sustainability

Article Environmentally Degraded Mining Areas of Eastern Slovakia As a Potential Object of Geotourism

Vladimír Cechˇ 1, Bohuslava Gregorová 2, Juliana Krokusová 1, Vladislava Košová 1, Pavel Hronˇcek 3,Mário Molokáˇc 3,* and Jana Hlaváˇcová 3

1 Department of Geography and Applied Geoinformatics, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Prešov, Ulica 17. novembra 1, 081 16 Prešov, Slovakia; [email protected] (V.C.);ˇ [email protected] (J.K.); [email protected] (V.K.) 2 Department of Geography and Geology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 40, 974 01 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia; [email protected] 3 Department of Geo and Mining Tourism, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Institute of Earth Resources, Technical University of Košice, Letná 9, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia; [email protected] (P.H.); [email protected] (J.H.) * Correspondence: [email protected]



Received: 9 June 2020; Accepted: 20 July 2020; Published: 27 July 2020


Abstract: The paper deals with the possibilities of further use of environmentally degraded and polluted areas on the example of (mining and industrial) activities residues in the Central Spiš region in eastern Slovakia. On the example of the Slovinky mining tailing pond, the Markušovce mining tailing pond, and two mining dumps in Rudˇnany, we deal with the analysis of their condition in terms of heavy metal content, as well as the real and potential alternative use of these sites. Data were collected using field trips and field research in sediment sampling in all localities and by preparing a questionnaire for opinion polls. The content of heavy metals from all four places, the results of field trips, and the questionnaire were analyzed. The article points out the current state of these objects in terms of their load with heavy metals and considers their possible alternative uses, especially in terms of geotourism or education. The implementation of geotourism in the studied sites brings along benefits, not only for visitors and students, but also has a positive impact on sites themselves and on the local community. The results of such analyses should also serve as a basis (starting point) in planning the renewal and further development of such areas.

Keywords: tailing pond; mining heap; heavy metals; poll survey; geotourism

1. Introduction Mining activities and the related processing industry are a significant anthropogenic factor, which changes the appearance and character of the landscape for a very long time. Except for the mined underground spaces, these surface changes are manifested by visually clearly perceptible anthropogenic mining forms of relief [1–4]. Such forms of accumulative nature include tailing ponds and heaps. These objects are a foreign element in the landscape, which significantly burdens the individual components of the landscape sphere. They are thus an environmental burden and, as a rule, they represent environmentally degraded areas. The most important contaminants are heavy metals in sediments of tailing ponds and heaps. The burden manifests itself across all components of the earth’s land sphere [5–10] or within individual components: air [11], water [12–15], soil [11,12,16–25], and flora and fauna [15,26–28]. Last but not least, the negative effect of these or similar forms is also manifested in humans [10,19,29,30]. After the active operation of heaps and tailing ponds or other similar objects, it is usually a logical step to reclaim these sites in several ways [31–34]. As a rule, it is a

Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029; doi:10.3390/su12156029 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 2 of 26 modification of bodies of these objects through grassing or afforestation [35]. Recently, the question of alternative use of these sites has become more vital. There is a tendency to develop recreational sites, sports activities, or to build educational trails and use these bodies in geotourism and mining tourism. The term geotourism was first defined by Thomas A. Hose [36] as abiotic nature-oriented tourism, with particular emphasis on the geological and geomorphological aspects in this regard. R. Buckley [37] characterizes geotourism only as a special form of ecotourism. In contrast, Joyce [38] perceives geotourism in a broader sense as a new type of tourism, which is related to geological and geomorphological attractions and characteristics of individual sites or parts of the country. In Dowling’s work [39], geotourism is characterized as sustainable tourism with a primary focus on geological exploration of the landscape, aimed at promoting ecological and cultural awareness, and evaluation and environmental protection by preserving a form of tourism that emphasizes the geographical character of the site—its “environment”, culture, aesthetics, heritage, health, and well-being of the population. The term “environment” may also include geology. Such a definition emphasizes the broader context (in the country) and not just a specific individual object. In a relatively short time, several works dealing with geotourism have been published. A basic overview of the types of work on geotourism is provided, for example, in [40–43] and others. The term geotourism is closely related to the term mining tourism. Some authors understand it as a kind of geotourism (e.g., [44]), others understand it as a separate type of tourism, independent of geotourism (e.g., [45]). These authors state that mining tourist sites are often located in a natural environment with many geological features, which may be of interest to geotourism and mining tourism. On the other hand, mining tourism covers a much wider area, including mining heritage in the form of mining symbols or the spiritual heritage of miners, which do not meet the definition of geotourism at all. We will use the term geotourism in accordance with the objectives of the work. Several works deal with using the former mining or industrial sites, or environmentally burdened areas, as objects of tourism [46–53] and many more. From the point of view of geotourism focused on society for those who have a passion for knowledge, adventure, new discoveries, and education, this is the first assessment of tailing ponds and heaps of this kind. These activities are carried out in spite of the fact that movement in such locations means certain risks to the health or life of potential visitors. The implementation of geotourism brings along benefits not only for visitors but also has a positive impact on the local community. The objective of the article submitted can be divided into two parts. The first part is an analysis of heavy metal content in sediments of the Slovinky tailing pond, the Markušovce tailing pond, and two mining heaps in Rudˇnanyin the environmentally burdened area of Central Spiš in eastern Slovakia and comparison of measured values in relation to the limit values for heavy metals in soils. This objective is based on several research questions and assumptions. We assumed that the load of these sites with heavy metals would be enormous and would exceed the limit values several times. We also assumed higher values of heavy metal content in tailing ponds compared to heaps, due to the longer period of disposal of waste from mining and industrial activities. The content of heavy metals in the sediments of these localities became the analyzed quantity, which best indicates the degree of load on the area. The aim of this research was to analyze the degree of load on these sites and to present them as environmentally extremely congested areas based on statistical indicators, not just visual perception. We tried to obtain basic data on the state of environmental load of sites before their evaluation for potential use in education and tourism. The second part is an analysis of alternative real and potential use of these sites, especially in education or geotourism fields, based on the results of field research, field trips, and poll surveys among university students. This objective follows the first part. Students were deliberately selected as respondents as it was part of the educational process. Students had to confront theoretical knowledge with reality on the spot and fill in a questionnaire based on the acquired practical and theoretical knowledge. The purpose of the questionnaire was to get an idea of students’ knowledge in this field, as well as to analyze, according to their opinions with the help of a predefined range of answers, Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 3 of 26

Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 26 the potential use of these sites in education or in geotourism and respond to basic assumptions. Weassumptions. expected resultsWe expected that would results indicate that would a greater indicate suitability a greater of suitability these sites of for these education sites for and education less for andtourism. less for We tourism. also assumed We also that assumed students wouldthat students perceive would these objectsperceive as these negative objects elements as negative in the elementslandscape in and the would landscape consider and them would as aconsider significant them source as a of significant pollution ofsource the landscape. of pollution This of is the an landscape.initial survey This of potentialis an initial opportunities, survey of aspotentia tourisml opportunities, or use for educational as tourism purposes or use is for not educational yet present purposesin these sites. is not yet present in these sites. Despite thethe relativerelative di differencesfferences in in the the focus focus of of both bo objectivesth objectives of theof the paper, paper, we triedwe tried to ensure to ensure their theircomplementarity complementarity and synergy. and synergy. We needed We toneeded obtain to certain obtain quantitative certain quantitative indicators beforeindicators conducting before publicconducting opinion public polls opinion and carrying polls out and excursions carrying andout theexcursions teaching process.and the Theseteaching indicators process. represent These indicatorsthe degree ofrepresent heavy metal the loadingdegree of on theheavy sites metal and provideloading evidence on the ofsites environmental and provide degradation evidence of environmentalsites based on statistical degradation data, of notsites just based visual on perceptionstatistical data, by visitors. not just Wevisual presented perception the statisticalby visitors. basis We presentedof the heavy the metal statistical loading basis on of the the sites heavy to the metal respondents loading on of the sites public to opinionthe respondents poll in order of the to public get an opinionidea of the poll level in oforder environmental to get an loads idea beforeof the filling level inof the environmental questionnaire andloads thus before being filling able to in adapt the questionnairetheir answers inand the thus questionnaire being able to to these adapt facts. their By comparinganswers in thethe content questionnaire of heavy to metals these withfacts. limit By valuescomparing in soils, the content we provided of heavy respondents metals with with limit an va idealues of in the soils, danger we provided caused by respondents human activities with an in ideathese of sites the anddanger the caused need for by specific human measures activities in in the these case sites of useand in the geotourism need for specific or in education. measures in the case of use in geotourism or in education. 2. Geographical, Geological, and Historical Setting of the Examined Territory 2. Geographical, Geological, and Historical Setting of the Examined Territory Central Spiš is the central part of the vast historical region of Spiš in Eastern Slovakia, as shown in FigureCentral1. From Spiš is the the administrative central part of point the vast of view, historical it is predominantly region of Spiš in located Eastern in Slovakia, the Košice as Region, shown within Figure only 1. a smallFrom partthe administrative reaching out to point the Prešov of view, Region. it is predominantly Within the Košice located Region, in the Spišsk Košiceá Nov Region,á Ves withand Gelnicaonly a small are the part districts reaching belonging out to here,the Prešov and in Region. Prešov, itWithin extends the into Košice the districtRegion, of Spišská Levoˇca. Nová Ves and Gelnica are the districts belonging here, and in Prešov, it extends into the district of Levoča.

