Mining operations at the "Grube Anton" started back in 1770. From 1834 to 1850 the major finds were made:
- 740 kg silver
- 189487 kg cobalt ore
In 1970 the abandoned mine "Anton" was chosen as future site for a geophysical observatory. From 1970 to 1972 construction was under way for the mine and lab-building. The costs of 0.75 million DM were covered by the Volkswagen (VW) Foundation.
Since 1972 the observatory is in operation.