Fosse Dutemple, Historical coal mine in Valenciennes, France.
Fosse Dutemple is a coal mine in Valenciennes featuring a reinforced concrete headframe standing in a public garden. The structure showcases post-World War I mining construction, with shaft number 1 filled and sealed while shaft number 2 operated the longest among all sites in the mining basin.
Two shafts began construction in 1764 but water infiltration from the Anzin Torrent halted work until operations resumed in 1826. The mine then became an important part of the region's coal industry for nearly two centuries.
The site is part of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais Mining Basin, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage in 2012, reflecting the region's industrial identity. Visitors can see how mining shaped the area and its communities.
The site is freely accessible and offers views of the restored headframe in a calm public garden setting. The location is easy to reach and provides good access for those wanting to explore the industrial architecture.
Shaft number 2 at this mine holds the operating record for the entire mining basin with 185 years of continuous work. This demonstrates the exceptional longevity of this site compared to other locations in the region.
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