France’s mining activities
Historical La-Croix-de-Pallières concession near Saint-Félix-de-Pallières
Mining History
Mining activity near the town of Saint-Félix-de-Pallières began in the 19th century, focusing on extracting zinc and related metals from the rich subsoil.
In 1913, the French state granted the La-Croix-de-Pallières mining concession to the Société des Mines et Fonderies de Zinc de la Vieille-Montagne, which later became part of Union Minière, the predecessor of Umicore.
The extracted metals were used to produce refined zinc to protect steel from corrosion. This helped ensure the durability of many applications in construction, transportation, and manufacturing such as road equipment, fences, bridges, gutters, and roofing and thereby supported industrial expansion.
In 1971, Union Minière decided to close the mines and subsequently began the process of relinquishing its mining concessions. It carried out works to secure the site, and the French state accepted the return of the last concession in 2005.
A historical mining area covered by nature
Unlike other operations in the region, no structures have been preserved at the La-Croix-de-Pallières concession sites, almost erasing its mining past. Over the past 50 years, forests and vegetation have partially reclaimed the areas, creating a misleading impression of a recreational space.
However, it is important to remember that this site remains a former mining area. For centuries -- since roman times -- and under many different owners, its primary purpose was the extraction of minerals. Visitors to this historical mining area can still be exposed to elevated concentrations of residual metals such as lead, zinc, and cadmium.
Umicore’s current remediation works can help reduce this exposure.
Past and recent remediations at La-Croix-de-Pallières (Saint-Félix)
Umicore closed the former mining area in compliance with the laws and requirements of public authorities at the time. This was part of the process of returning the concessions to the state.
Initially, the company redeveloped and secured the old mining installations, which included demolishing buildings, filling in openings, and restoring the site.
The containment of the tailings dam (La Digue) involved installing a drainage system, including a ditch surrounding the dam and a conduit running through it to prevent surface water from percolating into the old dam. The tailings dam was completely covered with a clay layer, reshaped, and then covered with a 30 to 50 cm layer of vegetated soil to protect it and integrate it into the landscape.
In 2016, in cooperation with the State, Umicore began additional work to maintain and improve the containment of the tailings dam. This included covering eroded areas, revegetation, and installing riprap to restrict access. Together with the Direction régionale et interdépartementale de l’environnement et de l’énergie (DREAL), a state agency under the supervision of the Prefect, a new in-depth geotechnical study was conducted, fully funded by Umicore.
Based on the recommendations from this study, Umicore proceeded in 2021 with the complete replacement of the dam cover to ensure proper containment of the tailings for the years to come. The work was completed in 2023.
The tailings dam is located on a parcel that is subject to use easements. Apart from the tailings dam, Umicore does not own the land within the perimeter of the former mine.
Umicore, through a local engineering company, regularly monitors the tailings dam. The monitoring consists of at least four visits a year and when needed the company makes necessary maintenance and improvements.
Ongoing remediations in La-Croix-de-Pallières (Saint-Félix)
Early November 2024, Umicore launched remediation work at the Issart site.
In consultation with the State and the Saint Felix municipality, a proposal for the management of mine residues on and around the Issart site was submitted in 2019. Following additional feasibility studies conducted in 2023, the proposed remediation solution was validated by the State in spring 2024.
Remediations at the Issart site consist of excavating and removing residues of approximately 1,000 cubic meters by truck and bringing them to a licensed landfill. The soil will be replaced with clean soil and the area will be grassed using hydroseeding to ensure uniform and rapid growth. The work is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.
As regards the Haldes site, located opposite La Digue tailings dam, Umicore intends to cover the area with membranes, similar to La Digue. Work is due to start in 2025 and could take about one year.
The Joseph mine, which used to be part of the former Valleraube concession and was mined for lead and pyritic iron ore, requires further feasibility studies. It is a very complex undertaking as it’s a very steep slope. This former mining gallery closed 150 years ago, towards the end of the 19th century. Mining ceased in 1955 and in 2002 the concession was returned to the state.
Keeping the local community informed
Umicore has remained on-site and is in regular dialogue with local authorities.
Various public consultations have been conducted, and several information sessions were organized at the time of the works related to the relinquishment of mining concessions with the assistance of the sub-prefecture.
In 2016, the public authorities established a Monitoring and Information Committee (CSI) at the Croix-de-Pallières site, bringing together all stakeholders, including residents' associations. The purpose of these meetings is to inform the local community of the various initiatives that the authorities are taking and Umicore always participates.
More information on Umicore's former mining sites in Saint-Félix-de-Pallières and Thoiras
Historical Lacoste and La Grande Vernissière concessions near Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac and Fressac
The historical Lacoste and La Grande Vernissière concessions, near the towns of Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac and Fressac, have a long mining and industrial past and were known for their extraction of lead and zinc.
The concessions were established in 1839 and were operated by various concessionaires and mining operators, including those other than Umicore’s predecessors. The Lacoste site was mined during two periods: from 1839 to 1906 and again from 1948 to 1971. The La Grande Vernissière site experienced intermittent mining from 1839 to 1921.
In the case of the Lacoste site, Umicore’s predecessors became concessionaires in 1953.
Initiation of feasibility studies for remediations
In October 2024, Geoderis presented a health and environmental study at a public meeting in Durfort related to the Lacoste and La Grande Vernissière concessions. The study evaluated soil and water quality and identified five areas that require attention along with remediation recommendations for each area.
In line with Geoderis’s recommendations, Umicore will initiate feasibility studies to ensure that the legacy of mining is managed responsibly in these five areas.
It is important to recognize that we are at the beginning of a remediation process, which will take time and careful planning. We are committed to managing and improving the situation in the most efficient manner possible to effectively address the exposure risks in collaboration and in transparency with local authorities and stakeholders.
Viviez – Example of Multistakeholder collaboration
Viviez, a town with a rich industrial heritage, is a good example of a collaborative multistakeholder project that addresses the legacy of contamination from historical refining activities.
From 1855 until 1987, Umicore’s predecessor companies operated a zinc smelter and refinery in Viviez. This facility was a cornerstone of the local economy and was key for the zinc industry. After ceasing these activities, Umicore addressed the environmental impacts of its historical operations with a large-scale remediation program that ran from 2011 until the end of 2016 to restore the local environment.
Viviez’s industrial legacy is valued and actively managed. The mayor’s proactive approach led to the launch of a voluntary multi-stakeholder remediation program in 2017 to address soil contamination in the private gardens around the Viviez site.
The program partnered organizations such as Inéris (the National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks), BRGM (the French Geological Survey), the French government, DREAL (the Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning, and Housing), and Umicore. A dedicated expert panel defined the appropriate measures.
As part this program, Umicore excavated contaminated soil and replaced it with clean soil. The project was completed in October 2024. Today, a pedagogical trail, funded by Umicore, explains and highlights the town’s industrial history as a way to promote tourism.
This model serves as a promising example emphasizing the importance of working together to tackle shared challenges and responsibilities of a long mining legacy.
