The aim of the work presented in this short note is to collect and complete an existing dataset of Piedmont mining heritage and suggest a network of potential sites to be valorised in terms of touristic and didactic uses. Firstly, all known abandoned quarry and mine sites were analysed and represented using GIS. Based on this data, several criteria were taken into account to select pilot sites of interest to create the touristic network: the representativeness of the exploited materials in social and economic traditions of Piedmont, the accessibility, the attractiveness and the stability of the area. In order to deep into stability evaluation, quantitative (Bieniawsky) and qualitative description of the rock mass representing the ore body were carried out (particularly in case of underground sites). Based on those criteria, some pilot site was selected suggesting itineraries network for a touristic purposes. Finally, a standard form for each selected pilot site was realised.
<p>The sustainability of geomineral resourses&#8217; exploitation may be assured only in presence of adequate plans for the re-use and reclamation of old or abandoned sites. Among the most commonly used techniques, mining backfill is largely employed for the stabilization of underground sites. This technique recreates the original stress state of the underground, assuring the definitive stabilization of the hypogea volumes, and reduces the risks due to the interference between underground tunnels and ground surface (e.g. possible collapses and surface subsidences). Despite these obvious advantages, careful evaluations are needed to assure the environmental sustainability, with particular attention to the interaction between the hydro-geological and permeability features of the rock body and the chemical properties of the backfill material.</p><p>The present research proposes an analysis of the advantages and the risks connected with this technique, examining a case study of mining backfill in an underground gypsum quarry at the end of the active exploitation. The considered quarry is located in Monferrato (NW Italy) and is exploited within chaotic Messinian deposits made of gypsum blocks (from centimeter-size to kilometer-size) included in a marly matrix. The study includes a campaign of field and laboratory tests (i.e. geological and geo-structural mapping and modeling, geophysical surveys, mechanical and permeability tests) that aim at characterize the permeability and mechanical behaviour of the rock mass.</p>
<p>It is now generally assumed that a radical reversal in economy is needed in order to cope with the effects of climate changes and to improve the resilience of populations in relation to these effects.</p><p>In fact, European policies for climate change and economic recovery due to Covid-19 (<em>Guidance to Member States, Recovery and Resilience Plans, 8th Environmental Action Program</em>) are supposed to work in synergy to promote green and efficient energies, shifting the cost/benefit ratio in favor of renewable natural resources. As part of these policies, Italy is increasing the number of mini hydroelectric plants (max. power of 1000 kW), which are considered advantageous both in economic and environmental terms without being in contrast with the surrounding environment.</p><p>The aim of this study is the evaluation of potential production of hydroelectric energy, by means of mini hydroelectric, in the western area of &#8203;&#8203;Turin, considering lowland areas (such as the Municipalities of Collegno, Druento and Alpignano) and high valley areas such as the Municipality of Coazze and upper Sangone Valley. In these investigated area, the development of mini hydroelectric could possibly result in partial or entire energy self-sufficiency.</p><p>In order to comply with environmental policies, a feasibility study will be conducted, based on geological, hydrogeological, morphological, ecological and climatic components.</p><p>The study will also be congruent with European and national guidelines regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment, so as to evaluate any possible plant locations in terms of environmental impact.</p><p>The geological and geomorphological data collected will also be employed to evaluate the possibility of reuse of the materials which could possibly accumulate in the reservoirs, in accordance with the policies of the Green Communities.</p>
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