Mine peak 1868 (≈ 1868)
Production peak of silver ore.
1890
Devastating floods
Devastating floods 1890 (≈ 1890)
Accelerate the decline of the factory.
1894
Final closure
Final closure 1894 (≈ 1894)
End of mining activity on site.
début du XIXe siècle
Start of operation
Start of operation début du XIXe siècle (≈ 1904)
Upgrading the factory.
27 juillet 2014
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 27 juillet 2014 (≈ 2014)
Protection of the remaining remains of the factory.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
In total, the remaining buildings of the plant, including the vault on the creek of the Picadière and the condensation chimney (cad. D 285, 286, 288 (condensation line), 289 and 418 (factory): registration by order of 27 July 2014
Origin and history
The former Bocard silver-bearing lead mine, located in Vialas (Lozère, Occitanie), is a major testimony of the 19th century mining industry. Its development extends from the beginning of this century to its peak in 1868, when the mining of silver-rich ore reached its peak. The factory, then active, played a central economic role in the region, attracting labour and investment.
The mine's decline began gradually due to several combined factors: the scarcity of silver ore, the fall in the market price of silver, and the devastating floods of 1890. These events precipitated the final closure of the factory in 1894. Today, although most of the equipment and roofs have disappeared, some architectural elements remain, such as the arches of the foundry, the vault in the middle of the creek pipe, and especially the condensation chimney, built east of the site.
This chimney, supported by shale and blocking arches, is the best preserved and most remarkable structure on the site. The remains, though partial, offer an overview of the industrial techniques of the time and the spatial organization of the factory. Ranked Historic Monument in 2014, the remaining buildings, including the vault on the creek of the Picadière, are now protected. The site is accessible via an interpretive path, and a museum dedicated to the silver mine is planned for 2023, strengthening its heritage and tourist vocation.
