Hidden in the forests of northern Italy, near the Mella River, lie the ruins of what was once a thriving center of mining activity: Miniera Torgola. The history of this mine dates back to the 15th century, when silver was already being extracted from the ground. Later, the mine shifted its focus to iron ore, becoming part of the famous Via del Ferro the Iron Route of the Val Trompia.

At the start of the 20th century, the character of the mine changed dramatically. The company Martelli first took over to extract fluorite, and in 1935, the Società Anonima Mineraria Prealpina transformed the site into a modern industrial complex. During the 1950s, Torgola reached its peak, employing over a hundred workers and securing export contracts as far as the United States. The fluorite was used as a raw material in the production of glass, enamel, and steel.

But even this industrial giant eventually faced decline. Due to falling demand and economic shifts, the mine was permanently closed in 1999, marking the end of over five centuries of mining in the region. What remains is an impressive yet dangerous ruin: rusting walkways, collapsed roofs, abandoned processing facilities, and access tunnels slowly being reclaimed by nature.