Steiger (mining)

A Steiger (literally "climber") is the title of a mining foreman or mine manager, used in German-speaking Europe. He bears responsibility for part of the mine and the people subordinated to him. The name is derived from the former role of a "Steiger", who continually had to climb into and out of the pit. The "Steiger" is celebrated in a very popular German mining song the so-called "Steigerlied" ("Glückauf, Glückauf; der Steiger kommt …").
Historical role.
In medieval and early modern times, the state mining regulations obliged mining companies to employ pit officials for the supervision of their mines. Until the mid-19th century, these officials were civil servants. The term "Steiger" for these pit officials became established very early on in the mining regulations. The hiring and firing of pit officials was the responsibility of the mining authority or "Bergamt"; at best the mine owners had a say and could impress their wishes on the "Bergmeister" in this regard. With the reform of mining law in the years from 1851 to 1865, there was a change in the official status of the "Steiger". The "Steiger" was no longer a state official, but a private officer. Despite this change, "Steiger"s continued to be employed by the mining authority.