Fosse n° 9 - 9 bis des mines de Dourges, Historical coal mine complex in Oignies, France
Fosse n° 9 - 9 bis is a decommissioned mining center consisting of two shafts that descended deep beneath the surface. The preserved buildings and structures demonstrate how such an operation functioned and what equipment was used to extract coal from below.
Mining operations began here in the 1800s, making this site a major coal production center for the region. Operations ended in 1990 when the final crew emerged from the shafts, closing a long chapter of coal extraction in this part of France.
The site is named after the two shafts that once connected this place to the mining operations below. Visitors can observe how the industrial infrastructure shaped the communities and daily routines of the people who worked and lived here.
The site is accessible and offers a clear view of the preserved mining equipment and structures across the grounds. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the expansive area, and bring a jacket as weather conditions can change quickly in this region.
Several worker housing communities were built nearby, with some dating from the 1930s and designed specifically for mining families. These residential complexes are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and reveal how entire neighborhoods were created around coal production centers.
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