The Couto Mineiro do Pejão [Pejão Mining District] began operations in 1859, bringing together several coal mines.
Managed by the Empresa Carbonífera do Douro (ECD), these mines were part of the Douro coalfield, with rock formations dating from the Carboniferous period of the Palaeozoic era.
A key period in its history was from 1933 onwards, with the arrival of the Belgian Jean Tyssen, who, through substantial investment, increased production exponentially, reaching 350,000 tonnes of coal extracted in 1957.
Jean Tyssen also implemented significant social policies in the areas of health, sport and culture, as well as improving working conditions.
The Cavalete do Fojo, opened in October 1952 and decommissioned in 1968, is today a heritage site commemorating coal mining in this region, which can be explored via the 'Caminhos do Pejão Velho' walking trail.