On the outskirts of the German city of Hamm lies the site of the former Zeche Heinrich-Robert, an impressive industrial monument with deep roots in the mining history of the Ruhr region. The mine opened in 1901 under the name Zeche de Wendel, named after the French industrialist Henri de Wendel. With the construction of the Heinrich and Robert shafts, coal production soon began focused on high-quality coal essential for the steel industry.

In 1937, the mine received its later name, Heinrich-Robert. It grew to become one of the region’s major employers, with shafts reaching depths of up to 870 meters and annual coal output in the millions of tons. Like many mines, Heinrich-Robert also faced tragic incidents: gas explosions in the 1920s and 1950s claimed dozens of lives. Despite this, the mine continued to modernize with advanced skip hoisting systems and expansion through additional shafts like Werne and Lerche. In the 1990s, Heinrich-Robert became part of the larger Bergwerk Ost complex.

After more than a century of operation, the mine officially closed in 2010. However, the site was given a second life. Today, under the name CreativRevier Heinrich-Robert, the former mining area serves as a hub for art, culture, and creative entrepreneurship. Preserved structures such as the iconic Hammerkopfturm and remnants of the original shafts still echo the spirit of the region’s industrial past.