Historical Lacoste and La Grande Vernissière concessions near Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac and Fressac
The historical Lacoste and La Grande Vernissière concessions, near the towns of Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac and Fressac, have a long mining and industrial past and were known for their extraction of lead and zinc.
The concessions were established in 1839 and were operated by various concessionaires and mining operators, including those other than Umicore’s predecessors. The Lacoste site was mined during two periods: from 1839 to 1906 and again from 1948 to 1971. The La Grande Vernissière site experienced intermittent mining from 1839 to 1921.
In the case of the Lacoste site, Umicore’s predecessors became concessionaires in 1953.
Initiation of feasibility studies for remediations
In October 2024, Geoderis presented a health and environmental study at a public meeting in Durfort related to the Lacoste and La Grande Vernissière concessions. The study evaluated soil and water quality and identified five areas that require attention along with remediation recommendations for each area.
In line with Geoderis’s recommendations, Umicore will initiate feasibility studies to ensure that the legacy of mining is managed responsibly in these five areas.
It is important to recognize that we are at the beginning of a remediation process, which will take time and careful planning. We are committed to managing and improving the situation in the most efficient manner possible to effectively address the exposure risks in collaboration and in transparency with local authorities and stakeholders.