The enchanting Journey through the talc of mine Paola
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Sapatlè, height 2034 metri (year 1950)
© Archivio Ecomuseo delle Miniere e della Val Germanasca
© Archivio Ecomuseo delle Miniere e della Val Germanasca
The shifts in the first years were of 12 hours per day without even the possibility to enjoy a day of respite per week.
The miners were lodged in the shacks attached to the mines for some months, at the end of which they were allowed to return home. These buildings were made up of large rooms heated by a wood-burning stove, that was also used to cook their meals, and the beds were simple straw mattresses.
After some time the shifts were reduced to 10 hours a day inserting a weekly rest. At presents shifts are 8 hours per day. Working in a mine is considered highly fatiguing and therefore the miners can retire some years before than other workers (30 years).
The miners were lodged in the shacks attached to the mines for some months, at the end of which they were allowed to return home. These buildings were made up of large rooms heated by a wood-burning stove, that was also used to cook their meals, and the beds were simple straw mattresses.
After some time the shifts were reduced to 10 hours a day inserting a weekly rest. At presents shifts are 8 hours per day. Working in a mine is considered highly fatiguing and therefore the miners can retire some years before than other workers (30 years).