During the period, which follows mining exploitation, traditionally called "post-mining", many disorders may develop, sometimes just after mine closure but sometimes quite long time later. In addition to potential instability development (subsidence, collapses), some abandoned mining sites can be affected by severe hydrogeological disturbances (floods), dangerous mine gas emissions on surface or environmental degradation. The paper presents the French mining historical context that leads to the present situation, integrating a brief description of the major mining field having been exploited in France (coal, iron, salt, gypsum...). It identifies, describes and illustrates the major kinds of residual risks and harmful effects that affect the abandoned French mine sites. The national systematic prevention policy adopted in France is then discussed. The objective is, as a matter of fact, to 'invest' in research, diagnosis and land use management in order to prevent future accidents and social crisis our country had to face during the last 5 years. Thus, the 'Mining Works Closure application' dedicated to the mining operators as well as the 'Mining Prevention Plans procedure' and the 'Mining Sites Screening process', both dedicated to the State are presented. Some of the major tools used to assure the post mining risks management are also discussed: continuous real-time monitoring, damages compensation and preventive evacuation. Finally, a short description of the national 'post-mining risk management organisation' is presented in order to explain the co-ordination between public services or establishments involved in the risk management process.