Fosse n° 9 des mines de l'Escarpelle, Coal mine heritage site in Roost-Warendin, France
Fosse n° 9 is a coal mining complex in Roost-Warendin featuring a preserved headframe, administrative buildings, and former washing facilities across an industrial site in northern France. The remaining structures show how mining operations were organized, with different zones for separate stages of coal extraction and processing.
The mine was founded in 1909 to support ventilation for shafts 1 and 3, but World War I delayed its full operation by several years. The site only became fully operational after the war and the region then developed as a major coal extraction area.
The site sits alongside the modern residential area of Belleforière, which was built to house mining families and reflects the close relationship between industry and community life in this region.
The site is easily reached by public transport or car and sits near other industrial heritage sites in the region. Wear sturdy shoes as the grounds are uneven in places and conditions depend on the weather.
The mine was designed primarily as a ventilation shaft rather than for direct coal extraction. This specialized function makes it a rare example of mining infrastructure that served a critical but often overlooked role in keeping underground operations running safely.
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