History of mineral exploration in Hungary until 1945
CONTENTS, INTRODUCTION
Contents
G. CSÍKY: Introduction
V. SZÉKY-FUX: Preface
L. ZSÁMBOKI: One thousand years of mining of non-ferrous ores in Hungary (896-1918)
J. POLLNER: Ore mining exploration in Hungary between 1920 and 1945
L. FEJÉR: History of hard and soft coal exploration in Hungary till 1945
S. JASKÓ: History of lignite exploration in Hungary
G. CSÍKY: History of petroleum and natural gas exploration in Hungary from the beginning till 1928
L. KŐRÖSSY: Contribution to the history of Hungarian petroleum exploration between 1920-1945
G. SZUROVY: Development of petroleum prospecting methods before World War II
I. DOBOS: Development of the exploration and exploitation of subsurface waters in Hungary till 1920
K. KORIM: Subsurface water exploration in Hungary between the two World Wars
A. RÓNAI: The development of principles related to subsurface water prospecting in Hungary
B. VIZY: History of bauxite exploration in Hungary till 1945
P. KERTÉSZ: History of building stone exploration in Hungary till 1945
GY. VITÁLIS: Exploration of ceramical and cementing raw materials in Hungary till 1945
Introduction
The importance of mineral resources has been steadily increasing since World War II. The geopolitical rearrangements failed to produce an equitable distribution. The unbalance resulted in multiple economic difficulties and political conflicts. The "energy crisis" connected with the local wars in the Middle East (1973) brought about an almost general hausse of the mineral commodities on the world market. This had a negative effect on the economy of the countries which have to import mineral raw materials; Hungary; one of these, was forced to make better use of her domestic resources.
In the process of exploitation and utilization of mineral resources, mining is preceded by geological exploration. In 1973, the Hungarian Government took the necessary measures to foster mineral exploration. The first results, ensuing tasks and further prospects were reviewed and summarized at a National Geological Conference organized by the Central Office of Geology in 1976.
The Hungarian Geological Society has always considered as one of its main objectives and tasks to promote the better knowledge of Hungary's mineral resources. In the 1970s particular attention was paid to the scientific and economic problems concerning the exploration of bauxite, coal, hydrocarbons, and polymetallic ores.
On 14 February 1977, the Historical Section of the Hungarian Geological Society held a Colloquium in Budapest on the "History of Mineral Resources Exploration in Hungary from the Beginnings till 1945". The abridged lectures were published in vol. 110, No 1 of "Földtani Közlöny" (Bulletin of the Hungarian Geological Society) in 1980.
For the present volume, edited for the 28th Session of the International Geological Congress (July 1989, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.), the texts have been completed and revised by the authors. Tables, figures and bibliographical references have been added.
The idea is to provide a modest contribution to the worldwide history of mineral exploration by the example of a central European country with an ancient and prestigious tradition in the fields of mining and geology.
The better knowledge of our planet Earth, its resources, past and present processes, is indispensable for sustainable development, implying a scientifically well founded management and protection of the geosphere and the biosphere. This activity may seem less attractive and less sensational than space research. Nevertheless, it is crucial for the future of Mankind.
G. Csíky