Figure 1. PositionPosition of of the ex examinedamined territory.

This territory is an old mining area. It is rich in mineral resources, especially copper and iron ore. In the past, past, intensive mining and industrial acti activitiesvities took place here, es especiallypecially in the cadastral territories of Rud Rudˇnany,ňany, Slovinky, andand Krompachy. RudˇnanyRudňany Ore Field is built by layers of older and younger Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and younger cover form formationsations of Tertiary and Quaternary. The oldest subsoil is is formed formed by by the the so so called called rakovecká rakoveck seriesá series phyllites phyllites [54,55]. [54,55 The]. Thecarboniferous carboniferous layer layer is ore- is bearing.ore-bearing. Approximately Approximately 42 million 42 million tons of tons ore ofwere ore mined were minedin Rud inňany Rudˇnanyfor for almost 700 almost years 700 of yearsmining, of andmining, the andpotential the potential of reserves of reserves is approximately is approximately 100 million 100 million tons. If tons. we Ifdeduct we deduct the ore the mined, ore mined, the majority of the geological reserves remain under ground. However, they are deep inside and of inferior quality, so today’s economists have declared them unbalanced; they are not interested in them. After 1989, the mining and processing industry started to decline in the region. The years 1992 Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 4 of 26 the majority of the geological reserves remain under ground. However, they are deep inside and of inferior quality, so today’s economists have declared them unbalanced; they are not interested in them. AfterSustainability 1989, 2020 the, mining12, x FOR andPEER processing REVIEW industry started to decline in the region. The years 19924 andof 26 1993 were an important milestone. Mining of stocks and unprofitable mining led to the mine being and 1993 were an important milestone. Mining of stocks and unprofitable mining led to the mine shut down and closed. The year 1993 was considered a milestone, when mining finished and critical being shut down and closed. The year 1993 was considered a milestone, when mining finished and plants, which contributed most to the pollution of the environment, were shut down in Rudˇnany critical plants, which contributed most to the pollution of the environment, were shut down in and Slovinky. Rudňany and Slovinky. Almost 30 years have passed since mining finished there but the impact of mining on the Almost 30 years have passed since mining finished there but the impact of mining on the landscape and its components is a complex problem. Mining of raw materials leaves irreversible landscape and its components is a complex problem. Mining of raw materials leaves irreversible changes both underground and on the surface. On one hand, there are irreversible relief changes changes both underground and on the surface. On one hand, there are irreversible relief changes in in the form of mining anthropogenic forms—undermined areas, caves, heaps, and tailing ponds. the form of mining anthropogenic forms—undermined areas, caves, heaps, and tailing ponds. Their Their reclamation is very demanding. On the other hand, there is contamination of all environmental reclamation is very demanding. On the other hand, there is contamination of all environmental parts parts with heavy metals [56,57]. In the surroundings of Rudˇnany, there are high contents of heavy with heavy metals [56,57]. In the surroundings of Rudňany, there are high contents of heavy metals— metals—Hg, Cu, Cd, Pb, Sb. It is estimated that in only 60 years of operation of an old ore heat Hg, Cu, Cd, Pb, Sb. It is estimated that in only 60 years of operation of an old ore heat treatment plant, treatment plant, several thousand tons of Hg got into the atmosphere, mostly in metallic form. From the several thousand tons of Hg got into the atmosphere, mostly in metallic form. From the new plant, new plant, about 142 tons of metallic Hg were released into the air and, subsequently, into the soil. about 142 tons of metallic Hg were released into the air and, subsequently, into the soil. The The surroundings of Krompachy and Slovinky were again contaminated with heavy metals—As, Cu, surroundings of Krompachy and Slovinky were again contaminated with heavy metals—As, Cu, and and Zn. The decisive pollutants in the air, water, and soil are therefore heavy metals (Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Zn. The decisive pollutants in the air, water, and soil are therefore heavy metals (Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cu) Cu) and sulfur oxides, since sulfides are metal-bearing ores. In terms of the last complex environmental and sulfur oxides, since sulfides are metal-bearing ores. In terms of the last complex environmental regionalization of Slovakia [58], the examined territory belongs to the Spiš–Rudˇnanydistrict with a regionalization of Slovakia [58], the examined territory belongs to the Spiš–Rudňany district with a significantly disturbed environment. This territory covers an area of 364 km2 and has approximately significantly disturbed environment. This territory covers an area of 364 km2 and has approximately 52,000 inhabitants. The research was carried out in four sites in the region—the Markušovce tailing 52,000 inhabitants. The research was carried out in four sites in the region—the Markušovce tailing pond, Pätoracké and Zabíjanec mining heaps, which belonged to the former mining area of Rudˇnany, pond, Pätoracké and Zabíjanec mining heaps, which belonged to the former mining area of Rudňany, as shown in Figure2, and the Slovinky tailing pond. as shown in Figure 2, and the Slovinky tailing pond.

Figure 2.2. ExaminedExamined sites sites within within the the former former mining mining area area Rud Rudˇnany.ňany. 1: 1:Markušovce Markušovce tailing tailing pond; pond; 2: 2:Zabíjanec Zabíjanec heap; heap; and and 3: 3:Pätoracké Pätorack heap.é heap.

Site 1—Markušovce tailing pond The tailing pond is located in front of the mouth of Markušovský brook into the valley of Rudnianský brook. It is situated on the border of cadastral territories of municipalities Markušovce (district Spišská Nová Ves) and Závadka pri Nálepkove (district Gelnica) in the Košice Region. It is located near the mining complex of the former plant Želba, a.s. Spišská Nová Ves in Rudňany. The shape of the tailing pond follows the relief of the lower part of the valley of Markušovský brook and is bounded by the present surface from above. The surface morphology is modeled by flotation sludge sedimentation, while the altitude reaches 478 m above sea level at the upper dam, and 474 m Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 5 of 26

Site 1—Markušovce tailing pond

The tailing pond is located in front of the mouth of Markušovský brook into the valley of Rudnianský brook. It is situated on the border of cadastral territories of municipalities Markušovce (district Spišská Nová Ves) and Závadka pri Nálepkove (district Gelnica) in the Košice Region. It is located near the mining complex of the former plant Želba, a.s. Spišská Nová Ves in Rudˇnany. The shape of the tailing pond follows the relief of the lower part of the valley of Markušovský brook Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 26 and is bounded by the present surface from above. The surface morphology is modeled by flotation sludgeabove sea sedimentation, level in the whilecentral the part altitude (so-called reaches tailing 478 mpond above mirror) sea level and at477 the m upper above dam, sea level and 474at the m abovelower seadam. level Thein morphology the central inside part (so-called the bodytailing is disrupted pond mirror)by the presence and 477 of m the above dam sea system level atof thethe lowerold tailing dam. pond, The morphology which was in inside operation the body until is1974, disrupted and bounded by the presenceby a plain of of the 460 dam m above system sea of level the oldfrom tailing above, pond, later whichcovered was by in a new operation tailing until pond 1974, to the and present bounded level by from a plain 474 ofm 460above m abovesea level sea (water level fromlevel), above, up to laterapproximately covered by 478 a new m above tailing sea pond level to the(edges present at the level dam). from The 474 pond m above has a sea total level length (water of level),approximately up to approximately 1085 m and 478a width m above of 160–340 sea level m. (edgesThe area at theof the dam). tailing The pond pond in has 1980 a total was lengthabout of10 approximatelyha, and currently 1085 it mis and35 ha. a widthThe thickness of 160–340 of m.depos Theited area materials of the tailing is variable; pond in the 1980 largest was aboutat the 10lower ha, anddam currently is 38 m thick. it is 35 The ha. current The thickness volume of of deposited sludge deposited materials is is 9,901,160.00 variable; the tons. largest at the lower dam is 38 mThe thick. evolution The current of the volumetailing pond of sludge composition deposited can is 9,901,160.00 be described tons. in a simplified way by three stagesThe with evolution different of theinfluences tailing pondon the composition internal characteristics can be described of the in bed, a simplified as shown way in byFigure three 3. stages with different influences on the internal characteristics of the bed, as shown in Figure3.

FigureFigure 3.3. StagesStages ofof MarkušovceMarkušovce tailingtailing pondpond [[28].28]. 1. Stage of the “old tailing pond” 1. Stage of the “old tailing pond” ItIt waswas created created in in the the early early stages stages of building of building the treatment the treatment complex complex in 1963–1974, in 1963–1974, while in additionwhile in toaddition the front to and the side front dams and there side wasdams also there a longitudinal was also southerna longitudinal dam separating southern thedam deposited separating part the of thedeposited valley (topart the of level the ofvalley approximately (to the level 460 of m a abovepproximately sea level) 460 from m theabove non-deposited sea level) from part withthe non- the brookdeposited and thepart original with the road brook at theand bottom the original of the road valley. at the bottom of the valley. 2.2. “Middle“Middle section” section” stage stage TheThe originaloriginal tailingtailing pondpond waswas floodedflooded (including(including thethe southernsouthern dam)dam) afterafter thethe upperupper andand lowerlower damsdams werewere raisedraised and and completed, completed, the the tunnel tunnel for for draining draining Markušovsk Markušovskýý brook brook was was excavated, excavated, and and the lateralthe lateral northern northern dam dam was was built built (development (development in in 1975–1984, 1975–1984, reached reached approximately approximately 470 470 mm aboveabove seasea level).level).

