Stocamine, which lies in the old industrial town of Wittelsheim, Alsace, once held an old potash mine. Now, the mine shafts are closed, storing poisonous waste from elsewhere. Above the mine shafts is one of Europe’s largest aquifers.
Campaigners have protested regularly at the site since the 1980s.
Some fear this toxic waste won’t stay sealed in the mine. In time, scientists say it could seep into the Alsace aquifer, which feeds into the Upper Rhine aquifer running between France, Switzerland and Germany, potentially contaminating the drinking water of millions of people.
In the middle of the nature reserve, contained in the mine are substances that have been linked to mass die-offs in wildlife, which could have severe and longlasting effects on ecosystems.
Campaigner Yann Flory, left, and former miner Jean-Pierre Hecht, who says he feels ‘betrayed’.
Former miner Jean-Pierre Hecht explains how he and his colleagues used to work in the old days.
A classic car show takes place outside the mine, whose disused conveyor tower can be seen in the background.
Historical photo of Stocamine, Wittelsheim, Alsace.
