150+ Years of History
4 Escape Rooms
8–10 Players / Group
10 Equipment Items

// 01 — About the Mine

Mina Petrila
From Coal Mine to Adventure

Mina Petrila is one of the oldest and best-known coal mines in the Jiu Valley, Romania. Coal mining started here in the 1850s and became one of the main industries of the region.

For more than 150 years, the mine provided jobs for thousands of people and played an important role in the development of Petrila and the entire Jiu Valley. Several generations of miners worked here, making the mine an important part of the local identity and industrial heritage.

Today, although mining has ended, the site remains a valuable historical landmark with great potential for cultural and tourism development. Our project transforms this site into an immersive escape-room adventure destination.

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Location

Petrila, Jiu Valley, Hunedoara County, Romania

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Mine Type

Coal mine (anthracite) — longwall, room & pillar, mechanized extraction

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Heritage

Industrial heritage site since the 1850s

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Concept

Immersive escape rooms using authentic mining equipment & tunnels

Mina Petrila — aerial view of the mining complex with headframe and chimney stack
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Mina Petrila Est. 1850s · Jiu Valley
Inside the mine tunnel with timber supports and metal arches
Underground Tunnel
Visitors viewing coal wagons inside the mine tunnel
Coal Wagons & Visitors
Group of visitors in helmets and reflective vests walking through the mine tunnel
Guided Tour in Action

// 02 — Project Context

Mining Heritage Hackathon

This project was developed as part of a Mining Heritage Hackathon under an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), addressing the challenge of transforming abandoned mining sites into compelling tourist attractions.

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Erasmus+ BIP

A Blended Intensive Programme combining 20 hours of virtual sessions with 5 days (40h) of physical mobility. International teams from at least three different countries collaborate on real-world challenges.

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Challenge 1: Mining Tourism

Teams develop innovative, sustainable proposals for adaptive reuse of mining infrastructure, creating engaging visitor experiences that preserve heritage and foster economic revitalization through cultural, adventure, eco, and educational tourism.

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Key Deliverables

Site analysis, strategy development, implementation metrics (visitor engagement, financial performance, community impact, sustainability), and a 45-second pitch video. Participants earn a minimum of 3 ECTS credits.

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Community Impact

Combat depopulation and unemployment in mining regions. Generate sustainable economic activity, preserve industrial heritage, and create new employment opportunities for local communities in the Jiu Valley.

// 03 — Team

Meet the Team

An international team of students and engineers who brought the Underground Quest concept to life.

Md. Kawsar Fakir
Safety Instructor
Juan Manuel de Miguel Cervantes
Quest Planning & Tourist Interaction
Andrea González Juberías
Equipment & Design
Ferariu Denis Andrei
History & Research
Ing. N. Anfilove
Technical Support & Team Lead

// 04 — Escape Rooms

The Chambers Await

Four immersive scenarios drawn from real mining emergencies. Each room plunges you into a different crisis — use the equipment, read the environment, and escape before time runs out.

Room 1 — The Ventilation Shaft: dark mine tunnel with gas warning signs, a mechanical rat, and a green methane lantern Medium
// Room 01

The Ventilation Shaft

Gas levels are rising and the ventilation system has failed. Follow the warning signs and the rat before the tunnel becomes unbreathable — and trust nothing that looks too safe.

Room 2 — The Flood Tunnel: flooded mine passage with water-level gauge, bulkhead door, and pump controls Hard
// Room 02

The Flood Tunnel

Water is breaching the lower level. Operate the pumping controls, seal the bulkhead, and reach the surface elevator before the tunnel fills completely.

Room 3 — The Collapse: debris field of broken timber and rock with signal lights and a gas mask Extreme
// Room 03

The Collapse

A roof fall has sealed the main route. With only your headlamp and emergency kit, find an alternative path through the debris before the next collapse.

Room 4 — The Ore Face: mineral sorting station with labelled ore compartments and a steel vault door Hard
// Room 04

The Ore Face

The last vein must be extracted and sorted before the charge is set. One wrong sample, and the tunnel stays sealed forever.

