Val-de-Fer, Historical iron mine in Neuves-Maisons, France.
Val-de-Fer is a former iron ore mine near Neuves-Maisons with extensive underground galleries containing industrial structures from several decades of operation. The network spans considerable distances and shows traces of different extraction methods and equipment used across changing eras.
Mining operations began in 1874 under the Société Métallurgique de la Haute-Moselle and connected to a nearby steel facility through a specialized railway line. The site remained active until 1968, marking a substantial period of industrial activity that shaped the regional economy.
Former miners maintain sections of the galleries and share their personal experiences of working underground during Heritage Days events. Their stories bring to life the daily routines and close bonds that defined the mining community.
Visitors can follow marked pathways along the former railway line connecting different historical points and explaining mining operations and sites. Access to the underground galleries depends on guided visits, particularly during Heritage Days events when sections open to the public.
After closure, the underground galleries were repurposed and now function as a water storage and supply system for several surrounding municipalities. This transformation converted an industrial site into critical infrastructure serving the community's essential needs.
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