On Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the teams of the Department of Geosciences and Civil Engineering at Mines Nancy and the GeoRessources laboratory invite you to the Neuves-Maisons iron mine for the Fête de la Science, France’s annual science festival. The program includes a virtual tour of a tunnel under construction, a photo exhibition, a introduction to geology, a guided visit of the iron mine, and three talks, including one on hydrogen as a new energy source.
A Day to Discover How Mining and Underground Techniques Have Evolved
PTH-2 drilling site (Moselle, France) for natural hydrogen exploration, carried out by La Française de l’Énergie as part of the REGALOR II project, supported by the Grand Est Region and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Photo credit: GeoRessources (UL-CNRS)
This year’s Fête de la Science theme is “Mines and Tunnels, Past and Present.” Faculty and researchers from the Department of Geosciences and Civil Engineering and the GeoRessources laboratory invite the public to discover, on a historic mining site, how excavation and tunneling techniques have evolved over time.
On the Program
- Virtual tour of a tunnel under construction (and/or an iron mine)
- Photo exhibition on the different “life phases” of a mine or a tunnel
- Discovering geology through a geological walk
- Iron mine tour (paid admission, last departure at 4 p.m.)
- Three talks (see below)
Three Talks Open to the Public
- 11 a.m.: “A New Energy: Hydrogen,” by J. Pironon
- 2 p.m.: tunnels, by O. Deck
- 4 p.m.: today’s mines, by N. Fayol
The event takes place at the Neuves-Maisons mine, as part of the Fête de la Science network of events. It is a chance to explore a site that reflects the mining history of Lorraine while addressing today’s challenges.
Practical Information:
- Date and time: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Venue: Neuves-Maisons mine, rue du Val de Fer, allée François Boyette, 54230 Neuves-Maisons, France
- Talks: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Iron mine tour: paid admission, last departure at 4 p.m.
- Organizers: Department of Geosciences and Civil Engineering at Mines Nancy and the GeoRessources laboratory
FAQ
When does the event take place?
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where is it held?
At the Neuves-Maisons iron mine, rue du Val de Fer, allée François Boyette, 54230 Neuves-Maisons, France.
What is the theme?
“Mines and Tunnels, Past and Present”: how mining and underground techniques have evolved.
Is the mine tour paid?
Yes, the iron mine tour requires paid admission, with a last departure at 4 p.m.
What time are the talks?
At 11 a.m. (hydrogen), 2 p.m. (tunnels) and 4 p.m. (today’s mines).
Who organizes the event?
The teams of the Department of Geosciences and Civil Engineering at Mines Nancy and the GeoRessources laboratory.
