Final closure 1965 (≈ 1965)
Classification of the concession as inactive.
7 décembre 2010
Registration historical monument
Registration historical monument 7 décembre 2010 (≈ 2010)
Partial protection of site and buildings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The whole of the mine tile located on the edge of Salindre, at the place known as Champgontier, as well as the plots on which it is located, are: the housing buildings and the building of the old office for facades and roofs; The totality of the forge and lamp factory building, the horse riding and its terrace, the engine room building, the remaining elevations of the workshop and the ore conditioning rooms with the exception of the concrete constructions of the 1950s, the terrace of the tile, its fence and retaining walls, the blast furnace building located on Parcel C 2 (not included in the protection) and the central pile of the bridge overhanging the Salindre (between Parcels A 1263 and A 1264, not included in the protection) , the mine tile and its former fence, the remains of the ground installations, all and parcels A 1522 to 1526 on which these buildings are located : inscription by order of 7 December 2010
Key figures
Mathieu - Engineer
Contributes to technical development.
Ernest Gournier - Engineer
Involved in site design.
Origin and history
The Champgontier mine, located in Prades en Ardèche, is an iconic 19th and 20th century mining site. Its activity, centered on coal extraction, developed around a typical tile dominated by a stone straddling erected in 1900. This chivalry, used until 1920, symbolizes the industrial climax of the site, supplemented by functional buildings such as forge, lamp factory or engine room. The Armand well, the only one still intact, bears witness to this technical organization.
The history of the mine officially began in 1774 with a first concession, but it was after a fire in 1856 that a new concession was granted in 1872, reviving the activity. The operation ended abruptly in 1963, when the mine was drowned by a flood of Salyndre, resulting in its final closure in 1965. The site, partially listed as historic monuments since 7 December 2010, retains significant remains, including retaining walls, a bridge and ore conditioning workshops.
Architecturally, the mine tile is organized around a rectangular terrace, with buildings dedicated to administration, housing (including that of the owner, stone frames) and technical activities. The dynamitery and remains of the 1950s, although partially excluded from protection, recall the technological developments of the site. Engineers Mathieu and Gournier have marked its development, illustrating the importance of local skills in ardèche mining.
Today, the Champgontier mine offers a rare testimony of the coal industry in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Its designation as historic monuments underscores its heritage value, both for its industrial architecture and for its role in regional economic history. Sources, such as the proceedings of the Prades symposium (2009) or the work of Georges Naud, document his technical and social heritage.
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