Prometheus

Miner – Prometheus is a 11,60 meter high, 4 meter wide, 18 ton statue. Its concrete foundation weighs 56 tons. The statue is made from scrap iron, other metals, electrical wiring and electronic devices. It was made in KOVIT projekti d.o.o. workshop under the guidance of the author, academic sculptor Zoran Poznič.

Scrap iron and other metals that the statue is made from are part of the industrial heritage that remained at the landfill and mining shafts after the mine Trbovlje-Hrastnik was closed. But they are not the only materials used to complete the imposing statue. His 80 centimeters big beating heart is made from coal and is the work of author Marjetka Hribar.

Seated on the hillside of Ostri vrh (Špicberg) the monumental sculpture represents the legacy of industrial heritage of Zasavje and reminds the future generations of its importance in shaping and growth of the surrounding area. The beam of light from the miner’s helmet illuminates the other side of Trbovlje valley, more specifically “Drajeršoht” an important symbol of mining heritage. The sculpture is symbolically named after the greek demigod Prometeus who stole fire from the gods and gave it to the people which is similar to what miners gave to their community – energy in the form of coal.

Author of the Prometeus sculpture, Zoran Poznič, said “that the human yearning to do things better, reach higher and make things easier and accessible to everyone /…/ is, at its core, connected to technology and its advancement. Prometeus is a symbol of struggle and suffering, which the people of Zasavje have laid on the altar of development and progress from generation to generation. The coal heart symbolizes this love, stubbornness, and determination regardless of challenges and obstacles.”