Mentioned in a 14th century document, it was exploited periodically during the 17th and 18th centuries, reaching the forefront and its maximum development between the 19th and 20th centuries, and was later abandoned and lastly redeveloped. The Monteponi mine is one of the most fascinating examples of Sardinian mining history: over the centuries it has seen a succession of properties and activities, developing until it became one of the main mining plants in Italy, with modern buildings and cutting-edge structures (for the times), until the irreversible crisis and closure. Today, the mining complex a few kilometres from Iglesias is one of the sites included in the Parco Geominerario (Geology and Mining Park) of Sardinia, as well as being a stage of the Santa Barbara Mining Route. In practice, for some decades now, a new life has begun in the site, making it one of the most fascinating and best preserved sites of industrial archaeology.