The coalfield extends over some twenty kilometres from Le Bousquet d'Orb to Plaisance. The first mining concessions date from the late 18th century, but the local inhabitants had long known of the existence of this fuel, gathering the coal they need for heating and nail manufacturing from outcropping coal seams. But up to then, none of them had any idea of how coal mines were exploited.

The mining industry developed during the first half of the 19th century and supplied local manufactures, such as the textile factories of Bédarieux and Lodève, the distilleries around Béziers, limekilns, soap factories and foundries. However, coal distribution was hampered by the lack of communications.

From 1858, the creation of the Béziers-Graissessac railway opened up new markets for coal for use on land and at sea. Between the Second Empire to the Second World War, the coalmining industry never ceased to expand.

In 1946, the Graissessac mines were nationalised and joined the Cévennes Coalmining Group.

However, shortly after this, competition from new energy sources led to closure of the deep pits. From 1962, only one mine - an open-strip mine - remained open, employing a handful of miners. The region was deserted by its inhabitants and entered a period of serious economic and social depression. Today, the "Black Country" has become the "Green Country" and is striving to build a completely new economic basis.

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