High above the landscape stands Terril de la Fosse 10 a testament to Lille’s industrial past. This imposing slag heap is one of two formed from the waste of the nearby Oignies mining group’s mine number 10. The mine itself operated from 1961 until December 21 1990. That was the day the coal mines of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region definitively closed.
Terril de la Fosse 10 is more than just a pile of rock. It’s a historical landmark a reminder of the hard work and dedication of the miners who toiled deep underground. The mine’s extraction process created this hill. It became one of the 353 elements spread across 109 sites classified as UNESCO World Heritage in 2012.
Imagine the miners at the end of their shift. They would have seen this mountain of waste grow larger each day. The coal dust would have coated their clothes and their lungs. They would have walked past Terril de la Fosse 10 and it would have dominated their daily lives. Today the site is peaceful. Nature has reclaimed this man-made landscape.
While the mine itself has been gone for some time the area shows traces of its legacy. The multi-modal Delta 3 platform is built on the former mine site. Charbonnages de France materialized the head of well number 10. They installed a methane vent there as well. The remains of the mine are a stark contrast to the thriving natural environment now found on Terril de la Fosse 10.
Terril de la Fosse 10 is more than just an industrial scar. It’s a symbol of resilience and renewal. It’s a place to reflect on the history of Lille and the legacy of its miners. Take a moment to appreciate the view. This mound of earth has a compelling story to tell. A story of hard work and rebirth. A story of Terril de la Fosse 10.