The last coal mine in the Liège basin closed its doors, ending its commercial and industrial activities in 1980. It has since been transformed into a tourist and cultural site.
At its closure, the mining site housed two wells, the Marie well (234 meters deep) and well No. 1 (760 meters deep), which were used for coal extraction, the transport of personnel and goods, as well as the ventilation of the galleries spread over 7 levels, the last being 530 meters deep.
Mining was carried out using the “advancing longwall” method, where they advanced parallel to the main slope of the coal seam, which had to have a minimum thickness of 30 cm. Today, it is possible to visit the mine.
Guides, former miners or professionals, take you through the perfectly authentic galleries at -30 and -60 meters, as this mine has the particularity of being located at a very shallow depth, or even outcropping for certain seams in the region.
The descent and ascent are done via the elevator of well No. 1, which is still in service. The visit ends with the discovery of the coal reception and sorting facilities.
