Traversella and Brosso mining sites - Restore as touristic and scientific development opportunity

Brosso and Traversella mining area are among the most important mines in Piemonte since ancient time. Iron mining activity in Traversella was very important until the end of the second world war, whereas in the Brosso mine production was focussed on pyrite extraction for sulphuric acid manufacturing. Not only these two sites are of primary scientific importance (the Brosso-Traversella mining district represents the only skarn-type mineralization in the Alps), but also the two localities are of the highest interest for science passionate, mineralogist and collectors. Outstanding mineralogical samples coming from these two mines are displayed in the most famous museum all over the world. With the study we would like to expose the extraordinary importance of the Traversella and Brosso sites from a scientific point of view, but also we want emphasize the role of these sites from the point of view of the industrial development in Piemonte Region. We would also illustrate the impact on the surrounding region from a sociological and environmental point of view, investigating the lifestyle of people living and working, during centuries, in this small mining region.