Idrija Compressor Station

Idrija Compressor Station 

Idrija Compressor Station

The Mine's compressor station held an important place in the rich technical heritage of the mining town of Idrija. In this station, compressed air was produced using various compressors to ensure the uninterrupted operation of mine machines and devices for almost a hundred years. And, like elsewhere, characters and stories were created here to be relived by future generations.


Entrance Fee:
EUR 3.00

Children aged 6-15 and students: EUR 1.50

Suitable for:

individuals, families, groups, school groups, individuals with disabilities

Duration of tour:

30 minuts.

The visit is possible by prior arrangement.

Machines and devices

The mine began using compressed air machines and devices during World War I. The decision was primarily driven by a shortage of labour due to war obligations and the need to increase mercury production. The first compressor, along with an air storage tank, was installed in the IV Horizon of the mine. In 1926, a new and larger building was constructed in the area of the current compressor station using a combination of wood and bricks. The previous compressors were relocated from the depths of the tunnels to the new building, which also housed a brand new compressor from the Italian manufacturer Tosi. This compressor operated until the late 1970s. In 1947, the mine acquired a compressor from the American manufacturer Chicago Pneumatic through the UNRRA program, replacing the worn-out Kosel compressor with significantly lower capacity. 


Photo: Idrija Compressor Station by Matej Petrnelj; Archives CUDHg Idrija



Machines and devices

Fire safety non-compliance

Due to fire hazards and the deteriorating condition of the old building, the Idrija Mine decided to construct a more suitable and larger facility in the early 1960s. In the same decade, they also acquired new compressors from the Swedish manufacturer Atlas Copco, significantly increasing the production of compressed air. With minor modifications, the compressor station operated at this capacity until its closure in 2006.

Photo: Idrija Compressor Station; by Matej Petrnelj. CUDHg Idrija Archives.

Fire safety non-compliance

Three major earthquakes

The three major earthquakes in the Posočje region (1976, 1998, 2004), along with ground subsidence, resulted in significant damage to the building, posing a threat to the safety of people and property. It was included in the earthquake aftermath recovery programme in Posočje on 12 July, 2004. The decision was made to demolish the damaged structure and construct a replacement building in its place, meeting the requirements of post-earthquake reconstruction, legislation, and safe construction regulations. The current compressor station building was constructed in 2020 using funds allocated for post-earthquake recovery.

Three major earthquakes

Restored compressors

The restored Tosi, Chicago Pneumatic, and Atlas Copco compressors, along with parts of the remaining technical equipment necessary for the smooth operation of the compressors, as well as a permanent exhibition providing detailed descriptions of compressed air production at the former mercury mine in Idrija, are on display in the premises of the renovated compressor station. With its design and appearance, the station effectively combines the old and the new, and, together with the mentioned inventory, commemorates the rich technical heritage of the mining town of Idrija.

 Restored compressors
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