Last update: 21 may 2024
What activities did Umicore carry out in Saint-Félix-de-Pallières?
Mining activity in Saint-Félix-de-Pallières began in the 19th century with a goal of extracting a subsoil rich in zinc and related metals. The Gard is a region that naturally benefits from areas of high arsenic, lead, antimony and cadmium content in its geological environment. The beginning of mining in the region dates back to Roman times.
In 1913, the mining concession was taken over by the Société des Mines et Fonderies de Zinc de la Vieille-Montagne, which later became part of Union Minière, the predecessor of Umicore. The extracted metals are used to produce refined zinc to protect steel against corrosion (fences, road equipment,...) and construction materials such as gutters, roofing and cladding elements.
In 1971, nearly 60 years later, Union Minière decided to close the Saint-Félix-de-Pallières mines for economic reasons.
Following the opening of the procedure for the relinquishment of mining concessions, Union Minière, later on Umicore, carried out the work to rehabilitate the site and protect the sensitive area (tailings dam), in compliance with the requirements of the public authorities. The French State accepted the relinquishment of the concession in 2005.
As part of the relinquishment of the concessions, all mining facilities were demolished at the request of the State. Contrary to other operations in the region, no construction has been preserved and for the past 50 years the forest has now partially covered the old site, which almost makes one forget the mining past of the site.
Umicore has never left the area since the mining operations ceased and regularly monitors the condition of its plots, especially the one on which the old tailings dam is located. It should be noted that, apart from the tailings dam, Umicore does not own the land within the perimeter of the former mine.
What rehabilitation works has Umicore undertaken in the sensitive areas?
As part of the mining relinquishment procedure, Umicore has rehabilitated the former mine site in full compliance with the requirements of the public authorities and taking into account its geological characteristics. The parcel on which the former tailings dam is located is the only one that was subject to specific restrictions.
The first phase consisted of redeveloping and making safe the old mining installations (destruction of buildings, filling in of openings, rehabilitation and restoration of the site).
The old tailings dam was contained and a specific drainage system was installed:
A drainage system for rainwater was installed, including a ditch surrounding the dam and a conduit running through it to prevent surface water from percolating into the old dam. It was completely covered with a clay layer and reshaped. It was then covered with a layer of 30 to 50cm of vegetated soil to be protected and inserted into the landscape.
The parcel on which the old tailings dam is located is subject to use easements and is still regularly monitored by Umicore. This monitoring consists of regular visits and maintenance (at least four times a year) by a local company, the reporting of the overall state of the site and the carrying out of improvements and maintenance work if necessary, in particular of the ring ditch and the dam's drainage nozzle.
Is further work planned on the so-called "tailings dam" area?
In 2016, in cooperation with the State, Umicore began work to maintain and improve the containment of the tailings from the dam (covering eroded areas, revegetation, work on riprap to prohibit access, etc.). Specifications were drawn up jointly with the Direction régionale et interdépartementale de l'environnement et de l'énergie (DREAL), in agreement with the Prefect, to carry out a new in-depth geotechnical study, which Umicore had agreed to fully fund. This study resulted in recommendations for work to further improve the management of the dike.
In 2021 Umicore proceeded with the complete replacement of the dam cover to ensure proper containment of the tailings for the years to come.
After the cessation of mining after many centuries of activity and the reclamation work, nature took its course. This creates a misleading impression of a recreational area, when the area’s only purpose was the extraction of minerals.
It should be noted that apart from the dam, Umicore is not the owner of the land within the perimeter of the former mine.
Is further work planned for the other areas?
Yes, in consultation with the State and the municipality, a proposal for the management of mine residues on and around the "Issart" site was submitted in 2019. Following additional feasibility analyses carried out in 2023, this solution was reassessed and validated definitively by the State in spring 2024. Work is scheduled to start in autumn 2024.
In addition, Umicore is studying the Haldes site (opposite La Digue) and the Joseph mine site.
Is the local population kept regularly informed?
Forty years after the end of mining operations, the company has remained on-site and is in regular dialogue with local authorities. Various public consultations have been conducted and several information sessions were organized at the time of the works related to the relinquishment of mining concessions with the assistance of the sub-prefecture.
In 2016, the public authorities established a Monitoring and Information Committee (CSI) at the Croix-de-Pallières site, bringing together all stakeholders, including local residents' associations. Without exception, Umicore has participated in all these meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to inform the local community of the various initiatives that the authorities are taking.
Under the supervision of the DREAL, the municipalities involved have also undertaken signage work in certain risk areas in order to inform potential walkers on these lands.
The local residents' associations have been regularly informed of the progress of this work.
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