Haus Aden

From the Coal Mine to the Water City

The Haus Aden coal mine was established in the 1940s in the northern Ruhr region. It was regarded as a symbol of modern underground mining. At its peak, over 4,000 people worked there. Their daily lives were marked by hard physical labor, close-knit work relationships, and strong union involvement.

Access to the underground mining operations was via several shafts, including Shafts 1 and 2, which featured a large double-girder headframe. The surface hoisting system, known as the “Köppe,” transported both coal and the miners. The hoist, the “Löbbe,” took them down in stages to a depth of up to 1,300 meters. That’s where the shift began—under extreme conditions.

At these depths, fresh air was essential for survival. A ventilation system was operated via Shaft 5 to channel clean air into the mine and remove harmful gases. Large fans and precise control of the airflow ensured the necessary safety. Beneath the surface lay an extensive network of tunnels, mining chambers, and crosscuts—known as mining fields. They were mapped using modern technology and regularly secured. Mining was carried out using the longwall method. Machinery, shield support, conveyor belts, and chutes aided the work.

The day often began at four in the morning. After changing into their work clothes in the changing room, they would head down into the mine. Heat, dust, and noise dominated the next eight hours. The work demanded the utmost concentration. Everyone depended on one another: the miner who cut into the coal seam, the foreman who ensured safety, and the hoist operator who controlled the cables above ground. Despite all the hardships, there was a strong sense of camaraderie. Teamwork was essential for survival, as accidents and health problems were common.

Many employees became involved in the labor movement early on. The IG Bergbau, Chemie, Energie union became the central representative body. Wages, occupational safety, employee participation, and early retirement were key issues. Haus Aden was considered a site with a strong union presence—even during the years of the coal crisis beginning in 1960.

After the coal mine was shut down, the Wasserstadt Aden development was built on the site. In 2021, the headframe of Shaft 2 was dismantled.

Haus Aden

The Location

Construction of a Coal Mine

The “Haus Aden” coal mine was established in the 1930s on the eastern edge of the Ruhr region. The goal was to tap into new coal deposits in deeper rock strata. To this end, two shafts were sunk and a modern hoisting tower was erected. The facility was built according to a clear plan: the shafts, the washhouse, the hoisting engine house, and the coking plant were all located in close proximity to one another for operational efficiency. Housing developments for the miners sprang up in the immediate vicinity. Over time, the facility underwent technical upgrades and was adapted to meet new requirements. In the 1970s, “Haus Aden” merged with the neighboring “Grimberg” coal mine. The site developed into a major mining operation employing thousands of workers.

Haus Aden

Daily Life Underground

A Miner's Daily Work Life

The day began in the changing room, where the miners changed clothes and hung their garments on hooks from the ceiling. They rode the mine car down into the depths, often several hundred meters below ground. There, darkness, heat, and noise reigned. Working in the narrow tunnels was dangerous and required great concentration. Machinery, explosives, and conveyor belts dictated the workflow. Everyone had to be able to rely on one another. Community and trust were essential. Everyday life underground shaped the people and fostered a strong sense of camaraderie.

Haus Aden

Daily Life Underground

Haus Aden

Reconstruction of the Coal Mine

This reconstruction shows the existing buildings as they appeared in 1983.

Haus Aden

The Sound of Pulley Wheels

The sound of the winding tower's pulleys accompanied the miners every day.

Haus Aden

The Mountain Habit

Haus Aden

Impressions