Ginevro Mine in Capoliveri

Ginevro was the largest and most productive magnetite gallery in Europe, a pride of Italian steel production.

Surface excavations are quite limited, because unlike Calamita and the other mines on Elba, this is the only one where internal excavation was undertaken through surveys and tunnels that, starting from +6 metres, developed on several levels reaching 54 metres below sea level.

Operational from 1971 to 1981, it was one of the most modern mines in Europe, built with highly innovative standards for the time. Magnetite, the best iron ore, was mainly extracted here. At the time of closure, only one third of the iron deposit—extending to 250 metres below sea level—had been exploited. Other minerals could also be found: Ilvaite, Garnet, Tourmaline, Epidote.

Curiosity: The amount of ore still present in this area is enormous, so much so that the Ginevro mine is considered a strategic iron reserve by the Italian State, kept on standby in case of emergency or need.

It is currently possible to take various excursions and guided tours down to 24 metres below sea level. Wearing a helmet, visitors enter this large tunnel dimly lit, while the guide explains the history and excavation methods used in the mine.

When the mine was still operational, the gallery had two openings: one to the north and one to the south; one of the excavations later collapsed, while the other overlooks a cliff on the third level of the mine (at -54 m below sea level). These blasting holes for collecting minerals were created using various explosive charges arranged radially one metre apart, detonated in a controlled and programmed sequence. In this way, the blasted material fell downward into carts on the lower level, then transported to the lift that brought it to the surface. From the carts, the ore was then loaded onto a conveyor belt and transferred to the mine’s processing plant, where it was dropped in cascade through various washing areas, and finally loaded onto trucks for overland transport or onto ships via sea.

Curiosity: In the caves inside the mine, colourful stalactites are growing at an impressive speed. If they continue to grow at this pace, in a few years these caves may become very interesting thanks to their unique colours.

The Ginevro mine can be visited with the mine's guides, starting from the Old Workshop Museum. Discover our journey through the mines of Capoliveri!