Archeologia e chimica per il patrimonio minerario (Ar.Chi.Min.). Un nuovo approccio multidisciplinare allo studio dei contesti archeominerari del comprensorio massetano

The «Ar.Chi.Min.» project intends to improve the archaeological, historical and scientific knowledge of the Colline Metallifere mining fields (south-west Tuscany), developing a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate ancient mining settlements and/or archaeo-industrial findings. The analysis of archaeological and geological evidences, together with chemical analysis of residual ores, mine tails and finds, were used to produce a framework about possible pre-industrial economic exploitation of mined ores. The study has mainly focus on the exploitation of copper, lead and silver sulfides. Recent surveys and documentary researches have also highlighted the importance of the local alum bodies exploitation, both for the medieval and the first modern age.