Traditional Association

As early as 1338, miners from Ehrenfriedersdorf founded a mutual support association—the Berggrabebrüderschaft (Miners' Brotherhood) that exists today. It is likely the oldest brotherhood in Europe; despite wars and hard times, it has endured without interruption to the present day, remaining an integral part of Ehrenfriedersdorf’s mining history, which spans more than 800 years.

Today, the Berggrabebrüderschaft is a traditional association with approximately 180 members from diverse backgrounds. Each member is familiar with both the traditional miner’s attire and the ceremonial miner’s uniform that originated during the GDR era. Membership spans generations in some families, yet new miners also constantly join, driven by the importance of preserving the Ore Mountains' ancient mining traditions.

When the "Letzter Hunt" (last ore cart) was hauled from the Sauberg mine in 1990, the "Sektion Zinnerz" (Tin Ore Section) was established; this was an association of men who had worked in the profession during its final years—miners and foremen from the Sauberg site. During the GDR era, the *Berggrabebrüderschaft* had consisted largely of workers from other trades, with "real" miners in the minority. However, this changed during that period of social and economic upheaval.

Further information can be found on the website of the Berggrabebrüderschaft Ehrenfriedersdorf e. V. (only in german).