Abbadia San Salvatore

From Mercury Red to Green Vegetation

Abbadia San Salvatore

The Abbadia San Salvatore mine (ABSS), active between 1899 and 1972, was one of the most important in the Monte Amiata mining district, in the province of Siena, Italy. Located to the west of the municipality of Abbadia San Salvatore, it was crucial for global mercury production.

Throughout its history, this mine produced more than 100,000 tons of liquid mercury, approximately 10% of which dispersed into the environment, causing significant ecological impact.

In 2008, the property of the mining concession passed to the municipality of Abbadia San Salvatore (UCAVO), which took on the responsibility of the environmental rehabilitation of the mining area. The goal is to transform these areas into rehabilitated spaces, preserving their heritage and designating them for museum and public uses, such as green areas.

Previous investigations in the area have revealed high levels of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb) in the soil and leachates, with particularly high concentrations of arsenic due to the interaction of groundwater with volcanic materials present on-site. These contaminants, particularly arsenic, have dispersed through soil leachates and groundwater, contributing to environmental contamination.

In fact, the area where remediation work will take place is located about 300 meters from a water well known as Trivella, which extracts water from the old mining galleries. This well has become a key point for monitoring groundwater quality in the area.

LIFE HERMES aims not only at the environmental remediation of the site, its restoration for public use, and preservation of its historical heritage but also at improving the social perception of the area, thereby boosting its tourism value through tools such as environmental education.