Puits de Campgrand, Coal mine shaft in Cagnac-les-Mines, France
The Puits de Campgrand is a shaft building with a metal lattice headframe supported by brick structures and includes a circular chimney about 30 meters tall. The site features a museum with exhibitions about mining operations and a gallery reconstructed by former miners to show extraction techniques.
The shaft was constructed in 1892 by the Albi Mining Company and reached a depth of about 202 meters. After coal extraction ended in 1905, it served as a ventilation shaft until 1979.
The site preserves historical mining machines that show how miners worked and what technologies they relied on daily. These pieces of equipment help visitors understand the physical demands and skill required for extracting coal.
The visit offers access to guided tours and exhibitions that explain daily work and conditions in the mine. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes since the site involves uneven terrain and multiple levels to explore.
Shaft number 2 preserves its original machinery, including a 250 horsepower motor coupled to a generator converter. This equipment is demonstrated for visitors on special occasions and shows the impressive power of historical mining technology.
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