Do you see that unspectacular structure before you? That’s the protected headframe of Schacht Borussia 2, also known as Oespel 2. This location was once a vital part of Dortmund’s coal mining history. Let’s delve into its story.
Schacht Borussia 2 started as Schacht 2 of the Zeche Borussia in 1856. Its initial purpose was to manage water. By 1858, it began to contribute to the mine’s output. However, by 1890, the shaft was in poor condition. A collapse occurred between the 3rd and 4th levels in 1896.
Following a mine fire in 1905, Schacht Borussia 2 temporarily resumed operations. It served as an auxiliary hoisting shaft to meet the mine’s own needs. This was a short-term solution during a crisis.
A significant change occurred in 1911. The Zeche Oespel took over the Zeche Borussia. Schacht Borussia 2 was then renamed Oespel Schacht 2.
The shaft continued to be essential. It played a role in both transporting miners and hoisting materials. However, by 1948, the shaft had been filled in below the second level.
The end of the line came in 1962. Both the Zeche Oespel and Schacht Borussia 2 were shut down. This marked the end of an era for this location.
The original shaft had a diameter of 2.25 by 5.34 meters. It reached a depth of 578 meters. Today, only the protected headframe remains. It serves as a reminder of the area’s mining past.
The Zeche Oespel, which once included Schacht Borussia 2, had a rich history. Coal was first discovered in Oespel around 1666. In 1892, the Kaiser Friedrich field was divided. The Zeche Kaiser Friedrich couldn’t operate this portion.
The Oespel field, covering 1.1 square kilometers, emerged. It was initially leased to Zeche Vereinigte Borussia in 1896. However, the lease ended in 1903.
The Gewerkschaft Oespel was established. Work began on Schacht 1, initially called Schacht Borussia 4. Later, it was renamed Schacht Oespel 1.
In 1911, the Gewerkschaft Oespel acquired all shares of the Gewerkschaft Borussia. The Zeche Borussia was effectively taken over by Zeche Oespel. This expanded the Zeche Oespel’s mining area to 9.6 square kilometers. Schacht Oespel was used as a production shaft.
At its peak in 1938, Zeche Oespel mined 630,261 tons of coal. This was achieved with a workforce of 1,495 employees.
In 1923, all assets of the Gewerkschaft Oespel were transferred to Essener Steinkohlebergwerke AG. The company continued to operate both the Borussia and Oespel operations.
Schacht Borussia 2 / Oespel 2 may seem like a simple structure now. But it represents a significant chapter in Dortmund’s industrial heritage. It reminds us of the hard work and dedication of the miners who toiled beneath the surface. Their efforts fueled the region’s growth for many years.