3.3. TheThe “poor “poor packaging” packaging” stage stage

OriginatingOriginating inin thethe yearsyears 1985–2004,1985–2004, itit isis characterizedcharacterized byby reductionreduction inin thethe contentcontent ofof usefuluseful ingredientsingredients inin thethe by-productsby-products ofof thethe treatmenttreatment duedue toto radicallyradically improvedimproved ore flotationflotation parameters.parameters. InIn recentrecent years, years,the the surface surface morphologymorphology ofof thethe tailingtailing pondpond hashas beenbeen changedchanged byby flotationflotation sludgesludge mining.mining. ExtractionExtraction ofof upperupper layers layers had had some some influence influence on on industrial industrial exploitable exploitable sands sands (on (on the the filling filling of gasof gas pipelines). pipelines). The tailing pond has a complicated internal structure, as shown in Figure 4, due to the different distribution of components and size fractions represented. When sludge is deposited in the tailing pond, substances of different granulometrics and different specific weights are separated. This is influenced by the development of treatment technologies and their efficiency and by the composition of the ores extracted. The internal construction reflects the development of treatment of mined ores from the construction of the so-called new industrial plant in 1963 to the present. In the initial phase in 1963–1970, the treatment technology was not sufficiently mastered. Since 1984, the flotation process has improved and the treatment parameters of the BaSO4 component have substantially improved. The internal structure is also influenced by the natural gravitation classification of substances during Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 6 of 26

The tailing pond has a complicated internal structure, as shown in Figure4, due to the di fferent distribution of components and size fractions represented. When sludge is deposited in the tailing pond, substances of different granulometrics and different specific weights are separated. This is influenced by the development of treatment technologies and their efficiency and by the composition of the ores extracted. The internal construction reflects the development of treatment of mined ores from the construction of the so-called new industrial plant in 1963 to the present. In the initial phase in 1963–1970, the treatment technology was not sufficiently mastered. Since 1984, the flotation process has improved and the treatment parameters of the BaSO4 component have substantially improved. SustainabilityThe internal 2020 structure, 12, x FOR is PEER also REVIEW influenced by the natural gravitation classification of substances during6 of 26 its deposition when the grains of different sizes and specific gravity behave differently. Larger and its deposition when the grains of different sizes and specific gravity behave differently. Larger and heavier grains settle at the beginning of depositing, while finer and easier grains travel from the outlet heavier grains settle at the beginning of depositing, while finer and easier grains travel from the outlet to the center of the pool. In general, the central part of the tailing pond is represented by a rather finer to the center of the pool. In general, the central part of the tailing pond is represented by a rather finer material and a lower proportion of barite, and the edges of the tailing pond by rougher proportions material and a lower proportion of barite, and the edges of the tailing pond by rougher proportions and a relatively higher proportion of barite [59]. and a relatively higher proportion of barite [59].

Figure 4. StructureStructure of Markušovce tailing pond.

Site 2—Zabíjanec 2—Zabíjanec heap

There is a permanent human settlement on this site—the Roma ethnic settlement, as shown in Figure5 5.. TheThe RomaRoma moved moved to to the the abandoned abandoned factory factory in in Zab Zabíjanecíjanec in in the the early early 1970s. 1970s. This This settlement settlement is islocated located directly directly in in the the former former industrial industrial zone zone and and is is about about a a kilometer kilometer fromfrom thethe village.village. Two of the buildings werewere builtbuilt asas administrativeadministrative buildings buildings of of the the mining mining company. company. The The area area served served as aas place a place for forore ore collection collection and and a transport a transport hub. hub. In 1965, In 1965, the companythe company moved moved its activities its activities closer closer to the to mining the mining sites sitesand thisand zonethis zone remained remained abandoned abandoned [60]. [60]. The sources of pollution in this settlement are twofold. First, there are toxic dumps from mining operations. As these heaps are on a hill above the settlement, in case of rain and melting snow, water with a high content of heavy metals flows into the settlement and pollutes the soil. Residents involuntarily carry contaminated soil to their homes. The second source of pollution results from the industrial zone itself, on which the settlement is built. There are remains of heavy metals, oils, and other industrial materials in the soil [60]. Children playing around are exposed to toxins with long-term health effects, including the risk of neurological damage [61]. In 2007, a project was implemented to build a pump to provide drinking water to the community. The locals, however, quickly damaged it and made it out of order, and also dismantled drainage pipes. For drinking water, they have to walk about 2 km to wells, either to the new plant or to

Figure 5. Site “Zabíjanec”—a Roma settlement directly in the area of the former mine on the levelled heap. Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 26 its deposition when the grains of different sizes and specific gravity behave differently. Larger and heavier grains settle at the beginning of depositing, while finer and easier grains travel from the outlet to the center of the pool. In general, the central part of the tailing pond is represented by a rather finer material and a lower proportion of barite, and the edges of the tailing pond by rougher proportions and a relatively higher proportion of barite [59].

Figure 4. Structure of Markušovce tailing pond.

Site 2—Zabíjanec heap There is a permanent human settlement on this site—the Roma ethnic settlement, as shown in FigureSustainability 5. The2020 Roma, 12, 6029 moved to the abandoned factory in Zabíjanec in the early 1970s. This settlement7 of 26 is located directly in the former industrial zone and is about a kilometer from the village. Two of the buildings were built as administrative buildings of the mining company. The area served as a place the village. The poor hygienic situation is manifested by the increased sickness rate of inhabitants for ore collection and a transport hub. In 1965, the company moved its activities closer to the mining (especially children). sites and this zone remained abandoned [60].

Figure 5. SiteSite “Zab“Zabíjanec”—aíjanec”—a Roma Roma settlement settlement directly directly in thein th areae area of the of formerthe former mine mine on the on levelled the levelled heap. heap. Site 3—Pätoracké heap

Pätoracké used to be the most preferred part of Rudˇnanyin the past. In the 1950s and 1960s, the mining company built flats and entire infrastructure for its employees. Two residential buildings were designed for middle and top management of the company. This area was a fully functioning part of the municipality with the necessary infrastructure, schools, offices, and shops. In the 1970s, mining activities began to threaten the area with terrain slides. Several kilometers of mining corridors are located just below the settlement. The deepest underground structures reach up to 900 m below the ground surface. The first incident with collapsing houses took place in the early 1970s. The authorities declared this area a vulnerable zone. The plant decided to move all residents to newly built flats in Spišská Nová Ves and Smižany. It is estimated that about 2700 people were moved. With the exception of two three-story office buildings, all buildings and the entire infrastructure were decommissioned and destroyed. These buildings remained despite the fact that the mining and processing company received money from the state budget to remove all buildings and infrastructure as part of the program to demolish the vulnerable zone. As mentioned above, the Roma were subsequently resettled into these buildings, creating a segregated settlement here [60]. Subsequently, the Roma community grew, both by natural population growth and occasional migration from other settlements. However, mining activities in this area were not interrupted and waste from mining continued to accumulate in the vicinity of the Roma community [62]. The Pätoracké Roma settlement, as shown in Figure6, is one of the most endangered Roma settlements in the entire region of Central and Eastern Europe [63]. As a result of the former mining activity and industry, the entire settlement area is contaminated by toxic emissions, dumps, and left-over tailings. The settlement itself is located in the cave zone of former mines in the dump of mining waste, which is highly contaminated with heavy metals and where secondary mineralization and emissions to the surrounding environment (air in the form of dust and water in the form of leaches) take place. The majority of the population was once evacuated from this place because of terrain movements and Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 8 of 26 slides that threatened local houses [61,64]. Sporadically, there occur slides, and larger caving occurred in 2001, 2009 (when a crater with a diameter of 10 m developed), and 2011. Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 26

Figure 6. AerialAerial view view of of Päto Pätorackrackéé heapheap from from 1993.

Until 1989,1989, locallocal authorities authorities and and the the management management of theof companythe company did notdid take not any take steps any to steps resolve to resolvethe unfavorable the unfavorable situation. situation. The growing The growing pressures pressures of the media of the and media the new and politicalthe new systempolitical criticized system criticizedthe living the conditions living conditions in Pätorack in éPätoracké.. In the first In phase,the first 31 phase, new flats 31 new were flats built were for 270built Roma for 270 living Roma in livingPätorack in éPätoracké.. The apartment The apartment buildings buildings are located are several located hundred several metershundred above meters the originalabove the settlement original settlementin a renovated in a administrativerenovated administrative building of building a former of mining a former company. mining Roma company. from theRoma houses from most the housesvulnerable most to vulnerable landslides to were landslides moved were here. moved Landslides here. are Landslides not a danger are not for thea danger new area, for the but new even area, the butapartment even the buildings apartment provided buildings are provided surrounded are bysurro dumpsunded of by mining dumps waste. of mining The incentive waste. The to dealincentive with tothe deal emergency with the situation emergency concerning situation the concerning rest of the Romathe rest community of the Roma has graduallycommunity disappeared has gradually and disappearedover time the and prevailing over time situation the prevailing has been situation considered has been normal considered again [60 normal]. According again [60]. to the According mayor of tothe the municipality, mayor of the the municipality, area is supervised the area by is thesupervised mining authority,by the mining which authority, is responsible which foris responsible remedying forthe remedying problem. However, the problem. this bodyHowever, is not this interested body is in not pushing interested the statein pushing to move the the state Roma to outmove of the Romavulnerable out of zone. the vulnerable The municipal zone. authority, The municipal on the otherauthority, hand, on does the not other have hand, the means does not to remediate have the meansthis area. to remediate this area. The village has several times unsuccessfully warned the settlers that they live on the territory of thethe past past mining activity, on which no cottagescottages shouldshould be situated. However, However, the Roma continue to to livelive in in a a zone zone at at risk risk of of subsidence subsidence and and landslides. landslides. Only Only one one outdoor outdoor water water supply supply from from a a forest forest well well serves the whole community in the Roma settlement. They They do do not not have have a a sewage system or sewage treatmenttreatment plant, plant, which which results results in th thee poor hygienic situation. Due Due to to the absence of waste collection and habits of local residents, this spacespace is surrounded by rotting garbage.