// 04b — Transformation

From Abandoned to Atmospheric

Real mine spaces can be transformed into thrilling escape-room environments with minimal investment. Here are two bonus puzzle concepts that show the before and after.

Low-Cost, High-Impact Design

These concepts demonstrate how existing industrial spaces — old machine rooms, maintenance workshops — can be reimagined into atmospheric puzzle rooms using props, lighting effects, and repurposed original equipment, all without expensive structural modifications.

The Lost Miner's Rescue — side-by-side comparison of original machine room and transformed escape room with danger signs and emergency lighting Before → After

The Lost Miner's Rescue

An unused machine room becomes a claustrophobic rescue scenario. Players solve clues to find and rescue a trapped miner. The original industrial machinery stays in place as immersive set pieces — danger signs, flickering emergency lights, and collapse debris are added at minimal cost.

Original space → Transformed escape room
The Secret Engineer's Workshop — side-by-side comparison of empty workshop and transformed puzzle room with blueprints and mechanical puzzles Before → After

The Secret Engineer's Workshop

A former maintenance workshop is reimagined as a mechanical puzzle chamber. Solve cryptic engineering diagrams and repair old machines to unlock the exit. Existing workbenches, tools, and shelving are dressed with props, chalk drawings, and atmospheric amber lighting.

Original space → Transformed escape room

// 05 — Equipment

Real Gear.
Real Feel.

Every participant is fully equipped before entering the mine. Each piece of gear is carefully chosen for safety, authenticity, and gameplay — giving visitors the genuine feel of a mining expedition.

Mining helmet with headlamp
Safety helmet with LED headlamp
Mining Helmet with LED Headlamp

Protects visitors throughout the experience while the integrated LED headlamp provides hands-free lighting for exploring dark tunnels and discovering hidden clues.

Reflective safety vest
Reflective Safety Vest

Ensures every participant is clearly visible to teammates and staff. Improves safety while reinforcing the feeling of being part of a real mining expedition.

Protective gloves
Protective Gloves

Protect visitors' hands while handling puzzle pieces, tools, and interactive objects. Add authenticity to the experience without limiting movement.

Safety boots with anti-slip soles
Safety Boots

Provide stability and grip on uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of slipping and ensuring visitors can move comfortably throughout the adventure.

Walkie-talkie for team communication
Walkie-Talkie

Allows teams to communicate with the game master for assistance. Also used during the story to receive mission updates and additional clues.

Mine map for navigation
Mine Map

Helps visitors navigate through different sections of the mine and solve location-based puzzles. Encourages teamwork and strategic thinking.

UV flashlight revealing hidden clues
UV Flashlight

Reveals invisible messages, hidden symbols, and secret clues that cannot be seen with normal light — one of the most exciting tools in the escape room.

Emergency whistle
Emergency Whistle

Although the experience is completely supervised, every participant carries an emergency whistle as an additional safety measure to alert staff immediately if necessary.

Mission notebook with coal smudges
Mission Notebook

Used to write down clues, passwords, and important discoveries. Helps players organize information and solve challenges together as a team.

Heavy-duty industrial respirator mask
Respirator Mask

Essential for sections with simulated gas leaks or heavy dust. Provides an authentic industrial feel while completely protecting visitors in immersive danger zones.

// 06 — Safety Protocols

Safety is Not a
Puzzle to Solve

Underground Quest is built on the same safety culture as professional mining operations. Every visitor is briefed, equipped, and monitored throughout their experience.

