08 – Cernita e laveria Rio

Cernita
La scelta del minerale estratto (cernita), veniva effettuata a mano dalle cernitrici, nel piazzale, all’aperto, di fronte all’imbocco della galleria S.Antonio. Il minerale “ricco” di prima scelta (Galena pulita) veniva inviato direttamente in fonderia, le seconde e le terze scelte venivano inviate alla laveria.

Laveria Rio
Costruita nel 1853, prima in Sardegna, la laveria Rio trattava il materiale di seconda e terza scelta proveniente dalle gallerie Colombi, S.Barbara e S. Antonio.
Rimase in produzione fino al 1899, anno in cui venne ampliata e potenziata la laveria principe Tomaso.

Rio Sorting and Washery

Choice
The choice of the ores among all the minerals that were extracted used to be handmade by females (the sorters). This activity was carried out outdoors, in the square in front of the Sant’Antonio Shaft’s entrance. First choice ore (clean galena) used to be sent straight to the Foundry, while second and third choice ore was sent to the Washery.

Washery
The Rio Washery, the first of its kind in Sardinia, was set up in 1853.
It processed second and third choice ore coming from the Colombi, S.Barbara e S. Antonio shafts.
It remained in activity until 1899, when the Principe Tommaso washery was enlarged and strengthened.