Site 4—Slovinky tailing Tailing pond Pond

The tailing pond,pond, asas shownshown in in Figure Figure7, 7, is is located located in thein the cadastral cadastral area area of Krompachy. of Krompachy. Although Although it is itlocated is located on the on territory the territory of the townof the of town Krompachy, of Krom itpachy, belonged it belonged to the mine to of the Slovinky. mine of The Slovinky. construction The constructionof a new tailing of ponda new started tailing afterpond an started accident after and an the accident shutting and down the ofshutting the old down one. It of was the in old operation one. It wasbetween in operation 1968 and between 1993 when 1968 the and deposit 1993 was when closed. the deposit The transport was closed. of sludge The transport in the form of of sludge a hydro-mix in the form of a hydro-mix from the ore treatment plant to the tailing pond was provided by three pumping stations connected in series along the sludge route. Approximately 4275 tons of flotation waste were annually stored in the tailing pond. It is a tailing pond with the highest sludge thickness in Slovakia; the height of the dam is 113 m. The tailing pond, where one million tons of arsenic sludge are stored, has a drain built up, but it gets stuck relatively easily during rain or melting snow. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 9 of 26 from the ore treatment plant to the tailing pond was provided by three pumping stations connected in series along the sludge route. Approximately 4275 tons of flotation waste were annually stored in the tailing pond. It is a tailing pond with the highest sludge thickness in Slovakia; the height of the dam is 113 m. The tailing pond, where one million tons of arsenic sludge are stored, has a drain built up, butSustainability it gets stuck 2020, 12 relatively, x FOR PEER easily REVIEW during rain or melting snow. 9 of 26

Figure 7. Aerial viewpoint of Slovinky tailing pond (on the left), bad condition of concrete drainage Figure 7. Aerial viewpoint of Slovinky tailing pond (on the left), bad condition of concrete drainage troughs (up on the right), and the tailing pond body surface (down on the right). troughs (up on the right), and the tailing pond body surface (down on the right). There are two layers in the vertical section of the tailing pond. The upper part of Slovinky tailing pondThere consists are of two dark layers slag fromin the the vertical Kovohuty section Krompachy of the tailing plant, pond. thickness The upper 5–6 m, part under of Slovinky which flotation tailing sludgepond consists originating of dark from slag the from processing the Kovohuty of siderite-sulfide Krompachy ores plant, is placed. thickness The pond5–6 m, is under dry, and which the surfaceflotation layer sludge is not originating reclaimed. from The the mineral processing material of siderite-sulfide of the pond consists ores is mainly placed. of The quartz, pond siderite, is dry, chalcopyrite,and the surface tetrahedrite, layer is not arsenopyrite, reclaimed. andThe pyrite.mineral Analyses material ofof the the overall pond consists composition mainly of theof quartz, tailing pondsiderite, material chalcopyrite, revealed tetrahedrite, a significant arsenopyrite, difference inthe and composition pyrite. Analyses of the of top the slag overall layer andcomposition the deeper of depositedthe tailing flotation pond material sludge. revealed Of the potentially a significant toxic difference elements in that the may composition be a potential of the environmental top slag layer risk,and increasedthe deeper concentrations deposited flotation were found sludge. in the Of upper the pote layerntially of the toxic tailing elements pond (slag) that andmay at be the a bottompotential of theenvironmental tailing pond, risk, especially increased the concentrations values of Cu, Zn, were Cr, fo Pb,und Ba, in Sn,the As,upper and layer Sb. of the tailing pond (slag) and atIn the 2010, bottom on 4 October, of the tailing there waspond, an especially incident in the the values Ajka tailing of Cu, pond Zn, Cr, in Hungary.Pb, Ba, Sn, Part As, of and the Sb. tailing pondIn dam 2010, was on damaged, 4 October, and there the was red sludgean incident covered in the three Ajka municipalities tailing pond lyingin Hungary. lower. There Part of were the 10tailing casualties pondin dam this was tragedy, damaged, and over and 200 the people red sludge were injuredcovered and three several municipalities hundreds oflying houses lower. were There not ablewere to 10 be casualties inhabited in any this longer. tragedy, After and the over above 200 tragic people event were in Hungary,injured and monitoring several hundreds of all tailing of houses ponds inwere Slovakia not able was to carried be inhabited out and any it was longer. found After out thatthe above the condition tragic event of this in tailing Hungary, pond monitoring is unsatisfactory of all andtailing there ponds is a highin Slovakia risk of ecologicalwas carried incident. out andThe it was current found state out ofthat the the tailing condition pond, of and this the tailing oneof pond the damis unsatisfactory and drainage and system there is is not a high satisfactory; risk of ecolog it is mainlyical incident. dangerous The in current the case state of heavyof the rain.tailing There pond, is aand natural the one and of anthropogenic the dam and drainage devastation system not is only not ofsatisfactory; the dam body it is mainly but also dangerous of the measuring in the case and of operationalheavy rain. equipmentThere is a natural (rainfall and erosion anthropogenic on the slope, dev cloggingastation not of stone only drainageof the dam troughs body but by driftedalso of andthe measuring broken concrete and operational debris, disassembly equipment and (rainfall plucking er ofosion the on drainage the slope, system, clogging and the of riskstone of drainage stealing troughs by drifted and broken concrete debris, disassembly and plucking of the drainage system, and the risk of stealing the metal covers in order to get money for them, breaking concrete reinforcements, cutting down tree vegetation ensuring the stability of the slope on the dam, etc.). The tailing pond has a private owner who is not interested in his property. Illegal four-wheeler races take place in the tailing pond. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 10 of 26 the metal covers in order to get money for them, breaking concrete reinforcements, cutting down tree vegetation ensuring the stability of the slope on the dam, etc.). The tailing pond has a private owner whoSustainability is not 2020 interested, 12, x FOR in PEER his property. REVIEW Illegal four-wheeler races take place in the tailing pond. 10 of 26

3. Materials Materials and Methods

3.1. Sediment Sampling Sediment sampling waswas performedperformed inin allall four four sites sites in in the the studied studied area, area, as as shown shown in in Figures Figures8–11 8–. 11.Samples Samples were were sent sent to theto the laboratory laboratory for for heavy heavy metal metal content. content. The The samplessamples werewere analyzedanalyzed in the accredited testingtesting laboratorylaboratory of of the the Ministry Ministry of of the the Environment Environment of theof the Slovak Slovak Republic Republic for Geologyfor Geology and andthe Environmentthe Environment according according to STN to ENSTN ISO EN/IEC ISO/IEC 17025: 17025: 2005. The2005. content The content of Cu, As,of Cu, Pb, As, Ni, Pb, and Ni, Cr wasand Crdetermined was determined by RFS—X-ray by RFS—X-ray fluorescence fluorescence spectrometry, spectrometry, and the content and the of Cdcontent and Coof Cd was and determined Co was determinedby AAS—atomic by AAS—atomic absorption spectrometry. absorption spectrometry. In addition to In internal addition controls, to internal checking controls, thecorrectness checking the of correctnesslaboratory techniques of laboratory in the techniques laboratory in is the regularly laborato ensuredry is regularly by an external ensured control by an system external in the control form systemof inter-laboratory in the form comparative of inter-laboratory tests with comparative a success rate tests of with more a thansuccess 90% rate of all of extentsmore than forall 90% soil of and all waterextents types. for all The soil measured and water values types.. of The heavy measured metals were values compared of heavy with metals the limitwere valuescompared of hazardous with the limitsubstances values stipulated of hazardous by Act substances No. 220 /stipulated2004 on the by Protection Act No. 220/2004 and Use on of Agriculturalthe Protection Land and andUse onof Agriculturalthe Amendment Land of and Act on No. the 245 Amendment/2003 Coll. onof IntegratedAct No. 245/2003 Prevention Coll. andon Integrated Control of Prevention Environmental and ControlPollution. of ValuesEnvironmental exceeding Pollution. the limits ofValues individual exceeding heavy the metals limits were of individual graphically heavy described metals by usingwere graphicallythe so-called described traffic lights by methodusing the [44 so-called]. Values traffic that meet lights the method legal standard [44]. Values are green. that meet For over-limit the legal values,standard we are have green. calculated For over-limit how many values, times we thehave limit calculated value has how been many exceeded. times the Subsequently, limit value has we beendetermined exceeded. the intervalsSubsequently, for exceeding we determined the limit the values, intervals which forcorrespond exceeding the to the limit shades values, of orangewhich correspondto red. to the shades of orange to red.

