Mount Neuenberg silver mines, Historic monument and mining site in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, France
The mines d'argent du massif de Neuenberg is an underground mining system on Neuenberg hill in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines that was used to extract silver and lead from the 16th century onward. The site contains tunnels, shafts, and surface features including heaps of mine waste that document the extent of past extraction work.
Silver extraction in this massif succeeded earlier Roman mining operations and expanded significantly from the 16th century onward. Mining eventually ceased, but since 1994 the site has been officially protected as a listed historical monument.
This mining site reflects centuries of silver extraction that shaped the local community. The visible heaps and underground passages reveal how deeply mining was woven into the daily life and economy of the region for generations.
The mines are located on a hill in central Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and can be reached on foot, with some tunnels and surface features visible or accessible via guided visits. Wear sturdy footwear and check ahead about available tours, as access and conditions may vary depending on weather and maintenance.
Explorers rediscovered these underground passages in the early 1970s and launched efforts to study and preserve the forgotten mining landscape. The organization ASEPAM has since taken responsibility for maintaining the site and sharing its history with visitors.
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