 In 1888-1889 the metallurgy La Vieille Montagne was founded in Balen-Nete, close the Iron Rhine and the canal to Beverlo.The company had its roots in the exploitation of the zinc mines of Moresnet.The Union Minière du Haut Katanga founded the "Société Générale Métallurgique de Hoboken" in Olen, which was established along the Iron Rhine and the Albert Canal.