earlier underground mineworks. In a Sponheim document from 20 June 1489, slate mining “near Altlay” is confirmed as having been undertaken as early as that time. Nonferrous metal ores Also mined in Altlay for centuries were nonferrous metal ores. Until 1959 at the Adolph-Helene pit, the Barbarasegen trade union mined, among others, lead, zinc, silver and copper ores. According to estimates, 384 000 t of ore was mined. There was also a narrow gauge railway from the pit to Zell for shipping the ore that had been dug up. In 1957, the Adolph-Helene pit was let to the Stolberger Zink mining company, but they closed the operation only two years later. Falling metal ore prices had led to unprofitability. Although the prices later rose once more, the pit was deemed unworthy of opening again. Today only remnants of the old industrial facilities can be seen. The headframe was torn down in the 1960s. The other buildings have fallen into ruins. References External links Municipality’s official webpage Cochem-Zell