Figure 8. Sediment sampling places in the Markušovce tailing pond. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 11 of 26

Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 26 Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 26

Figure 9. Sediment sampling places on the Zabíjanec heap. Figure 9. SedimentSediment sampling sampling places places on the Zabíjanec Zabíjanec heap.

Figure 10. Sediment sampling places on the Pätoracké heap. Figure 10. SedimentSediment sampling sampling places places on the Pätoracké Pätoracké heap. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 12 of 26 Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 26

Figure 11. Sediment sampling places in the Slovinky tailing pond. Figure 11. Sediment sampling places in the Slovinky tailing pond.

3.2. Public Opinion Poll For the purposes of this study, a poll survey was prepared according to the general methodology of questionnaire development [[65,65,6666].]. The survey consisted of 16 questions with a predeterminedpredetermined range ofof possiblepossible answers.answers. TheThe questions questions were were prepared prepared according according to to the the aim aim of of this this study, study, focusing focusing on alternativeon alternative use use of theseof these sites, sites, especially especially in in geotourism geotourism and and educational educational process. process. RespondentsRespondents were students of the DepartmentDepartment ofof GeographyGeography andand AppliedApplied GeoinformaticsGeoinformatics Faculty of HumanitiesHumanities and Natural Sciences in Prešov; a total of 160 persons of 4 groups of 4040 personspersons (aged(aged 18–20 years) who visited all the sites as part of their field field training. Respondents were not informed in advance that they would take part in a poll survey, theythey filledfilled itit inin immediatelyimmediately afterafter completingcompleting the route, and they received a detaileddetailed expertexpert commentarycommentary aboutabout eacheach site.site. The The results results of the poll survey were thenthen analyzed, recalculatedrecalculated and and rounded rounded to to a percentage,a percentage and, and processed processed for for the the purposes purposes of publication of publication in a scientificin a scientific journal. journal. Poll Survey (questions and a predeterminedpredetermined rangerange ofof answers)answers)

1. DidDid you you have have sufficient sufficient information information about about the the mi miningning history history of ofthis this region region before before the the visit? visit? (1a)(1a) Yes, Yes, I had detailed information (1b)(1b) I I had had only only basic basic information information (1c)(1c) No, No, I I had had no no information information 2. CanCan you you define define the the concept concept of ofmining mining tailing tailing po pondsnds and and mining mining heaps heaps as asmountain mountain relief relief forms? forms? (2a)(2a) Yes, Yes, I can (2b)(2b) No, No, I I cannot cannot 3. HaveHave you you ever ever visited visited other other regions regions with with mining mining and and industrial industrial remnants remnants including including tailing ponds andand heaps? heaps? (3a) Yes, several times (3b) Yes, once Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 13 of 26

(3a) Yes, several times (3b) Yes, once (3c) No, never 4. What is the visual impact of Slovinky and Markušovce tailing ponds and of mining heaps in Rudˇnany? (4a) Negative and depressive, a foreign element in the landscape (4b) Normal, natural part of the landscape after an intensive mining and processing activity (4c) Positive, an interesting anthropogenic element 5. Evaluate the safety of these sites—Slovinky tailing pond (5a) Satisfactory condition (5b) Unsatisfactory condition (5c) Disastrous condition 6. Evaluate the safety of these sites—Markušovce tailing pond (6a) Satisfactory condition (6b) Unsatisfactory condition (6c) Disastrous condition 7. Evaluate the safety of these sites—mining heaps Rudˇnany (7a) Satisfactory condition (7b) Unsatisfactory condition (7c) Disastrous condition 8. In your opinion, what impact do these sites have on the state of the environment and human and animal health? (8a) Very negative (8b) Slightly negative (8c) Neither negative nor positive 9. What is the primary task of the competent authorities/persons in relation to these sites? (9a) Ensure regular monitoring of the territory (9b) Transfer of ownership from private to state hands (9c) Use in geotourism, together with other objects after the former mining activity (9d) Use in educational process in schools (9e) Remediation of damaged parts and gradual reclamation (9f) Further processing of material in the tailing pond, extraction of precious metals (Au, Ag) (9g) Prevent uncontrolled visits to these sites (9h) Remove illegal dwellings within the reach of such sites 10. Are these sites suitable for geotourism and education in schools? (10a) Yes, they are (10b) No, they are not 11. Would it be appropriate to build orientation and information boards at these sites? (11a) Yes (11b) No 12. Would it be suitable to mark a hiking trail leading to these sites? (12a) Yes (12b) No Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 14 of 26

Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 26 13. Would it be suitable to have a tourist guide in these sites? 14. Would(13a) Yesyou suggest to include these sites as part of the so-called mining route? (13b) No (14a) Yes 14. (14b)Would No you suggest to include these sites as part of the so-called mining route? 15. Using(14a) these Yes sites in the educational process, should they be included in: (14b) No (15a) Geography 15. (15b)Using Environmental these sites in the study educational process, should they be included in: (15c)(15a) History Geography 16. Using(15b) these Environmental sites in the studyeducational process, what would you prefer: (15c) History (16a) Present them in classes at school 16. (16b)Using Present these sites them in directly the educational on the spot process, what would you prefer: (16a) Present them in classes at school 4. Results(16b) Present them directly on the spot

4.1.4. Results Analysis of the Heavy Metal Content The results of analyses of heavy metal content in all four sites show us an enormous burden of 4.1. Analysis of the Heavy Metal Content the area in most cases, which exceeds the content limits of these elements several times in soil sediments.The results In the of case analyses of Markušovce of heavy metal tailing content pond, in allas fourshown sites in show Table us 1, an Figure enormous 12, samples burden ofwere the takenarea in at most four cases, locations, which as exceeds shown thein Figure content 8—di limitsrectly of these from elements the tailing several pond times (SL3, in SL4), soil sediments. the dam (SL1),In the and case the of Markušovcesmall mound tailing in close pond, proximity as shown to the in Table“mirror”1, Figure covered 12, by samples bushes were (SL2). taken In terms at four of contentlocations, of asCu, shown limit values in Figure were8—directly exceeded from in the the interval tailing 10.1–20 pond (SL3, times SL4), for SL3 the damand SL4. (SL1), For and SL2, the it wassmall 5.1–10 mound times. in close Content proximity of As was to the exceeded “mirror” in covered the interval by bushes 10.1–20 (SL2). times In for terms SL3, of in content SL4 it was of Cu, in thelimit interval values 5.1–10 were exceeded times. The in cont the intervalent of other 10.1–20 elements times forat the SL3 locations and SL4. SL3 For and SL2, SL4 it was (Pb, 5.1–10 Ni, Cr, times. Co) wasContent usually of As exceeded was exceeded in the ininterval the interval 5.1–10 10.1–20 times. timesFor SL1 for and SL3, SL2, in SL4 the it limit was inexceedance the interval interval 5.1–10 rangedtimes. The from content 0 to 5 oftimes other for elements most elements. at the locations The limi SL3t values and SL4were (Pb, not Ni, exceeded Cr, Co) wasfor Cd usually (SL1, exceeded SL2), Pb (SL2),in the intervaland Co (SL1). 5.1–10 times. For SL1 and SL2, the limit exceedance interval ranged from 0 to 5 times for most elements. The limit values were not exceeded for Cd (SL1, SL2), Pb (SL2), and Co (SL1). Table 1. Analysis of heavy metal content in the Markušovce tailing pond. Table 1. Analysis of heavy metal content in the Markušovce tailing pond. Heavy Metal Unit SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 SL 4 Limit Heavy Metal Cu Unit (mg/kg)SL 1258 SL325 2 1096SL 3852 SL60 4 Limit CuAs (mg/kg)(mg/kg)258 85 325102 2561096 213 85225 60 AsCd (mg/kg)(mg/kg)85 0.5 1020.6 1.5256 1.2 2130.7 25 CdPb (mg/kg)(mg/kg)0.5 89 0.659 4491.5 475 1.270 0.7 Pb (mg/kg) 89 59 449 475 70 NiNi (mg/kg)(mg/kg)77 77 112112 303303 228 22850 50 CrCr (mg/kg)(mg/kg)302 302 256256 563563 658 65870 70 CoCo (mg/kg)(mg/kg)14 14 5252 112112 102 10215 15 SL1—tailing pond pond dam, dam, SL2—bushes SL2—bushes close toclose the bodyto the (mirror) body of(mirror) the tailing of pondthe tailing (north), pond SL3—body (north), (mirror) SL3— of the tailing pond (south), SL4—body (mirror) of the tailing pond (south-west). body (mirror) of the tailing pond (south), SL4—body (mirror) of the tailing pond (south-west).

Figure 12. ExplanatoryExplanatory notes notes to to Table Table 11:: IntervalsIntervals exceedingexceeding thethe limitlimit valuesvalues x-times.x-times.

