore called the mine rescue service, specifically OBZS Sokolov and the rescue unit of the Uranium Mines Zadní Chodov. Rescue teams attempted to recover him for two additional days. On 5 December 1983 Luděk Rauch was officially declared dead and all work was terminated. According to the Investigation Administration of the Public Security of the ČSR, further recovery efforts would have posed excessive risk to rescuers and required costs amounting to several million crowns.
Investigation
The district prosecutor in Karlovy Vary subsequently ordered the Investigation Department of the Public Security in Karlovy Vary to examine the case in view of the seriousness of the conduct and the fatal outcome. Statements from the two companions revealed that their primary motive had been collecting and subsequently selling minerals. Zdeněk M. and Karel M. were charged with misappropriation of socialist property and illegal possession of explosives, as blasting material had been used to widen the entrance. Criminal proceedings against both men were discontinued on 20 June 1984 by decision of the investigating officer.
Legacy
In 2010, a newly identified mineral from Jáchymov was named metarauchite in Rauch’s honour.
Another Fatality
The dangers associated with entering abandoned mine workings are also illustrated by the death of another mineral collector, Petr Botek. He died at the end of August 1983 in the exploratory drift of the Hildebrand vein on the Stollen level of the Svornost mine. After stepping onto decayed timbering of a shaft, he fell approximately 230 metres and sustained fatal injuries.
