The Cozzo Disi mine (Casteltermini, Sicily, Italy) a multi-disciplinary approach to record, study, preserve and develop the mining heritage in Sicily

Abstract

Cozzo Disi was one of the main sulphur mines in Italy, but after the closure and more than 10 years of desertion, urgent works are now necessary to save it from vandalism and flooding. This big mine contains geological and mineralogical peculiarities, so uncommon to be sometimes unique: this is the case of the “Grandi Garbere” at 3rd level, majestic karst cavities, containing magnificent selenite crystals documented by old miners. The possibility to have a “Sicilian Naica” attracted a multi-disciplinary underground task-force, now exploring the mine underground, in order to inspect old works and their good-safety conditions, and to achieve the rooms/caves of “Grandi Garbere”. This extraordinary discovery should be relevant for the future of this territory. In the past, the mine was characterized by huge safety problems: hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and explosive atmospheres; so, the team involved in actual and future explorations has to move with caution, using adequate equipment and - if necessary - waiting for acceptable environmental conditions created by artificial tools (ventilation, pumping, etc.).