The slate deposits in this region have been known since the 16th century and were concentrated around eight basins in the Belgian Ardennes. The company that operated this quarry was founded in 1895. Originally, open-pit mining began around 1830 and only went underground after the First World War. The first mine shaft was only 40 meters deep, but was later expanded to a depth of 170 meters. From then on, the mine naturally had to be equipped with a ventilation shaft. The growing success allowed the company to acquire several smaller mining companies.

However, due to increasing competition from Spain, the Belgian slate companies were forced to join forces. Thus, INARBEL (Industries Ardoisières de Belgique) was founded in the early 1970s. This merger was finally dissolved ten years later, in 1983. Each site regained its independence, but it wasn't until 1986 that activities resumed at this site. A new company was born under the name Ardoisières de Martelange SA. New machinery was installed, allowing the company to diversify by focusing its production on slate slabs rather than roofing tiles.