Mechernich Lead Smelter Ruins

The lead was melted in the lead smelter. In a complicated process, the desired fine lead was produced from the lead ore extracted and enriched during processing. Source: Information board on site

The heyday of lead mining in this area was around 1882, when 4,000-5,000 workers worked there. A large rental lodge was built in 1869, its chimney had a height of 134 meters. 1952/53 established the union Mechernicher works derricks near Kallmuth to determine the lead ore deposit. The Prussian mining and smelter AG (Preussag) operated the factory from 1937 to 1958, until the promotion in 1957 was terminated due to the decreasing yield and falling lead prices. At this time, around 1,200 people were still working in the lead plant.

The whole hiking trail is a highlight, unfortunately only the remains of buildings can be seen here