Former mining sites in Belgium
The mining sites in Belgium laid the foundation of our Umicore’s predecessor company, Vieille Montagne. The mining concession of the same name was granted by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1805, while over time five more concessions were added, all in eastern Wallonia. The Belgian mining activities ceased in the 1950s and extensive rehabilitation works were carried out at all sites and in close consultation with the competent mining authorities. Four concessions were officially retroceded to the Government, with the remainder ongoing.