InIn case of of Zabíjanec Zabíjanec mining mining heap, heap, as as shown shown in in Table Table 22,, FigureFigure 1313,, samplessamples werewere takentaken atat threethree locations,locations, as shown shown in Figure Figure 99—one—one directlydirectly fromfrom thethe surfacesurface ofof thethe heapheap (SL2)(SL2) andand twotwo moremore inin closeclose proximity, allall near the Roma settlement. Content of As As reaches reaches the the highest highest value value in in all all three three locations, locations, which exceeds the limit in the interval 5.1–10 times. There is also the content of Cu (SL2) and Co (SL3) in this interval. Most of the other elements in all locations are within the 0–5 times limit. The limit of Cd (SL1 and SL3) and Ni (SL1) was not exceeded. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 15 of 26

which exceeds the limit in the interval 5.1–10 times. There is also the content of Cu (SL2) and Co (SL3) in this interval. Most of the other elements in all locations are within the 0–5 times limit. The limit of Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 26 SustainabilityCd (SL1 and 2020 SL3), 12, xand FOR NiPEER (SL1) REVIEW was not exceeded. 15 of 26

TableTable 2. 2. AnalysisAnalysis of of heavy heavy metal metal content content in in the the Zabíjanec Zabíjanec mining mining heap. heap. Table 2. Analysis of heavy metal content in the Zabíjanec mining heap. Heavy Metal Unit SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 Limit HeavyHeavy MetalMetal UnitUnit SLSL 11 SLSL 22 SLSL 33 LimitLimit Cu (mg/kg) 289 358 256 60 CuCu (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 289289 358358 256256 6060 As (mg/kg) 142 202 198 25 AsAs (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 142142 202202 198198 2525 Cd (mg/kg) <0.5 0.8 <0.5 0.7 CdCd (mg/kg)(mg/kg) << 0.50.5 0.80.8 << 0.50.5 0.7 0.7 Pb (mg/kg) 157 299 278 70 PbPb (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 157157 299299 278278 7070 Ni (mg/kg) 37 68 75 50 NiNi (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 3737 6868 7575 5050 Cr (mg/kg) 85 247 189 70 CrCr (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 8585 247247 189189 7070 Co (mg/kg) 32 66 78 15 CoCo (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 3232 6666 7878 1515 SL1—behindSL1—behind the theheap, heap, SL2—directly SL2—directly on on the the heap, SL3—behindSL3—behind the the heap heap in the in forest.the forest. SL1—behind the heap, SL2—directly on the heap, SL3—behind the heap in the forest.

Figure 13. Explanatory notes to Table 2: Intervals exceeding the limit values x-times. FigureFigure 13. 13. ExplanatoryExplanatory notes notes to to Table Table 2:2: Interval Intervalss exceeding exceeding the the limit limit values values x-times. x-times.

InInIn casecase case ofof of thethe the PätorackéPätoracké Pätoracké miningminingmining heap,heap, heap, asas as shownshown shown inin in TableTable Table 3,33,, FigureFigure 14,1414,, samples samples were were taken taken at at three three locations,locations,locations, as as shownshown in inin Figure FigureFigure 10 10—s10—s—south-eastouth-eastouth-east of of theof thethe heap heapheap edge edgeedge in the inin forest thethe forestforest (SL1), (SL1),(SL1), directly directlydirectly on the on surfaceon thethe surfacesurfaceof the heap ofof thethe body heapheap (SL2), bodybody (SL2),(SL2), and north-west andand north-westnorth-west in close inin closeclose proximity proximityproximity to the toto Roma thethe RomaRoma settlement settlementsettlement (SL3). (SL3).(SL3). Here HereHere the thethecontent contentcontent of of Cuof CuCu (SL2) (SL2)(SL2) and andand As AsAs (SL3) (SL3)(SL3) was waswas exceeded exceededexceeded in inin the thethe interval intervalinterval 5.1–10 5.1–105.1–10 times. times.times. Most Most otherother elementselements elements exceedexceedexceed limitlimit values values ininin the thethe range rangerange of ofof 0–5 0–50–5 times. times.times. For ForFor Cd CdCd at allatat threeallall threethree locations locationslocations and Niandand (SL2), NiNi (SL2),(SL2), the limit thethe values limitlimit valuesvalueswere not werewere exceeded. notnot exceeded.exceeded.

TableTable 3. 3. AnalysisAnalysis of of heavy heavy metal metal content content in in the the Pätoracké Pätoracké miningmining heap. heap. Table 3. Analysis of heavy metal content in the Pätoracké mining heap. Heavy Metal Unit SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 Limit HeavyHeavy MetalMetal UnitUnit SLSL 11 SLSL 22 SLSL 33 LimitLimit Cu (mg/kg) 277 329 298 60 CuCu (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 277277 329329 298298 6060 As (mg/kg) 112 109 156 25 AsAs (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 112112 109109 156156 2525 Cd (mg/kg) <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 0.7 CdCd (mg/kg)(mg/kg) << 0.50.5 << 0.50.5 << 0.50.5 0.7 0.7 Pb (mg/kg) 201 250 296 70 PbPb (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 201201 250250 296296 7070 Ni (mg/kg) 57 44 55 50 NiNi (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 5757 4444 5555 5050 Cr (mg/kg) 102 166 145 70 CrCr (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 102102 166166 145145 7070 Co (mg/kg) 41 50 38 15 CoCo (mg/kg)(mg/kg) 4141 5050 3838 1515 SL1—behindSL1—behind thethe heap, heap, east east part part near near the forest,the forest, SL2—directly SL2—directly on the heap,on the SL3—behind heap, SL3—behind the heap closethe heap to the SL1—behind the heap, east part near the forest, SL2—directly on the heap, SL3—behind the heap closeRoma to settlement. the Roma settlement. close to the Roma settlement.

FigureFigure 14. 14. ExplanatoryExplanatory notes notes to to Table Table 33:: Interval Intervalss exceeding the limit values x-times. Figure 14. Explanatory notes to Table 3: Intervals exceeding the limit values x-times. In case of Slovinky tailing pond, as shown in Table4, Figure 15, four samples were taken, as shown InIn casecase ofof SlovinkySlovinky tailingtailing pond,pond, asas shownshown inin TableTable 4,4, FigureFigure 15,15, fourfour samplessamples werewere taken,taken, asas in Figure 11—directly from the tailing pond “mirror” (SL2, SL4), the dam (SL1), and 70 m south-west shownshown inin FigureFigure 11—directly11—directly fromfrom thethe tailingtailing pondpond “mirror”“mirror” (SL2,(SL2, SL4),SL4), thethe damdam (SL1),(SL1), andand 7070 mm of the tailing pond mirror (SL3). The analysis clearly shows that in the tailing pond the limit values are south-westsouth-west ofof thethe tailingtailing pondpond mirrormirror (SL3).(SL3). TheThe analysisanalysis clearlyclearly showsshows thatthat inin thethe tailingtailing pondpond thethe exceeded to the greatest extent out of all four monitored tailing and heap sites. The worst results are limitlimit valuesvalues areare exceededexceeded toto thethe greatestgreatest extentextent ououtt ofof allall fourfour monitoredmonitored tailingtailing andand heapheap sites.sites. TheThe related to Cu, where the limit values at the sampling location SL2 are exceeded 165 times and at the worstworst resultsresults areare relatedrelated toto Cu,Cu, wherewhere thethe limitlimit valuvalueses atat thethe samplingsampling locationlocation SL2SL2 areare exceededexceeded 165165 timestimes andand atat thethe samplingsampling locationlocation SL4,SL4, 135135 times.times. ExceedingExceeding valuesvalues alsoalso relaterelate toto thethe contentcontent ofof As,As, Pb,Pb, andand Co.Co. HeavyHeavy metalmetal contaminationcontamination concernsconcerns notnot onlyonly thethe tailingtailing pondpond butbut alsoalso itsits surroundings.surroundings. TheThe limitlimit valuesvalues werewere notnot exceededexceeded atat SL3SL3 forfor As,As, Cd,Cd, Pb,Pb, andand Ni.Ni. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 16 of 26 sampling location SL4, 135 times. Exceeding values also relate to the content of As, Pb, and Co. Heavy metal contamination concerns not only the tailing pond but also its surroundings. The limit values Sustainabilitywere not exceeded 2020, 12, x atFOR SL3 PEER for REVIEW As, Cd, Pb, and Ni. 16 of 26

TableTable 4. AnalysisAnalysis of of heavy heavy metal metal content content in in the Slovinky tailing pond.

HeavyHeavy Metal MetalUnit Unit SLSL 1 1 SLSL 2 2SL 3SL Limit 3 Limit CuCu (mg(mg/kg)/kg) 277277 329329 298 29860 60 AsAs (mg(mg/kg)/kg) 112112 109109 156 15625 25 CdCd (mg(mg/kg)/kg) <<0.50.5 <0.5<0.5 <0.5 <0.50.7 0.7 PbPb (mg(mg/kg)/kg) 201201 250250 296 29670 70 NiNi (mg(mg/kg)/kg) 5757 4444 55 5550 50 CrCr (mg(mg/kg)/kg) 102102 166166 145 14570 70 CoCo (mg(mg/kg)/kg) 4141 5050 38 3815 15 SL1—tailingSL1—tailing pond pond body, body, SL2—body SL2—body (mirror) (mirror) of the of tailing the tailing pond (north),pond (north), SL3—forest SL3—forest 70 m south-west 70 m south-west of the body (mirror) of the tailing pond, SL4—body (mirror) of the tailing pond (east). of the body (mirror) of the tailing pond, SL4—body (mirror) of the tailing pond (east).

FigureFigure 15. 15. ExplanatoryExplanatory notes notes to to Table Table 44:: IntervalsIntervals exceeding the limit valuesvalues x-times.x-times.

