In 1887, a Dutch baron digging for drinking water accidentally found salt, sparking a hidden industrial story.
The episode starts with the 1887 discovery of salt by Baron van Heekeren van Wassenaar in Twente, who was actually seeking drinking water. This accidental find led to no immediate action until 1903, when the national mining service began searching for resources like coal and salt. Large-scale salt mining commenced in Boekelo, Twente, near the original discovery site. It is revealed that only 15% of mined salt is used as table salt, with 85% going to the chemical industry, making it economically valuable. In the 1950s, salt was found in East Groningen, specifically Heiligerlee, where it was seen as a boon for industrialization in a high-unemployment region. The episode visits Heiligerlee, describing the salt mining sites with green 'salt houses' and restricted access. Jan Bakker, a 93-year-old former worker, recounts his decades in the industry, noting changes from tall towers to fenced sites and reduced community contact. Willem Wagenaar, another resident, discusses living near mining sites and the complexities of damage claims, often attributed to gas mining rather than salt. Ben Gales, an economic historian, explains the long-term risks of mining, such as soil degradation and sinkholes, citing examples from Limburg and a 1991 incident in Hengelo. The episode contrasts historical enthusiasm for salt mining with modern resistance, as seen in action groups like Stop Salt Mining. It also covers magnesium chloride mining in Borger Compagnie by NETMAG, where residents like Jacoba Greper Niemeyer have fought against the industry due to unfulfilled promises and environmental concerns. The narrative highlights shifting attitudes in East Groningen, from pride in industrial development to skepticism and activism.
