The Meggen deposit contains pyrites, zinc, lead and barytes. Several smaller companies started Pyrites mining in 1853. The Sigena Sulphur Mining Co. Ltd, London, worked some of the original mines. The smaller companies were amalgamated and in 1926 all mines were under the ownership of the newly formed Sachtleben AG für Bergbau und chemische Industrie. Barytes was exhausted in 1977. The mine was the largest zinc mine in Western Europe from 1961 until Tara started up in 1977. Production ended in 1992.