The ore assets of Trepča, which is the largest lead-zink area in Europe, were already known in Roman time, as evidenced by the oil lamp discovered in old underground tunnel. The medieval exploitation had started around 1303, and was based on extraction of gold, lead and silver. The construction of fortresses in Ibar Valley was financed by silver extracted from this mine, and the first Serbian silver dinars, minted by then ruler Despot Stefan Lazarević in 1412, were maid from this silver. In 1930s the exploitation was started once more, and soon has reached enormous magnitude. In addition to a wealth of ore, Trepča is exceptional by mineralogical composition of over 60 different minerals of extraordinary beauty, which are presented in museums throughout the World. Natural History Museum in Belgrade boasts a rich and valuable collection of minerals from Trepče, which the visitors can see next months on exhibition in the Gallery of the Natural History Museum.

Authors of exhibition: Aleksandar Luković and Alena Zdravković.
Author of publication: Aleksandar Luković.