[2] In June 1947, four sondages were drilled in the Étançon sector, identifying the second coal layer at a depth of between 10 and 20 metres.

In July 1949, it became necessary to dig a mine shaft at l'Etançon, as the downhill drifts exploiting the area were getting longer and deeper.

Another building to the north, near several gallery entrances, housed the changing rooms, showers and blacksmith's workshop.

[6][7] An electric pump was used to remove the water that had invaded the bottom of the shaft and prevented work from starting.

[6][7] Coal extracted from the shaft and nearby outcrop galleries was transported to the Le Chanois center by dump trucks.

[10] It is now also part of the Étançon and mining towns hiking trail created by the Ballons des Vosges Nature Park.

[i 4] In 2007 and again in 2008, the site welcomed new additions (a locomotive, minecarts and two restored and repainted fans from the Grozon gypsum mines).

Several rare species were discovered, including Pisolithus arhizus, Lactarius fuscus and Stropharia rugosoannulata, demonstrating the importance of conserving these spoil heaps.

On June 19, 2007, the Ronchamp town council officially announced the conservation of the Étançon slag heap and the north-western part of the Chanois plain spoil tips.