Former mining sites in France
Mining legacy
France’s mining legacy dates to the 19th and early 20th centuries. The French state issued 4,384 mining titles, including 3,144 concessions, allowing the exploitation of mineral resources, considered as national wealth. In 1956 France’s mining laws were organized in a Mining Code, which has evolved since.
The 18th century Industrial Revolution marked a significant expansion of mining activities. Amongst other mining companies, Umicore’s predecessor companies operated zinc and lead mines in France from the mid-1800s until well into the 20th century. These metals were key for infrastructure, manufacturing, and construction developments.
Over time, factors such as the depletion of easily accessible and economically viable resources, competition from foreign deposits and technological advancements reducing the reliance on mined materials, leading to the decline of mining in France. Union Minière, for instance, gradually ended its mining activities in the Gard region, in the south of the country. It ceased the last remaining mining activities in the Croix-de-Pallières mining sector – which consisted of the Lacoste, La Grande Vernissière, Saint-Sebastien d’Aigrefeuille and La-Croix-de-Pallières concessions – between the late 1960s and early 1970s.
From the extraction of minerals to the closing of the mines, each phase was conducted in compliance with the legal framework in force at that time.
In the 1990s, Union Minière decided to surrender its mining rights and secured the former mining sites under the supervision of the State. All concessions were returned to the state. The final one was confirmed by ministerial decree in 2005, symbolizing the end of an era.
Umicore never left the area and continued its remediation efforts in Saint Felix, as part of its commitment to limit the environmental impact of its historical mining activities. For more details see the pages dedicated to the former mining sites.
Today, France still has nearly 3,000 former mining sites, many of which are “orphaned” or abandoned mines without a responsible owner, as many former mining companies have ceased to exist. Umicore is one of the companies that inherited a mining legacy and one of the few that continues to engage in remediations.
Changing contexts and regulations
Industrial practices, health, safety and environmental standards, as well as laws and regulations, were vastly different compared to today. Societal norms have also evolved significantly over time.
Similarly, the approach for remediating mining activities has changed.
Mining operations were strictly managed under the Mining Code. Mining activities were a collaborative effort between the state and mining companies. Practices during the time of operation and subsequent remediations were state-regulated and state-approved. This framework reflected the standards and knowledge of the time, which were less stringent and comprehensive than today’s practices.
Unlike orphaned mines, where the state is responsible under the Mining Code, Umicore remains actively involved and committed to improving the situation as effectively as possible. However, it’s important to recognize the shared history: effective remediation requires a partnership between the state, companies, and communities to ensure a sustainable and safe environment for future generations.
Focused and concerted remediation approach
Remediation aims to effectively manage and control sources of historical pollution from a formerly exploited site to ensure the land is compatible with its future uses. It generally is a complex and long-term process due to evolving regulatory aspects and involves multiple stages and concertation with experts and authorities.
At historical mining sites in France, the focus is on applying methods that help reduce exposure risks of people or the environment to areas with residues containing elevated metals concentration.
Remediations begin with legally required feasibility studies to identify the most effective remediation methods, based on scenario-planning and best available techniques. This includes site assessment, the development of remediation strategies, and their implementation in alignment with the authorities.
Methods are selected based on geological characteristics, the nature of the materials or contaminants concerned, the accessibility of the land and current and future uses. For example, at the Digue or tailings dam in Saint-Félix, Umicore contained pollutants on-site and restricted public access.
All operations at the Saint-Félix-de-Pallières site are governed by prefectural decrees, supervised by the Prefect of Gard and monitored by state-related agency Direction Régionale de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement (DREAL). Umicore works with specialist companies for targeted and safe interventions, while state-related experts such as Geoderis and Institut national de l’environnement industriel et des risques (INERIS) ensure that the solutions chosen are appropriate, compliant and safe. Furthermore, remediations are often accompanied by recommendations or restrictions on land use and precautionary health advice from the ARS (Regional Health Agency) to the residents of the municipalities involved.
Keeping the local community informed
Umicore has remained present on-site and is in regular dialogue with local authorities. Over the years, various public consultations have been organized, including during the works related to the relinquishment of mining concessions, with the assistance of the sub-prefecture.
To ensure transparency and stakeholder engagement, the public authorities established a Monitoring and Information Committee (CSI - Comité de Suivi et d’Information) at the Croix-de-Pallières site in 2016. These local fora bring together all stakeholders, including residents' associations and are regularly organized by the Prefecture of Gard and chaired by the Sub-Prefect of Le Vigan.
Umicore actively participates in these meetings, where its remediation plans and technical solutions are systematically presented and discussed, ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout the remediation process.
Umicore’s ongoing commitment
France’s mining legacy is a shared one and deeply rooted in its industrial history. Addressing this legacy involves different actors, each with their own distinct responsibilities, including the state and former industrial operators. At the same time, we believe that lasting, practical solutions are best achieved through close cooperation between all relevant stakeholders. Umicore remains committed to continuous progress in its remediation efforts and to maintaining open dialogue with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure these efforts are understood and supported.
More information on Umicore's former mining sites in France:
