Les Télots Mine

Les Télots Mine extracted oil shale dating from the Asselian era at Saint-Forgeot, on the outskirts of Autun in Saône-et-Loire town in central-eastern France. Shale mining in the area began in 1824 at Igornay. By 1837, shale oil was being produced for public lighting, and installations were constantly being improved to diversify production. Les Télots concession was granted in 1865. The refinery completed the oil distillation plant in 1936, employing several hundred workers who produced automotive fuel. During the Occupation, the site was of strategic importance to the German army, which kept a watchful eye on it, and minor acts of sabotage were carried out by the local resistance and the Allies (notably the Scullion raids). In retaliation, militiamen executed five workers. Following closure in 1957, the site was dismantled and partially demolished.