The French Experience of Post Mining Management

Abstract

During the centuries, French mining activity contributed, for a large amount, to the national industrial development. During the last few decades, under the combined effect of the resources exhaustion and international competition, the very large majority of French mining sites gradually closed down. Formerly symbol of pride and solidarity, mining activity is now frequently associated with post-mining harmful effects. As a matter of fact, the mine closure do not result in the complete and definitive eradication of risks for people, activities and goods located in the area of influence of abandoned mines. Thus, during the period, which follows exploitation and traditionally called post-mining, many disorders may develop, sometimes just after mine closure but sometimes quite long time later. In addition to potential instability development (subsidence, collapses), some abandoned mining sites can be affected by severe hydrogeological phenomena (floods), dangerous mine gas emissions on surface or environmental degradation (ground or water pollution). The paper presents briefly the French mining historical context that leads to the present situation. It then identifies and describes the major kinds of residual risks and harmful effects that may affect the abandoned French mine sites. The national prevention policy is then discussed, explaining the French mining legal scope recent evolutions as well as the major prevention programs that are developed on the national territory. Finally, a short description of the post-mining risk management organisation is given to explain the co- ordination between public services or establishments involved in the risk management process.