4.2.4.2. Public Public Opinion Opinion Poll Poll WeWe analyzed the pollpoll surveysurvey resultsresults andand calculated calculated the the percentages, percentages, as as shown shown in in Table Table5. Most5. Most of ofthe the respondents respondents had had only only basic basic information information about abou thet miningthe mining history history of the of Central the Central Spiš region Spiš region before beforevisiting visiting it, and it, approximately and approximately one third one hadthird no had information no information at all. at Forty all. Forty percent percent of respondents of respondents were wereable toable define to define the conceptthe concept of a of tailing a tailing pond pond and and a heap.a heap. More More than than half half ofof thethe respondents have visitedvisited at at least one other region with anthropogenicanthropogenic mountain forms of relief before. According According to to three-quartersthree-quarters of of respondents, respondents, the the above above sites sites ma makeke a a negative negative or or depres depressingsing impression, impression, and and are are perceivedperceived as a foreign element in the landscape. The The safety safety condition condition of of the the Slovinky Slovinky tailing tailing pond pond is is consideredconsidered to to be be unsatisfactory unsatisfactory by by 98% 98% of of respondents. respondents. In In the the case case of ofthe the Markušovce Markušovce tailing tailing pond, pond, it isit isconsidered considered as as unsatisfactory unsatisfactory by by two-thirds two-thirds of of the the respondents. respondents. More More than than half half of of the the respondents respondents alsoalso consider consider the the state state of of both both heaps heaps to to be be unsati unsatisfactory.sfactory. According According to to 56% 56% of of respondents, respondents, the the above above sitessites have have a a very very negative negative impact impact on on the the conditio conditionn of of the the environment environment and and human human and and animal animal health. health. The majority of respondents (22%) considers the primary task of the competent persons/authorities in relation to these objectsTable to 5. ensure Percentage regular of individual monitoring answers of the in area,the poll which survey. is absent. Approximately 20% of respondents can imagine these sites to be used in geotourism, along with other objects after the former mining activity, as well asQuestion in the educational Nr. Answers process Percentage in schools. Fifteen percent of respondents consider remediation of damaged parts and graduala reclamation5 as the most important. The least respondents (5%) think the primary task1 should be furtherb processing60 of the material in the tailing pond, as shown in Figure 16, the extraction of precious metals,c as well35 as the removal of Roma dwellings within reach of these sites, as shown in Figure 17. Almosta three-quarters40 of respondents consider these 2 objects as suitable locations for education and use inb geotourism.60 Approximately 60% of respondents find it appropriate to build a marked hiking traila to these sites,23 as well as to build orientation and information boards in the area of these3 sites. Moreb than two-thirds35 of respondents would like to be accompanied by a professional person in these objectsc and more42 than half of the respondents propose to include these sites as part of the “mining route”—aa kind of76 adventure tourism in the mountain regions of Slovakia. Using these objects in the educational process, 71% of respondents propose to 4 b 20 include information about them in geography lessons, based on a presentation on the spot (72%). c 4 a 2 5 b 44 c 54 a 21 6 b 66 c 13 Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 17 of 26

Table 5. Percentage of individual answers in the poll survey.

Question Nr. Answers Percentage a 5 1 b 60 c 35 a 40 2 b 60 a 23 3 b 35 c 42 a 76 4 b 20 c 4 a 2 5 b 44 c 54 a 21 6 b 66 c 13 a 8 7 b 52 c 40 a 56 8 b 27 c 17 a 22 b 8 c 18 d 20 9 e 15 f 5 g 7 h 5 a 72 10 b 28 a 62 11 b 38 a 58 12 b 42 a 68 13 b 32 a 52 14 b 48 a 71 15 b 22 c 7 a 28 16 b 72 Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 18 of 26 Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 18 of 26 Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 18 of 26

Figure 16. Vegetation on the mirror of Markušovce, deposits in the background. FigureFigure 16. VegetationVegetation on the mirror of Markuš Markušovce,ovce, deposits in the background.

Figure 17. Roma settlement on the body of the Pätoracké heap. Figure 17. RomaRoma settlement on the body of the Pätoracké Pätoracké heap.

5. Discussion Discussion The heavy metal content in the researched sites, as shown in Figure 1818,, is very high, and in some cases extreme, extreme, in in accordance accordance with with the the data data for for tai tailingling ponds ponds in in the the works works of ofother other authors authors [56,57]. [56,57 It]. oftenIt often exceeds exceeds the the limit limit values values several several times. times. This This burdenburden burden isis is enormousenormous enormous forfor for allall all monitoredmonitored monitored elements,elements, especially inin thethe case case of of the the Slovinky Slovinky tailing tailing pond. pond Occurrence.. OccurrenceOccurrence of theseofof thesethese elements elementselements in the inin the tailingthe tailingtailing ponds pondsponds and andheap heap bodies, bodies, as well as as well their as possible their possible penetration penetr intoation the environmentinto the environment through, e.g.,through, leaks, e.g., represents leaks, represents great danger for the landscape. This results in possible contamination of surface and ground water, and in windy weather it is difficult to breathe in the surroundings of these sites. An Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 19 of 26

Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 19 of 26 great danger for the landscape. This results in possible contamination of surface and ground water, andalarming in windy fact weather is the existing it is diffi settlcultement to breathe directly in on the the surroundings body of both of heaps, these namely sites. An the alarming settlement fact of is thethe existing Roma settlementethnic group, directly as well on as thethe bodyproximity of both of human heaps, settlement namely the in settlementthe case of both of the tailing Roma ponds. ethnic group, as well as the proximity of human settlement in the case of both tailing ponds.

FigureFigure 18. 18.Comparison Comparison of of heavy heavy metal metal content content from from all all the th sitese sites with with the the limit limit value value (red (red line). line).(S1–S4: (S1– SlovinkyS4: Slovinky tailing tailing pond, pond, M1–M4: M1–M4: Markušovce Markušovce tailing tailing pond; pond; Z1–Z3: Z1–Z3: ZabZabíjanecíjanec mining mining heap; heap; P1–P3: P1–P3: PätorackPätorackéé mining mining heap). heap). Sustainability 2020, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 20 of 26 Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 20 of 26 The assumptions and research questions set during the implementation of the first part of the objective of the paper were confirmed. The load of these sites with heavy metals is enormous and The assumptions and research questions set during the implementation of the first part of the exceeds the limit values several times. e.g., in the case of the Slovinky tailing pond, the limit values objective of the paper were confirmed. The load of these sites with heavy metals is enormous and are exceeded more than 100 times for some elements. The higher load of heavy metals in tailing ponds exceeds the limit values several times. e.g., in the case of the Slovinky tailing pond, the limit values are than in heaps was also confirmed. We attribute this fact to a longer period of sediment deposition on exceeded more than 100 times for some elements. The higher load of heavy metals in tailing ponds tailing ponds and also to the combination of waste from mining and industrial activities. than in heaps was also confirmed. We attribute this fact to a longer period of sediment deposition on From the point of view of alternative uses of the Slovinky tailing pond, it is possible to consider tailing ponds and also to the combination of waste from mining and industrial activities. its inclusion as an object of geotourism. However, its emergency condition should be repaired first of From the point of view of alternative uses of the Slovinky tailing pond, it is possible to consider its all. The tailing pond should pass from private to state hands and the state should provide the inclusion as an object of geotourism. However, its emergency condition should be repaired first of all. necessary basic adjustments to the tailing pond and regular monitoring. Above all, to prevent the The tailing pond should pass from private to state hands and the state should provide the necessary devastation and theft of the equipment by building fencing or thanks to a guard service, clean the basic adjustments to the tailing pond and regular monitoring. Above all, to prevent the devastation surface drainage troughs of debris, to fill and align depressions with temporary ponds on the dam, and theft of the equipment by building fencing or thanks to a guard service, clean the surface drainage prevent movement of motorcycles and four-wheelers on the surface of the tailing pond, use a suitable troughs of debris, to fill and align depressions with temporary ponds on the dam, prevent movement emulsion to form a shell on the surface of the tailing pond in order to prevent the transfer of dust of motorcycles and four-wheelers on the surface of the tailing pond, use a suitable emulsion to form a particles by wind to the environment, and the like. It would be advisable to build wooden walkways shell on the surface of the tailing pond in order to prevent the transfer of dust particles by wind to on both sides of the upper terrace with a viewing platform in the middle to prevent visitors from the environment, and the like. It would be advisable to build wooden walkways on both sides of the contacting the sediment of the tailing pond. It would be advisable also to reinforce the access upper terrace with a viewing platform in the middle to prevent visitors from contacting the sediment pavement with the possibility of installing information boards on the pavement around the tailing of the tailing pond. It would be advisable also to reinforce the access pavement with the possibility of mirror. Visits to the pond should be conducted by a person with sufficient professional and safety installing information boards on the pavement around the tailing mirror. Visits to the pond should insight and visits should not be organized in windy weather to prevent dust particles from entering be conducted by a person with sufficient professional and safety insight and visits should not be the visitors’ respiratory tract. organized in windy weather to prevent dust particles from entering the visitors’ respiratory tract. In the case of the Markušovce tailing pond, it would be necessary to stop the unregulated In the case of the Markušovce tailing pond, it would be necessary to stop the unregulated sediment sediment mining. Similarly, as in the case of the Slovinky tailing pond, it would be necessary to build mining. Similarly, as in the case of the Slovinky tailing pond, it would be necessary to build wooden wooden walkways in the area of the upper terrace of the tailing pond with a viewing platform and walkways in the area of the upper terrace of the tailing pond with a viewing platform and information information panels. It would also be necessary to modify the access pavement. The hiking trail panels. It would also be necessary to modify the access pavement. The hiking trail around the tailing around the tailing pond body, unlike the Slovinky tailing pond, is not desirable as the area is pond body, unlike the Slovinky tailing pond, is not desirable as the area is overgrown with vegetation overgrown with vegetation and the cost of building a circular walkway would be high. The tailing and the cost of building a circular walkway would be high. The tailing pond is occasionally used in the pond is occasionally used in the film industry, as shown in Figure 19, as it looks sufficiently “dark film industry, as shown in Figure 19, as it looks sufficiently “dark and spooky” and interesting, so the and spooky” and interesting, so the shooting part of the scenes takes place here—as recently as in shooting part of the scenes takes place here—as recently as in 2018 (filming the fairy-tale Perinbaba 2). 2018 (filming the fairy-tale Perinbaba 2).

