About
Large-scale iron and fluorite mines originally existed on the site of this dilapidated early 1900s complex.
Miniera Torgola is a behemoth of a mine located in a small valley called Val Trompia, under the jurisdiction of Collio village. Historically, Val Trompia was also known as “La Via del Ferro” (“the Iron Route”) due to the large amount of iron ore in the area. In this narrow valley, Miniera Torgola presents itself unexpectedly, as one turns a sharp bend along the main road, with steep mountains slopes on all sides. Documents attest that silver was mined on this location as far back as the 15th century, but few traces of it were found in more recent times. The presence of the mine has had a significant impact on Collio village, which has seen its population grow substantially as a result of job opportunities and positive economic development that has resulted from it. As a result, iron remained the main export of the area until the mid-19th century, when most mines in Val Trompia closed because they were at a disadvantage compared to other locations and could not keep up with competition.
