Career
The Ruffínyi family had moved to Dobšiná from Italy because Eugene"s father accepted a position as a mining engineer in this city. This suggests that the original name probably was Ruffini. Eugene attended primary school in Dobšiná, and high school in Kežmarok (Késmárk).
He then took up mining studies in Banská Štiavnica (Selmecbánya), where he earned his degree in 1869.
On his return to Dobšiná he became a mining overseer and metallurgical inspector. From the multiple and delayed echos the men got the impression that a substantial cave must extend beyond the entrance, and decided to return for an exploration.
On June 15, 1870 Ruffinyi was the first to enter the cave sliding down on a hemp rope.