Rollers for making “boulets”, a form of smokeless fuel, at La Maison du Mineur, La Grand’Combe, Gard, France.

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These giant rollers were used to produce smokeless fuel for domestic use. Coal dust was mixed with an oily, tarry substance and then formed by the rollers pressing and moulding it. Some of the boulets produced at La Grand’Combe had a crescent shape stamped into them and were known by the name of “Boulet le Croissant." The museum is housed in part of the old Puits Ricard mine. All of the artefacts in the museum are of the region and have been collected to save them from destruction. The museum has been granted “Monument Historique” status in France. The museum was renovated in 2001.

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Size: 3985px × 6000px
Location: La Maison du Mineur, Vallée Ricard à la Grand’Combe, 30110, Alès, France.
Photo credit: © Brian Hartshorn / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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