Somain, Nord
Somain (French pronunciation: [sɔmɛ̃]) is a commune in the Nord department in northern France. The former commune of Villers-Campeau was absorbed by Somain in 1947. The town was known for its extensive mining industry.
Mining
Most nearby mines were operated by either the Aniche Mining Company or the Anzin Mining Company.
The Renaissance mine was the first mine. It was opened in the south of the town in 1839. It was soon followed by the St Louis mine, which opened in 1843, and was located a few hundred yards south of the Renaissance mine. The Renaissance mine closed in 1890, and the St Louis mine in 1925.
In 1856, the Anzin Mining Company opened the Casimir Périer mine in the South East of the town, near Fenain and Abscon. Coal extraction ceased at the Casimir Périer mine in 1935, but the mine remained open to allow access to another local pit, the Saint Mark mine.
The Aniche mining company opened the De Sessavalle mine in 1902. The mine closed in 1970.
