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Study trip to the coal mine in Blegny (B)
The Institute of Communication Systems and Data Processing visited the coal mine in Blegny (Belgium).
It is situated near Liège and belongs to the Unesco world heritage. The mine has been used for coal mining until 1980 and is still in the state in which it was left at that time.
During the visit, the 26 participants went down to a depth of 60 meters. For the first 30 meters the original two-storied conveyor cage was taken. While walking down to the 60 meter gallery the tilt of the coal bed was observable.
During the guided tour, many aspects of mining were illustrated, especially the underground working conditions. The pneumatic tools caused a high noise level, which was demonstrated by the still operating machines. Some coal beds only had a height of half a meter, which led to a very constricted working place for the pitmen.
