The mines, on the opposite side of the valley

Today is an important moment in my life.
Can you imagine? A life spent in the mine.

You got it right; I am the last miner who crossed the Cogne tunnels and who today is in charge of closing the door and handing this place over to history. It's an emotion that fills me.

The door I'm closing today is a new beginning.
In 2021, at the behest of the community of Cogne, this place rich in history became a museum center. Today, visitors can discover the events that have been key to the identity of the mine.  

The mine has an ancient history, much older than me.
It goes back centuries, to the 1400s, when the bishop of Aosta controlled it. Over time, it was under the leadership of César-Emmanuel Grappein that the mine became a true hub of productivity and a source of income. Thanks to his intervention, the working conditions of the workers also improved. Dr. Grappein ─ a truly enlightened person.

Time passes, and a Belgian company buys the mine and gives it new impetus. This is where I come in.
I can say that I ventured into the bowels of the earth.
Magnetite is the most ferrous mineral that exists in nature. The one in Cogne is very high quality.

The story is not over yet because the mines have been part of the Municipality of Cogne, a true pillar of the community, since 2014.

Today, I am telling you this story so that you can keep it and give a voice to such a special place.