Bellevue Underground Mine Tour

West Canadian Collieries Ltd., based in Lille, France, opened its Bellevue Mine in 1903.  The above ground portion of the operation was conveniently located next to the Canadian Pacific Railway branch line.

The Bellevue Mine operated for seven years with a strong safety record.  Then, on December 9, 1910, at 8:00pm there was an underground explosion.  It was suspected that a rock fall generated sparks, ignited methane gas that in turn caused a coal dust explosion - destroying the mine's only ventilation fan.

This chain of events resulted in high concentrations of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.  There were 42 men working in the mine that night.  Thirty died, most as a result of the deadly gasses.

The Bellevue Mine reopened a few weeks after the tragedy and reached its peak operations about 70 year ago when a work force of 500 men produced 2500 tons of coal each day.
Concrete gables (entries to the mine), which can be seen from Highway 3, were added in 1929.  West Canadian's coal processing plant was situated next to the mine's main entrance.
Expanded use of gas and oil for domestic and industrial fuel, however, led to a gradual decline in the market for coal.  The mine closed in 1962.

The mine tour gives an authentic 'coal miner' experience as you don a miner's lamp, battery pack and hard hat, then walk into the dark, damp, chilly depths of the original tunnel.  Your lamp is the only light by which to see the artifacts and the various sections of the mine, including the coal seam, a coal room and loading chute.  Guides explain the mine operation and the love the miner had for his work - despite the dangers and conditions.

For information on Tours Contact:

Bellevue Underground Mine Tour at:

Box 1740, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta,
Canada, T0K 0E0
Contact: 403-564-4700
Fax: 403-564-4457
Email: cpets@shaw.ca

Website: www.bellevuemine.ca

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