In the Middle Ages, mining was an incredibly perilous profession. Miners faced constant threats from cave-ins, flooding, and "bad air" (lack of oxygen or toxic gases).
: Such as the Czech Museum of Silver, where visitors are often greeted with these historical well-wishes.
: Commemorative coins often feature the phrase to honor the industry that built the nation's early economy.
: During the 13th and 14th centuries, "happy mining" in places like Kutná Hora literally fueled the Prague Groschen currency, making the Bohemian Kingdom one of the wealthiest in Europe.