Historical La-Croix-de-Pallières concession near Saint-Félix-de-Pallières
Mining History
Mining activity near the town of Saint-Félix-de-Pallières began in the 19th century, focusing on extracting zinc and related metals from the rich subsoil.
In 1913, the French state granted the La-Croix-de-Pallières mining concession to 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 were used to produce refined zinc to protect steel from corrosion. This helped ensure the durability of many applications in construction, transportation, and manufacturing such as road equipment, fences, bridges, gutters, and roofing and thereby supported industrial expansion.
In 1971, Union Minière decided to close the mines and subsequently began the process of relinquishing its mining concessions. It carried out works to secure the site, and the French state accepted the return of the last concession in 2005.
A historical mining area covered by nature
Unlike other operations in the region, no structures have been preserved at the La-Croix-de-Pallières concession sites, almost erasing its mining past. Over the past 50 years, forests and vegetation have partially reclaimed the areas, creating a misleading impression of a recreational space.
However, it is important to remember that this site remains a former mining area. For centuries -- since roman times -- and under many different owners, its primary purpose was the extraction of minerals. Visitors to this historical mining area can still be exposed to elevated concentrations of residual metals such as lead, zinc, and cadmium.
Umicore’s current remediation works can help reduce this exposure.
Past and recent remediations at La-Croix-de-Pallières (Saint-Félix)
Umicore closed the former mining area in compliance with the laws and requirements of public authorities at the time. This was part of the process of returning the concessions to the state.
Initially, the company redeveloped and secured the old mining installations, which included demolishing buildings, filling in openings, and restoring the site.
The containment of the tailings dam (La Digue) involved installing a drainage system, including a ditch surrounding the dam and a conduit running through it to prevent surface water from percolating into the old dam. The tailings dam was completely covered with a clay layer, reshaped, and then covered with a 30 to 50 cm layer of vegetated soil to protect it and integrate it into the landscape.
In 2016, in cooperation with the State, Umicore began additional work to maintain and improve the containment of the tailings dam. This included covering eroded areas, revegetation, and installing riprap to restrict access. Together with the Direction régionale et interdépartementale de l’environnement et de l’énergie (DREAL), a state agency under the supervision of the Prefect, a new in-depth geotechnical study was conducted, fully funded by Umicore.
Based on the recommendations from this study, Umicore proceeded in 2021 with the complete replacement of the dam cover to ensure proper containment of the tailings for the years to come. The work was completed in 2023.



The tailings dam is located on a parcel that is subject to use easements. Apart from the tailings dam, Umicore does not own the land within the perimeter of the former mine.
Umicore, through a local engineering company, regularly monitors the tailings dam. The monitoring consists of at least four visits a year and when needed the company makes necessary maintenance and improvements.
Remediations in La-Croix-de-Pallières (Saint-Félix)
In consultation with the relevant government departments, a proposal for the management of the mining residues present in the Issart area was submitted in 2019. Following additional feasibility studies conducted in 2023, the proposed remediation solution was validated by the State in spring 2024.
The remediation work consisted in removing the residues present on the site. The materials were sent to an approved treatment facility, where they underwent stabilization treatment and then a storage treatment phase. Subsequently, the treated areas were backfilled with clean materials of controlled origin. The area will be vegetated by hydroseeding to ensure uniform and rapid growth.
The work began at the end of October 2024 and was completed towards the end of January.
As regards the GFA de la Gravouillères Haldes site, located opposite La Digue, Umicore has proposed an on-site materials management solution similar to what was done at La Digue. Work is due to start in 2025 and could last about a year, subject to obtaining the necessary prior authorizations.
The Joseph mine, which used to be part of the former Valleraube concession and was mined for lead and pyritic iron ore, requires further geotechnical studies. This former mining gallery closed 150 years ago, towards the end of the 19th century. Mining ceased in 1955 and in 2002 the concession was returned to the state.
Keeping the local community informed
Umicore 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 residents' associations. The purpose of these meetings is to inform the local community of the various initiatives that the authorities are taking and Umicore always participates.