be-MINE PIT
be-MINE PIT takes a new hurdle on the way to opening: a consortium led by Group Jansen will build the international mining experience center in Beringen. During an impressive press event, all construction partners, together with the Province of Limburg, presented their plans. Out of respect for this historical heritage, the buildings will be restored to their original state. In addition, digital applications, two stylish walkways, a lifelike visit to ‘the pit’ and an impressive panoramic point will provide an enhanced experience.
Limburg has emerged in recent years as one of the country’s top tourist regions. The province is strengthening this position with the realization of the long-awaited mining experience center be-MINE PIT.
Limburg has no fewer than seven mining sites, which have always been treated with respect in the past. Each one received a successful new purpose, linked to a meaningful story. This also applies to Beringen-Mijn, the largest preserved mining site in Limburg. With be-MINE PIT, the provincial government wants to pay tribute to the miners who toiled underground at this location for years.
Group Jansen at the Helm
Group Jansen will realize this prestigious project with support from Renotec, HUB architects, Michel Janssen Architectural Office, scenographer Kortekaas Designers, multimedia design Maverick and engineering firms Sweco and Util.
“The provincial government entrusts us with this beautiful project because we have the necessary experience in heritage projects and affinity with the Limburg (mining) past. Our respect for the authenticity of a building was undoubtedly a decisive factor in choosing our consortium. This was an important wish of all parties around the table: the former miners, the inspirers of the mining museum, the provincial government and us as construction partners,” says Sarai Bervoets, CCO at Group Jansen. “But the consortium around Group Jansen goes a step further. With a unique combination of authentic emotion and digital experience, we like to stimulate the imagination of visitors and bring this building back to life. be-MINE PIT will be 100% child-friendly and fully accessible for wheelchair users. This way, we immerse everyone in this wonderful mining story.”
On Tour through be-MINE PIT
be-MINE PIT will be a tourist experience route of 1.7 km in total. The objective is clear: literally follow in the footsteps of the miner, and thus bring the mining past back to life.
“A visit starts in the main building. Specifically in the former pay hall, where the miners used to report daily and start their working day,” explains Erwin Reeskens (Manager Design & Build at Group Jansen). “Then you pass the lockers. These will be equipped with LED screens and cinematographic experience images. At the end of this extensive space – two football fields large – the image of Saint Barbara appears, where the miners said a quick prayer before diving into the depths. On the top floor of the main building, we also digitally bring the engineers’ and directors’ room back to life.
A long corridor where the miners picked up their materials then leads visitors from the ‘occupation hall’ to the elevator. The elevator gives the impression that you are actually going 789m into the depths. When you get out, you find yourself in an experience room that is completely set up like the underground mine shafts. You even experience the high temperature and feel the wind circulation blowing on your neck. When you come back ‘up’, you follow the coal’s journey. From the extensive unloading floor, along the boardwalk, through the screening plant. After crossing a 60-meter-long walkway, you reach the winding engine building. From here you go to the coal washeries. On the roof of these coal washeries, a panoramic viewpoint forms an additional eye-catcher. Here you look out over all of Beringen-Mijn.
Finally, you descend again as a pitch-black miner and walk via the miners’ path to the bath hall. Restored and scenographically activated shower cells – including steam, water and lifelike images – and some other relics draw attention there. A visit ends where it began: in the pay hall, where the miners were paid out before they went home or to the café,” Erwin concludes with a wink.
Opening in the First Half of 2026
In addition to the experience route, be-MINE PIT will also have an accessible ‘cleanroom’. Here, plans, documents and other delicate materials will be preserved. Everyone is eager to break ground. But first, of course, comes the permit application. The opening is scheduled for the first half of 2026.