Kunstteich

These ponds were created by the construction of barriers, typically dams and embankments, and were used to supply hydropower and water to the mines.

It was also used to produce power and drain the mines, or in the processing of ore.

In principle, all Kunstteiche are small dam and reservoir installations.

Water is supplied to and transported away from the ponds either above ground in artificial channels (Kunstgräben) or underground through so-called Röschen, small channels in the mine galleries.

If the water from Kunstteiche is used in the smelting (Verhüttung) of ore they may be called Hüttenteiche or "smelter ponds".