ABSTRACT
The foundation of the process is the recognition of the outstanding universal value (OUV) of the place as defined by the Convention and specified through the Operational Guidelines: Outstanding universal value means cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity. Mines and mining landscapes were among the earliest concerns to industrial archaeologists but few were able to fall into this category. Industrial landscapes are particularly subject to continuous change, through phases of industrial expansion through to today's process of deindustrialization, so the relic landscape is frequently tainted with non-integrity. the usual concepts of integrity and authenticity should be given an adapted definition for industrial, technological or scientific heritage, because the nature of this heritage involves a relationship with time which differs from what it could be within the frame of a more classical approach to heritage.
