Schacht Polsum
THE ABANDONED MINE IN GERMANY
Explore the fascinating history of Schacht Polsum, a colliery shaft with a story dating back to 1943. It was abandoned in 2008.
Originally dug with the intent of becoming a pivotal part of a double shaft system, Schacht Polsum faced delays and challenges, finally becoming operational in 1949. Initially envisioned as a conveyor shaft, it later found its purpose as an outer shaft for the renowned mining company ‘Zeche Westerholt’.
As time passed, the Westerholt colliery merged with other local mining entities in 1998. The merges eventually are leading to its rechristening as ‘Bergwerk Lippe’. However, by 2008, the mine ceased operations, with the subsequent year marking the filling of the Polsum shaft.
Despite the closure, the story of Schacht Polsum didn’t end there. In 2010, the headframe of the shaft found new life under the ownership of Haiger Burbach. This company is specialized in shaft controls and signal systems. Transported to their headquarters near the A45, the structure underwent a transformation, evolving into a training center and a prominent landmark visible from afar.
Capturing the essence of this historic site, our urbex journey in 2016 unearthed compelling visuals of the abandoned mine. Discover the allure of Schacht Polsum through our lens, as we delve into its past and present, preserving its memory for generations to come. You can see more reports about abandoned mines here, here and here.
