France

France has a long and rich history of mining dating back to the Roman Empire and the discovery of iron ore deposits in the Ardennes region. The country quickly became a major producer of iron and coal in the 18th and 19th centuries, with mining operations centered in areas like Lorraine, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and the Massif Central.

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During World War I and II, France's mining industry played a crucial role in supplying the nation's military with the resources it needed to fight. However, as the country shifted towards service-based industries in the post-war period, the mining sector began to decline. Many mines closed throughout the mid-20th century as they were no longer profitable. Today, despite a legacy of past production, France's mining industry is relatively small with only a few active mines. However, the country still has significant mineral resources, including coal, iron, lead, zinc, and copper, which could be important for future development.