Blegny-Mine

Blegny-Mine is a coal extraction facility with surface buildings and two levels below ground that visitors can reach by descending through original mine shafts. The site contains washing plants, sorting equipment, and other machinery used during active mining operations.

Mining began here in the 16th century and continued for nearly 500 years until operations stopped in 1980. The closure marked the end of coal extraction as a major industry in Belgium.

The site reflects how generations of miners shaped their communities through decades of hard labor in the earth below. Visitors can sense the weight of this daily struggle through the preserved buildings and equipment that remain from their working lives.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket since underground spaces stay cool year-round and walking surfaces can be wet or slippery. Guided tours are essential to navigate safely and understand the complex layout and technical details of the mine.

The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage property in 1994 for its role in documenting European industrial history. Fewer visitors realize that many of the machines and systems remain exactly as they were left when mining stopped four decades ago.