Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The 8 - 8 bis pit, known as Émile Cornuault, was dug by the Compagnie des mines de Dourges from 1919 in Evin-Malmaison, in an unexploited area of the concession. Well 8 began on 6 October 1919, followed by well 8 bis in 1923. The extraction began in 1924, accompanied by the construction of large mining towns in the north and of burls (No. 109, 113, 113A) in the east and south. The pit became the most eastern of the company until 1930.

Nationalized in 1946, the pit became part of the Oignies Group. It ceased to be mined in 1961 after the launch of pit 10, but was still used for the transport of personnel and equipment until 1973. Its original horse riding, replaced in 1968 by that of the 3 ter pit of Marles (Auchel), was equipped with a 1,800 horsepower Koepe machine. The wells, 704 m deep (No. 8) and 564 m deep (No. 8 bis), were filled in 1991, marking the end of the activity.

In the 21st century, the site preserves major remains: the straddling of well No. 8 (listed as Historical Monuments in 2009 and classified at UNESCO in 2012), the bath-douchs, the pay room, and the walls of the enclosure. The earths, partially exploited, are today green spaces. The city-garden Cornuault, associated with the pit, shares the UNESCO classification. Charbonnages de France materialized the wellheads, while the BRGM inspects the site annually.

The 8-8 bis pit illustrates the peak and decline of the regional coal industry. Its chivalry, a symbol of mining heritage, and the Cornuault Garden City bear witness to the social and technical organization of coalfields. The ground, although partially disappeared, recalls the environmental impact of the exploitation. The site, owned by the commune, remains an identity marker of Hauts-de-France.

The key dates reflect the industrial stages: sinking (1919-1923), peak activity (1924-1961), post-nationalization modernization (1968), and heritage conversion (2009-2012). The pit was linked to nearby pits (No. 7, 9, 10) to optimize production, before its gradual decline after 1973. Its registration at UNESCO underlines its role in the universal history of the mining industry.

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