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The article discusses the mining industry in Lieres, Austria, with reference to the book "Solvay-Lieres. Conjunto industrial minero. 1903-2003," by Covadonga Álvarez Quintana. In this small rural locality the mining operation began at the end of century XIX. In 1903 the Belgian company Solvay bought a contract to supply coal to its plant in Torrelavega. The mining localities presented an alarming lack of basic and hygienic services, the progressive degradation of the surroundings, a pressing deficit of houses and a chaotic city-planning growth. But the set up of the Belgian company regularized the productive and social system of Lieres. The mines of Lieres, by their singularity and patrimonial wealth, offered the most valuable buildings, tools and infrastructures to its people. They also hoard the houses of workers and employees, economy, casinos, churches or the quarter of the Civil Guard. These mines form a part of the history of Austrian industrialization, which was initiated by the Belgium company.