Brosso Mine

The Brosso Mine sits in the municipalities of Lessolo and Brosso, within the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont, Italy, approximately 45 km north of Turin. This places it in northwest Italy, close to the borders with France and Switzerland, in a region celebrated for its natural beauty and hiking opportunities. The mine’s coordinates are around 45° 29' 58'' North, 7° 49' 2'' East, making it part of the scenic Canavese district, known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities.

The Brosso Mine is primarily an iron (pyrite) mine but boasts an impressive array of over 108 valid minerals. Notably, it is the type locality for canavesite, a unique mineral named after the Canavese district, found in milky-white rosette-like aggregates. Other uncommon minerals include dypingite, inderite, pyrite, goethite, nesquehonite, magnetite, sulphur, and magnesite, offering a treasure trove for mineral enthusiasts seeking rare specimens.

The mine is situated in a skarn deposit, a type of metamorphic rock formed when igneous intrusions metamorphose sedimentary rocks, typically limestones. This weathering ludwigite–magnetite skarn has created ideal conditions for the formation of a diverse mineral suite, making it a fascinating study for geologists and mineralogists alike.

Mining at Brosso began in the 19th century and continued until 1980, divided into two sectors: Fortune (from the 19th century to 1950) and Salvere (1950 to 1980). The mine, now inactive, was a significant economic driver for the region and has since become a site for mineral collecting and tourism, preserving its historical legacy for enthusiasts.

Lessolo, a small town sharing the mine with Brosso, is part of the Canavese district, known for its rich history and natural beauty. The mine itself was a cultural and economic cornerstone, reflecting the area’s heritage. The region is famous for hiking trails, offering a peaceful retreat for nature and mineral enthusiasts, with local traditions likely mirroring broader Piedmontese culture, including its renowned cuisine like agnolotti.

Lessolo experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and very cold winters, with temperatures typically ranging from -2°C to 28°C, rarely dipping below -6°C or exceeding 31°C. The area has a rainy season from April to October and a dry season from October to April, with snow in winter. Its ecology supports scenic hiking trails, enhancing its appeal for outdoor activities and nature exploration.