Structural Safety

  • Inspect all buildings and tunnels before opening
  • Open only certified safe areas
  • Restrict access to unstable zones
  • Regular maintenance and inspections

Visitor Protection

  • Safety briefing before entry
  • Helmet, headlamp and reflective vest (PPE)
  • Small guided groups (8–10 visitors)
  • Trained guide throughout the quest

Safe Visitor Route

  • Clearly marked pathways
  • Anti-slip flooring
  • Handrails on stairs
  • Adequate LED lighting
  • Safety barriers around hazardous areas

Emergency Preparedness

  • Clearly marked emergency exits
  • Fire extinguishers and first-aid kits
  • Emergency lighting
  • Staff trained in first aid and evacuation
  • Emergency communication system

Smart Safety Monitoring

  • CCTV cameras throughout all tunnels
  • RFID visitor wristbands
  • Motion sensors
  • Visitor counting system
  • Control room monitoring

Environmental Safety

  • Continuous air quality monitoring
  • Ventilation system
  • Temperature and humidity monitoring
  • Waste management
  • Protection of historical structures

Psychological Safety

  • Pre-game claustrophobia assessment
  • "Safe Word" protocol to abort immediately
  • Panic buttons located in every room
  • Game Masters monitoring via live audio/video
  • Quick-release mechanisms on all locked doors

Equipment Hygiene & Maintenance

  • Helmets and PPE disinfected after each use
  • Daily inspection of flashlights and batteries
  • Regular testing of walkie-talkie frequencies
  • Scheduled replacement of worn safety gear
  • Anti-bacterial stations at entry and exit
Important Health & Participation Notice

Underground Quest may not be suitable for all visitors. The experience involves confined spaces, low lighting, and physical activity. Visitors with claustrophobia, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory issues, or pregnancy should consult staff before participating. All participants must attend the mandatory pre-entry safety briefing.

// 07 — Feasibility Report

Economic Impact &
Regional Feasibility

Transforming Mina Petrila from an abandoned coal mine into a premier adventure tourism destination is not just a heritage preservation project—it is a high-yield economic engine for the Jiu Valley. This report outlines the required capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational costs (OPEX), projected revenues, and the macroeconomic spillover effect on the surrounding region.

💰 Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)

Due to the industrial nature of the site, structural integrity and safety command the highest initial investment. However, the unique heritage angle makes this project a prime candidate for EU grants.

Investment Category Share Cost (EUR)
Structural Rehab & Ventilation 38.5% €250,000
Escape Room Tech (6 Rooms) 32.3% €210,000
Smart Monitoring (CCTV, RFID) 13.8% €90,000
Authentic PPE & Gear (100 sets) 4.6% €30,000
Permitting, Marketing & Admin 10.8% €70,000
Total Launch Cost €650,000
EU Grants (85%) = €552,500 Private (15%) = €97,500

⚙️ OPEX & Financial Projections

The financial model relies on conservative visitor estimates. A standard ticket is priced at €25, with an average secondary spend of €5 per visitor, yielding a Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) of €30 per visit.

Operational Expense (Annual) Cost (EUR)
Payroll (8 Full-Time Staff) €120,000
Utilities & High-Power Ventilation €60,000
Facility & Tech Maintenance €30,000
Insurance & Ongoing Marketing €30,000
Total Annual OPEX €240,000

Revenue Projections (Gross Profit)

€120k Year 1 (12k Vis.)
€240k Year 2 (16k Vis.)
€360k Year 3 (20k Vis.)
⚡ Break-Even on Private Investment: 10 Months

🌍 Macroeconomic Impact & Value Proposition

Regional Parallel Profit

The true value to the EU is the "spillover effect". Assuming 16,000 visitors in Year 2, with 30% staying overnight (4,800 nights) and spending €100/day on accommodation, food, and transport, Underground Quest injects €480,000 directly into the regional economy. Combined with day-trippers, this projects to over €650,000 annually outside of ticket sales.

Value Proposition for Tourists

Authenticity: A genuine 150-year-old anthracite mine, not a plywood set.

Experiential Learning: Visitors dynamically learn about ventilation physics, structural engineering, and geological risks.

Circular Economy & Jobs: Creates direct jobs for former miners as safety guides, actively shifting the Jiu Valley from industrial decline to a modern adventure-tourism hub.

⛏ Are You Ready?

Dare to Go
Underground?

Book your session, bring your team, and find out if you have what it takes to escape the mine.

⛏ Book a Session 🌐 Developer Website