Former mining sites in France

Mining Legacy

France’s mining activities have a long history, dating back 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 developed since.

The 18th century Industrial Revolution saw a significant expansion of mining activities. Umicore’s predecessor companies operated mines in France from the mid-1800s and until well into the 20th century. They mined zinc and lead, key for infrastructure, manufacturing, and construction developments.

Various 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, led 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 zinc and lead concessions – between the late 1960s and early 1970s.

From the extraction of minerals to the closing of the mines, every phase was done in compliance with the legal framework in force at that time. 

In the 1990s, when Union Minière decided to surrender its mining rights, it secured the former mining sites under the supervision of the State. All mining 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, completing the rehabilitation of La Digue tailings dam in 2022. Umicore is initiating new remediation projects in the area and will also launch feasibility studies in its former historical Lacoste mining concession for future remediation initiatives. These efforts are part of Umicore’s ongoing commitment to limiting the environmental impact of its historical mining activities.

Today,France still has nearly 3,000 former mining sites many of these are so-called orphaned or abandoned mines with no responsible owner, as many former mining companies have ceased to exist. It is rare to have companies like Umicore, which inherited a mining legacy and remain actively involved in remediation efforts.

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 and regulations 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 orphan mines, where owners have disappeared and the state is held responsible under the Mining Code, Umicore remains 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 Remediation Approach

Remediation focuses on measures that effectively reduce and control the sources of historical pollution to ensure the land is compatible with its future uses.

Effective remediation is complex and involves multiple stages. These include feasibility studies which are essential and legally required to identify the most effective remediation methods, based on scenario-planning and best available techniques. This process includes site assessment, the development of remediation strategies, and their implementation in alignment with the authorities. Each stage is carefully planned to address the specific contaminants and environmental conditions. 

At historical mining sites in France, the goal is to apply methods that contribute mostly to reducing exposure risks of people or the environment to areas with residues with elevated metals concentration. Methods vary depending on the location and types of pollution. For example, at the Digue or tailings dam in Saint-Félix, Umicore has contained pollutants on-site and controlled access with fences. At the Issart site, Umicore will remove contaminated soil and treat it at appropriate facilities. 

Remediations are often accompanied by recommendations or restrictions on land use and precautionary health advice provided by the ARS (Regional Health Agency) to the residents of the municipalities involved.

Umicore is committed to making continuous progress in its remediation efforts and maintaining open lines of communication and collaboration with local authorities and other stakeholders. We collaborate with specialized companies that have expertise in conducting thorough assessments, executing targeted interventions and implementing the necessary safety measures.

More information on Umicore's former mining sites in France: 

Saint-Félix-de-Pallières, La Grande Vernissière and Viviez