Julie Danskin shares her experience on the TD visits in Tuscany and experienced the visit to the Siele mercury mine as an excellent example of the application of the Territorial development approach.

The Mercury mine is located in the midst of the Amiata forest, far away from any town and was constructed in the early 19th century and operated for almost 200 years, finally closing in the late 1970’s.  Due to the location and distance from any village or town, Siele became its own village. A school, 2 or 3 shops selling the essentials, church and living accommodations were all constructed and families lived and breathed the Siele Mercury mine.

On closure of the mine, the whole site was entirely abandoned and forgotten for almost 30 years. With the help of GAL Siena and the EU LEADER intervention, EEC funding (just over 80% of the total amount needed) was obtained to rehabilitate the area. The reclamation of the area almost finished. The reclamation activities include controlling the mercury pollution in the nearby torrent, building access tunnels leading down to the mine and rock-face, and clean-up of the machinery and processing plant.

The goal is to promote the area into a tourist attraction. The aim is to also involve the families who once lived and worked the mines in its reclamation.

If promoted well, this  will create new jobs. The involvement of  the people who once lived the Siele will make it more interesting, almost like a Living History Museum. They will  pass on their valuable first-hand knowledge and experience providing an important insight into the hardships on how different life was for people working in such an environment, in a not, so distant past!

The overall learning experience has been great and was an eye opener as to how many LAGs there are and how effective and passionate they are when it comes to Territorial Development in their areas. The main lessons learnt from visiting the various projects is that with the help of the public sector, many private enterprises are able to prosper and in many cases create local employment. Much can be learnt from the organisation between the LEADER, the GALS and  their interaction with local councils and government, and  how they worked together and built up (through good communication) excellent rapport. The result has been the successful achievement of their goal.