Miniera d’oro della Guia

45º 57' 31'' N 7º 59' 41'' E

Macugnaga, Piamonte

Italy

Description

The “Guia” Gold Mine is the first one in the Alps that is open to cultural visits; it is the first "mine-museum" in Italy.

Extracted Materials

Gold

Antropological info

These mines began its exploitation in 1710, until its closure in 1961.

The tough job in the mines was once widespread across the Anzasca Valley. The production peak was reached between the two world wars. In 1942, the production achieved 40 000 tons of ore. During the 50s the mine employed about 300 workers, but the old technology led to its closure. Nowadays, Guia Gold Mine offers a time travel experience for visitors, where authentic seams of gold  can be seen.

Sociologal info

The Guia mines are a filonian deposit in Monte Rosa, in the Alps.

The mines were abandoned in 1961. The idea of reconditioning them with cultural purposes was proposed by Angelo Basaletie, achieving a rapid rehabilitation of the main galleries, with illumination installations, as well as some mining tools. Governmental managements allowed to bring water from the Ouarazza river and put into operation an amalgamation mill.

A wagon railway was also installed. On the mine entry there is a wooden house that exposes ores and local handicraft.

Archaeological info

One of the best resources Monte Rosa hides is gold. There are fragments among the sands of the river, that have attracted gold seekers since ancient eras. Inside the mountains, there are also deposits of gold pyrites and micacysts. The mine can be visited in its first 1.5 km. The internal temperature is 9 degrees with 97% humidity. Inside, some gold veins can be seen.

Sustainable tourism insights

The Guia Gold Mine Museum in the Anzasca Valley constitutes an opportunity for naturalistic exploration and an approach to the history of mining and its technological culture. The “Guia” was the first gold mine in the Alps to open to tourist-cultural-educational visits. There are guided tours that allows you to live a a experience as a mine worker (with real tools, procedures and situations). The Guia mines are a naturalistic spectacle with amazing caves and tunnels.

Environment sustainability

The reconditioning of the mines has brought back its profit in a more sustainable way.

Creativity insights/curiosities

This mines have an special presence that may interest the little ones: if we are lucky, crystal goblins can be seen in the caves.

Links of interest

https://www.minieradoro.it