Urban Exploration - The Red Mine

Here is a page of photos from the Privas iron mine in Ardèche. At one time, there was an access point to the mine via the Chemin de Grosjeanne. Following the construction of a house in March 2016, the entrance was completely sealed and banked up; to this day, no other access point is known to me despite a truly colossal amount of prospecting.

The mine is composed of four underground sectors, seemingly separated by unexploited rock masses: Veyras, Saint-Priest, and two sections in the hamlet of Les Mines de Privas. Significant portions of this mining network appear to be affected by flooding. A drainage adit (exhaure) partially collects water from some of these workings. We are in an iron mine here with a rather glowing red ore. This network has a reputation for being very low-ceilinged; however, a significant portion of the main galleries can be visited without having to stoop much. It is, therefore, a pleasant place to say the least. The site features meticulous workmanship, often with dry-stone walling executed with a surprising eye for detail. The mining plan resembles a large grid pattern. Since the site follows a dip of roughly 15 degrees, there are quite a few small, equipped declines. With beautiful rails and charming winches, the equipment is not lacking in character.

The mine’s drainage adit can be visited, although it is located "in the middle of nowhere" (Perpette-Les-Alouettes) compared to the mine itself. Access is gained through a somewhat awkward passage, which leads to a lovely canal on a ledge. It is reminiscent of the Rigole d'Yonne. It is a mossy and very charming spot. Inside, the gallery is in good condition, initially flooded with about 30-40 centimeters of water. The roof is sometimes raw rock, sometimes vaulted. The appearance is quite inviting, though inherently very monotonous. There is a strong water flow, so you have to struggle a bit to move forward. The route is quite long, well over a kilometer. At times, it turns into a concrete egg-shaped tunnel (ovoid), with higher water levels and a strong current in the cunette. In other places, it widens. Leaks cause a wall to buckle, with water escaping between the bricks. Finally, you emerge at a shaft of about 20 meters. You can see daylight through the capping, but the exact location of this structure remains unknown. The end of the path reaches a water level that is simply total flooding.

A small photographic tour will help convey the beauty of these places.