The scope of the inscription
Nominated sites all have to have their scope defined in order to be considered. Choices were made based on strict criteria, logically demonstrating the outstanding universal value of the Mining Basin. Many inventories were drawn up from 2003 to 2009, listing over 1,200 elements of mining heritage over the entire territory. These elements were listed in order of importance and selected according to how representative they were and several value criteria including integrity, authenticity, architectural quality, historical and symbolic significance and lastly, potential for being passed on to future generations. The scope represents 4,000 hectares of landscape, with 87 towns, 17 collieries or significant vestiges thereof, 21 headgear structures, 51 spoil heaps, 54 kilometres of former railway lines, 3 train stations, 124 housing developments, 38 schools and school complexes, 26 religious buildings, 22 health facilities and 7 community facilities (community halls, trade union houses, sports facilities and three head offices of mining companies).
For better insight into and enjoyment of this cultural landscape, a buffer zone was also defined around it. It covers 18,000 hectares of land and includes 124 towns, mine buildings providing insights into the landscape listed even if they are not particularly outstanding, and non-mining areas (urban, farmland, natural), as a backdrop to the distinctive spoil heaps, headgear structures and miners’ housing developments.