Geoheritage Values and Environmental Issues of Derelict Mines: Examples from the Sulfide Mines of Gromolo and Petronio Valleys (Eastern Liguria, Italy)

Pietro Marescotti,Christian Muzio,Monica Solimano,Paola Salmona,Giulia Sasso,Valentina Marin,Gerardo Brancucci

doi:10.3390/min8060229

Abstract

Derelict mining districts represent anthropogenically influenced landscapes that are often characterized by important geological, ecological, environmental, industrial, cultural, and archeological values. Nevertheless, after mining activities cease, several environmental problems are left behind, associated with soil and water pollution, hydrogeological instability, subsidence, ecosystem damages, and landscape degradation or devastation. In this article we present a case study focused on a sulfide mining district (Petronio and Gromolo valleys, Genova) located on the ophiolitic sequences of the Northern Apennines (Eastern Liguria, Italy), with the aim of applying a GIS (Geographic Information System)-based model for the complete census of derelict mines and for the assessment of their geoheritage and geotourist values, potential risks, and environmental impact. All information has been integrated to produce a multicriteria approach for the evaluation of hazards and/or critical issues and geoheritage values. Based on the results obtained in this pilot area, an integrated cultural and touristic route has been proposed, which combines several points of interest (POIs) chosen within an area of about 8 km2.

Highlights

Derelict mines are highly problematic areas with several environmental issues and severe landscape degradation [1,2,3,4,5]
In this article we present a pilot study focused sulfide mining district
Several sources were consulted to gain all of the documentation needed and the gathered information was organized to provide a complete framework of the mining district

Summary

Introduction

Derelict mines are highly problematic areas with several environmental issues and severe landscape degradation [1,2,3,4,5]. As highlighted by Bell and Donnelly (2006), “the degree of impact that mining has on the environment varies depending on the mineral worked, the method of working, the location, and size of the working” [4,6]. Despite their high environmental and landscape impact, abandoned mining sites may represent a potential source of income considering their possibility of being re-used as geoheritage and geotouristic (ecotouristic) resources after rehabilitation [7,8,9,10].

Methods

Results

Conclusion