Acquanera mine, Roccastrada, Grosseto Province, Tuscany, Italyi

Regional Level Types
Acquanera mine	Mine (Flooded)
Roccastrada	Commune
Grosseto Province	Province
Tuscany	Region
Italy	Country

The Acquanera Lignite Mine: Historical Overview

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Location
The Acquanera lignite mine is located along the homonymous stream, on the northern slope of Monte Sassoforte, approximately 3–3.5 km east-northeast of Roccatederighi, in the municipality of Roccastrada (Grosseto). Mining excavations are situated at an average altitude of 450 meters above sea level, extending for about 700 meters in a north–south direction.

Historical framework
The mining research campaign promoted by Grand Duke Leopoldo II in the 1830s and 1840s led to the identification of most of the lignite deposits in Tuscany. These activities, aimed at providing energy for the local steel and metallurgical industry, did not prevent the ongoing importation of foreign coal, which was preferred for its quality and price. As a result, local production remained limited, although it played a strategic role during wartime periods.

Mining history
The Acquanera deposit was explored between 1832 and 1836 by Domenico Rollero, and subsequently, from 1837, by Karl Pohl. Excavation rights were held by Emilio Bougle, while the geological description was entrusted to Theodor Haupt and later to Costantino Haupt. In 1858, Luigi Ferrari Corbelli acquired the rights but did not initiate significant mining activities. In 1872, Achille Montell transferred them to an English industrialist and the area was evaluated by John Brunton. From 1873, "The Sassoforte Collieres Company Limited" began initial mining operations, but technical and economic difficulties soon led to the suspension of activities and a long series of legal disputes.
In 1887, the rights were transferred to Dumontel, who promoted new excavations; subsequently, ownership passed to the Consonno brothers. In 1917, the “Società Anonima Ligniti” resumed mining activities during World War I, with production concentrated between 1917 and 1919 and around 70 workers employed. In 1918, the concession was acquired by Solvay, which abandoned it in 1922; in 1936 it was taken over by Montecatini, which did not start further extraction.
In the 1950s, the company Emilio Magagnini obtained the permit for research and extraction, followed in 1959 by “Società Industria Mineraria Acquanera”, which ceased operations in 1962. During this period, the mine experienced its longest continuous extraction cycle.

Production and employment (1957–1962)
• 1957: 869 tons, 17 workers
• 1958: 3,885 tons, 20 workers
• 1959: 6,326 tons, 30 workers
• 1960: 6,607 tons, 37 workers
• 1961: 3,965 tons, 15 workers
• 1962: 565 tons, 12 workers

Chronology of mining activity
1. Prospecting and delimitation of ore bodies (1832–early following decade)
2. Initial mining operations and limited production (1873–1874)
3. Development of shafts and increased lignite output (1888–1890)
4. Creation of a modern mine with advanced techniques and peak production (1916–1919)
5. Extraction of approximately 22,000 tons until closure (1957–1962)

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Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References