Salsigne Gold Mine

When did gold mining begin in Salsigne and how long was the mine in operation?

Industrial gold mining officially started in 1896, although the Romans and Gauls were already mining for precious metals here thousands of years ago. The mine remained in operation almost uninterrupted with few interruptions through both world wars and the economic crises. Only the falling gold prices and depleted deposits led to the final closure in 2004 after over a hundred...

What environmental problems did mining leave behind in the region?

The mine left serious environmental hazards, especially due to arsenic contamination. The tailings piles and residues from ore processing contain high concentrations of the toxic semimetal. Rainwater flushes these pollutants into surrounding rivers such as the Orbiel. Several villages had to draw their drinking water from other sources at times. The rehabilitation of the contaminated areas...

How much gold was mined during the operating time in total?

Approximately fifty tons of pure gold were mined in Salsigne over the entire operating period. In its prime, the mine produced several hundred kilograms of gold annually. In addition to gold, silver and arsenic were also extracted as by-products. The arsenic was further used industrially, which shows how closely the region was intertwined with the chemical industry.

Is visiting the mine today safe for explorers?

Staying on the site is questionable from a health point of view and legally problematic. In addition to the acute risk of collapse of old shafts and buildings, the arsenic load on the soil is a serious risk. Whirling up dust can introduce toxic particles into the respiratory tract. In addition, the site is partially fenced and guarded. Anyone who nevertheless penetrates not only acts negligently towards...