The commune and the region are part of the
Saône-et-Loire coal basin, which began to be exploited industrially in the 19th century. It was then under the political, economic, and financial control of the
Chagot dynasty, which owned the
Blanzy Mines Company. This family distinguished itself by significantly supporting
Catholicism, which allowed them to monitor their miners. Between 1856 and the period of the
Montceau-les-Mines troubles (1878-1885), it is estimated that more than 400 male and female miners died in the mine's numerous shafts due to very harsh working and living conditions, without protection provided to the workers—who started working from the age of 12—against potential accidents. This situation continued until the
period of the troubles, when many miners and inhabitants of the region and the commune joined
anarchism, an ideology and political movement aiming to abolish all unjust domination and strongly opposing
capitalism and the
State. During this period, a number of inhabitants of the region, including Sanvignes-les-Mines, became involved in the
Black Band, one or more secret anarchist organizations committing numerous attacks and bombings in the region. This penetration of anarchism in the region sparked the beginning of a significant and radical
syndicalist movement in Sanvignes-les-Mines and the neighboring communes—the first
chambres syndicales ('local trade unions') founded there openly oriented towards anarchism. ==Population==