On the edge of the Teutoburg Forest near Ibbenbüren, one of Germany’s most distinctive coal mining operations developed during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Schachtanlage Bockraden formed part of the mining complex Zeche Ibbenbüren, known as the northernmost active hard coal mine in Germany.

Coal mining in Ibbenbüren dates back to the 19th century. As demand increased and deeper seams needed to be accessed, separate shaft installations such as Bockraden were developed. Unlike many mines in the central Ruhr area, the geological structure in Ibbenbüren was particularly complex. The coal seams were heavily folded, faulted, and located at varying depths, making extraction technically demanding and costly.

Shaft Bockraden functioned primarily as a production and transport shaft. Miners, materials, and extracted coal were transported through this installation. The mine was known for its anthracite-type coal with a high calorific value, mainly used for electricity generation. Nearby power plants relied directly on coal from Ibbenbüren for decades.

Throughout the 20th century, Ibbenbüren became a stable pillar of Germany’s energy supply. While many Ruhr mines closed during the coal crisis starting in the 1960s, Ibbenbüren remained operational for decades longer. Modernization, mechanization, and state support allowed production to continue.

In 2018, Zeche Ibbenbüren was permanently closed, marking the end of active hard coal mining in Germany. The closure ended more than 150 years of mining history in the region.

Following shutdown, parts of the surface infrastructure were dismantled, while some industrial elements were preserved. Today, the site stands as a reminder of Germany’s long coal mining tradition and the structural transformation of its industrial regions.