Collapse of the Löwenschacht

A coal mine shaft from 1860

The Süntel leads numerous layers of coal, in the middle of which are huge blocks of sandstone. The coal originated from the mighty swamp forests of the Wealden period 100 million years ago. The extraction of this natural resource began in the 17th century and reached its peak in the 19th century and in the first years after the Second World War. Unfortunately, the Süntelkohle contained many non-combustible substances, mainly salt. Their dismantling repeatedly encountered a variety of difficulties. The poor quality made them lose the competition with the Ruhr coal and led to the cessation of the Süntel mine in 1953.Binge is the name given to the sunken rest of the shaft, which is partially filled with overburden.
Source: hoefingen.net/suentel/bergbau2.htm