Chimney of the former lead and metal smelter with flue gas duct (BergbauWanderweg 11)

The listed chimney has been towering over the Valmetal since 1854. It was part of a technical masterpiece: as it was not yet possible to build sufficiently high chimneys at the time, the toxic gases from the lead smelter were channeled up the slope through a 385 m long, brick-built channel.

The natural draught cooled the gases so that valuable lead dust (used for paint production, among other things) could settle in a chamber system and be recovered. Cleaning these chambers was life-threatening; at the time, workers were compensated for the health risks with "bacon, milk and schnapps".
The flue gas chimney, which is now a listed building, became a landmark in Ramsbeck after it was decommissioned in 1907. The "Kamin-Fahnen- Förderverein" has been looking after it since 1982. Throughout the year, the national flag flies from the top of the chimney. As Christian symbols, a cross shines here at Easter time and a star at Christmas time.