It has now been ten years since the Servette Mines site in Saint Marcel was opened to the public, made accessible through an ambitious rehabilitation project, fostered by local authorities and Val D’Aosta Region and awarded to HYDEA.
The mining site was operational from Roman times until 1957. Over the centuries, pyrite and chalcopyrite, used for copper production until the 19th century and later for sulphuric acid, along with millstones, gold, and manganese, were extracted from the area. In addition to the many tunnels, divided into various levels, there are numerous buildings and structures of industrial archaeology that represent the different periods of mining activity.
The project aims to conserve and enhance the disused Servette mining site in Saint Marcel, focusing on tourism, science, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage. It also seeks to promote the economic and social development of local resources. Today, the area of the former mines offers enriched experiences with guided tours and educational museums, showcasing the history and lives of the miners.
The guiding principle behind these activities was the ambition to harmonise environmental respect with the enhancement of the area, ensuring that the Servette Mines remain, over time, not just a tourist destination but also a symbol of cultural renewal and sustainability.