FigureFigure 19.19. ShiftingShifting the the scenes scenes in thein Markušovcethe Markušovce tailing pondtailing (October pond (October 2018). Photo 2018). byM. Photo Šimoˇn byákov M.á. Šimoňáková. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 21 of 26

In the case of the Zabíjanec and Pätoracké mining heaps, their use in geotourism is questionable. These heaps are permanently inhabited and assumingly the residents would mind if strangers would enter their houses. In the area of Central Spiš, there are several other more easily accessible and better secured heaps that could be used in geotourism, e.g., Poráˇc,Slovinky. The primary task for both of these sites should be removal and destruction of Roma settlements in this undermined and life and health hazardous area, and subsequent reclamation and securing of the area. Residents of these heaps should be provided with more suitable premises for housing in more environmentally friendly conditions with higher housing standards. Sustainable tourism, whose object would be the mentioned sludge ponds, must among other general requirements and regulations for sustainable tourism accept also specifics of the very nature of sludge as an atypical tourism object in the landscape. These are in particular the following requirements: Coordination of tourism entities with the involvement of sludge ponds in the tourism offer at • national and international levels; Advertising campaigns—publishing promotional materials, participation in tourism fairs, • workshops, website creation, etc.; Provision of traffic and tourist signs—information boards, marking the tourist destinations and • trails on highways and roads, etc.; Creation of a symbol, brand, or logo of sludge as a specific object of geotourism production of • souvenirs, cooperation with artists, producers of art objects by art schools, competitions; Roads, parking lots, and sanitary facilities construction and treatment—analysis of the • infrastructure construction and its impact on tourism development, especially in terms of transport accessibility of sludge ponds; Restoration, maintenance, and use of historical monuments in the area of sludge ponds—e.g., • maintenance of mining equipment; Organization of educational and cognitive events in the area of sludge ponds—for school groups, • professionals, the general public; The use of new information technologies in the supply and distribution of geotourism • products—monitoring the development trends, cooperation with entities that provide services and products in the field of informatization of society; Improving accommodation and catering capacities in the vicinity of sludge ponds—support the • providers of accommodation and catering services in the region while promoting their facilities, etc.; Education of experts in geotourism with a focus on sludge ponds—to incorporate the topic into • the teaching process at universities, etc.; Education of the population—support of activities aimed at a conscious relationship with the • region, involvement of the local population in promotion, etc.; Ensuring the safety, health, and life protection of visitors—preventing contact of visitors with • sediments of sludge (in the case of deposited materials with possible evolution of dust particles) by building wooden sidewalks, viewing platforms, and respiratory protection in windy weather, etc. The assumptions and research questions set before the public opinion poll were confirmed. Respondents consider these objects to be more suitable for use in education than in tourism. Upon visual perception, they consider them to be negative elements in the landscape and consider them to be a significant source of contamination. In the case of the possible use of both tailing ponds in geotourism or as excursion sites for education, the safety of visitors should also be solved. It would be necessary to prevent the contact of visitors from the sediments of the tailing ponds by building wooden sidewalks and viewing platforms. Visitors should not be allowed to visit these sites in windy weather, or they should use respiratory protection. In terms of significance and benefits, the paper provides current data on the environmental loading of heavy metals in the area, which confirms the multiple exceedances of limit values and builds on the Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 22 of 26 publications of other authors [7,8,12,15,56–59], who analyzed the impact of heavy metals in both tailing ponds. The article provides an information base for further research in the area of tailing ponds and more detailed analysis of the environmental loading of individual landscape elements. The mentioned analysis confirms the enormous burden of tailing ponds with deposited heavy metals in the sense of similar tailing pond research in other areas of the world [5,6,9,14,17,19–24,30]. The analysis of the heavy metal content on both mining heaps has not been performed. The data presented in this paper are the first statistical indicators and confirm the increased content of some elements in the sediments of both mining heaps, which are also inhabited. These data were also provided to the local governments to which these sites belong, and they could help the competent authorities with improving the landscape management and with the protection of the population. The second part of the paper deals with the alternative use of these four sites in terms of geotourism or education. The results of the public opinion poll show the suitability of the environmentally degraded areas, especially in education, to a lesser extent also in geotourism, thus confirming the possibility of transforming sites for alternative use in terms of publications [44,48–51,53]. The implementation of geotourism in the studied sites brings along benefits not only for visitors and students, but also has a positive impact on sites themselves and on the local community. Geotourism as a form of tourism is governed by its principles. The most important of them for the case of the studied area is the integrity of a place, which enhances the geographical character of the destination by developing and improving it in ways distinctive to the locale. It encourages market differentiation and cultural pride in ways that are reflective of natural and cultural heritage. Another important principle of geotourism for the development of the area is community benefit, which encourages micro- to medium-size enterprises and tourism business strategies that emphasize economic and social benefits to involved communities, especially poverty alleviation, with clear communication of the destination stewardship policies required to maintain those benefits. These principles of geotourism, as well as education, will contribute to raising awareness of the sites and their subsequent revitalization and further development. The questions in the public opinion poll provide a suitable methodological apparatus for the assessment of environmentally degraded areas in terms of their use for geotourism and education. It is actually a first-of-its-kind assessment of tailing ponds and heaps as potential geotourism and education sites. This type of research has not been realized in Slovakia yet. The research and results provide a suitable apparatus for educating the students and the outputs are also applicable to local government and organizations focusing on the issue of environmentally degraded areas. During the implementation of field research sampling and public opinion polling, certain limits and problematic areas were revealed. Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of both sludge ponds, it was necessary to move on foot to the sites. The collection was carried out in windy weather, and it was necessary to use respiratory protection. It was also necessary to clean shoes and clothing from dust and to obtain the consent of the inhabitants of the heaps to take samples. In the case of a public opinion poll, more relevant results would be brought about by expanding the circle of respondents beyond students. Therefore, it would be necessary to formulate questions more generally with the focus on alternative uses of these sites. A certain weak point of the questionnaire was the narrowly specified circle of respondents, consisting exclusively of university students of geography. This also results in a greater focus of the questions in the questionnaire on the use of these sites in the educational process than in tourism.

6. Conclusions The Slovinky tailing pond, the Markušovce tailing pond, and the Zabíjanec and Pätoracké mining heaps act as a distinct anthropogenic element set in the forest environment of Hnilecké vrchy mountains in the environmentally burdened area of Central Spiš in eastern Slovakia. They represent relics of extinct mining activities in the region, focusing mainly on iron and copper ores. During and after approximately 30 years of active operation, all elements of the natural environment of the area, as well Sustainability 2020, 12, 6029 23 of 26 as of man, have been and still have a significant impact on the natural environment. Especially, the enormous heavy metal content in sediments of these bodies represent a danger. If these objects are used in geotourism and education, it is necessary to modify the bodies and surroundings of both tailing ponds in order to prevent the visitors from contacting the sediments of the tailing ponds. We do not consider the Zabíjanec and Pätoracké mining heaps to be suitable objects of geotourism because of the present Roma settlement. The residents would mind if strangers would enter the area near their houses. The paper points at the current state of these objects in terms of their heavy metal burden and considers their possible alternative use, especially in terms of geotourism or in education. In the future, it would be advisable to extend the poll survey among the inhabitants of the region and self-governing bodies and to ensure continuous monitoring of the condition of these objects. The purpose of such a survey would be to determine the attitude of the local population, or the self-government to these objects, to get an idea of their perception and opportunities for further development of the territory. The survey would find out the attitude of these respondents in terms of the suitability of involving these sites as tourist destinations, and would analyze the potential pros and cons for local people and the self-government. Author Contributions: V.C.ˇ completed the text part of the paper; V.C.,ˇ J.K., and V.K. ensured the field research and sampling, analyzed the heavy metal content analysis; B.G. and P.H. were in charge of preparation, implementation, and analysis of poll surveys, M.M. and J.H. elaborated the theoretical-methodological part, and the cartographic and graphical appendix. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding: This research was funded by grant number APVV-18-0185: Transformácia využívania kultúrnej krajiny Slovenska a predikcia jej d’alšieho vývoja (Transformation of Using the Cultural Country of Slovakia and Prediction of Its Further Development) and grant VEGA 1/0236/18: Environmental Aspects of Mining Localities Settings in Slovakia in the Middle Ages and the Beginning of Modern History. Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank anonymous reviewers for their helpful and constructive comments and suggestions that greatly contributed to improving the final version of this paper. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

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