In the 16th century, sufficient hydropower was necessary for the mining and processing of the ore in the mining districts. The water from natural watercourses and artificial canals was used not only to operate water-powered mining machinery and dressing plants, but also to transport timber and firewood. That was also the case of the Horní Blatná tin district, for which the water channel was dug from the eastern edge of the Boží Dar Peat Bog through Myslivny, Ryžovna and Bludná to the northern slope of the Blatenský Vrch Hill as far as Horní Blatná. In Horní Blatná, the channel is piped into Blatenský Stream. The water channel was used for centuries. It was maintained on a regular basis until 1945, later mainly as a source of water for both industrial operations and fire protection. In 1980, it was declared as Technical Monument and completely reconstructed in 1995-2001. A nature trail follows the channel. The trail starts at Boží Dar and is connected to the Vlčí Jámy Nature Trail near Horní Blatná.
In the past Horní Blatná was among the most important tin ore deposits in Bohemia. Probably since the 14th century panning for tin grains had taken place in the surrounding area. Cassiterite was also extracted from weathered sandy outcrops of cassiterite bearing veins. The oldest published sign of such a mine, which was located on the Pískový Vrch Hill, dates back to 1380. Other metals were also mined, predominantly silver and iron. The iron mine at Bludná was in operation until 1515 at the latest, which is 17 years prior to the foundation of the Horní Blatná Town.
Fig.:
Map
The “Wolf” Pit
Begin of the channel below Boží Dar