Overberge

Three finches

The Grillo 4 Shaft

The history of the Grillo 4 shaft—which is almost exclusively known as “Drei Finken” due to the historical field name—is a genuine piece of documented industrial history. The site is located on Friedhofstraße in the Overberge district of Bergkamen. Work on sinking the shaft began in 1956 in the eastern mining field of the Monopol Coal Mine, before the facility officially went into operation in 1959. From the outset, the shaft was not intended for independent above-ground coal extraction. Its documented function within the mining complex was that of a material, rope-hauling, and exhaust shaft, which was indispensable for ventilating the deep mine workings. To develop new mining fields, the shaft was sunk even deeper in 1978 and 1979, reaching its documented final depth of exactly 1,051.4 meters.

Operations came to an end in 1998, when the shaft was completely backfilled as part of the decommissioning of the Haus Aden/Monopol mining complex. The distinctive headframe above the shaft was demolished in March 1999.

What followed may sound unbelievable at first, but it is a real and verifiable structural transformation. The former mining and administrative buildings on Friedhofstraße were not demolished but converted for commercial use. Today, the family-owned company Busemann is located on this very same former mining site. Where miners once headed to their shifts, the production facilities for the well-known “Bussy” water ice and popcorn are now located. The fact that the historic field name lives on is also evident in modern urban planning, as a directly adjacent access road in the official zoning plan of the city of Bergkamen bears the name “Drei Finken.”

Overberge

From Farmer to Miner

Until the 20th century, Overberge was a predominantly agricultural community. Fields, livestock farming, and small craft businesses shaped daily life. Work followed the seasons, and life was rooted in village structures. Many families had lived on their farms for generations.

Mining brought about fundamental changes in people’s lives. New coal mines such as Grimberg and Haus Aden created jobs and attracted many people—including those from other regions and abroad. Young men left farming to become miners. The settlements around the mines became new neighborhoods with diverse lifestyles.

This transformation left a lasting mark on Overberge. Schools, sports clubs, churches, and a daily routine centered on shift work replaced the old village life. Overberge became part of an industrialized region—bringing new opportunities, but also profound changes.

Overberge

Mining as a Never-Ending Task

Mining does not end with the closure of a coal mine. Underground, the groundwater level rises again after having been artificially lowered. Without regular pumping, it could flood shafts or release pollutants. Long-term consequences are also evident on the surface: The ground subsides, and buildings and roads can be damaged. Experts therefore continuously monitor ground movements, water levels, and contaminated sites. Decommissioned spoil piles are secured or landscaped. These technical and organizational tasks must be carried out on an ongoing basis. This is why mining is referred to as a “task for eternity”—a task that spans generations and continues to have an impact long after the fact.

What's left?

Even after mining came to an end, many traces continue to shape life in the region. Coal mine buildings have been preserved and repurposed, for example as museums or cultural venues. Mine towers still rise above the landscape, serving as reminders of times past. In the former workers’ settlements, street names, house layouts, and gardens remain as reminders of life centered around the mine. Festivals, songs, and old community organizations also persist in some places. Families pass down memories of working underground. Photographs, tools, and personal belongings preserve these stories. Mining has not disappeared; rather, it remains a part of everyday culture.

Mining Remains—Damage, Water, Responsibility

Although the mines have been closed and the shafts filled in, the effects of mining continue to be felt. Many of these consequences are evident in Overberge: cracks in houses, sunken roads, and damaged utility lines. These are caused by subsidence resulting from the extraction of large quantities of rock underground.

A less visible but crucial consequence involves mine water. After a mine is closed, the groundwater level rises again. If left unchecked, it could carry pollutants to the surface or cause structures to be washed away. That is why RAG operates large pumping stations at former mine sites. These stations keep the water level stable.

These pumps must run continuously. Their role extends beyond generations and is regulated by law. In Overberge, too, it is clear that mining is not over—its consequences remain a part of everyday life.

What Remains—New Paths Following Old Tracks

Mining has left its mark, and today that legacy offers new opportunities. Waste rock piles, once mere deposits of overburden, are now green recreational areas. They have been landscaped, equipped with trails and lookout points, and have become popular destinations for walks and bike rides.

Another example is the former Klöckner railroad line. It was once used to transport coal. Today, it has been repurposed as a biking and hiking trail—a link between industrial history, nature, and recreation.

These places serve as reminders of the mining industry and give it new meaning. Overberge uses the old structures to forge new paths.

Overberge

The Development