The village and mine of Corti Rosas are located a short distance from the town in a scenic location; they owe their existence to antimony mining. Mineralization was reported in 1796 by Piedmontese engineer Belly, but industrial exploitation did not begin until a century later. Around 1935, ownership passed to the state-owned AMMI company.
With the autarky of fascism, antimony took on strategic value. The smelter and various technical facilities were built to improve production; employment reached several hundred people including miners, clerks, technicians and skilled workers. Also important is the female presence with female sorters. Then, the village for workers and their families, management offices and guesthouse were built. In the 1960s, the crisis began: a few years later, the mine was closed and abandoned. Today it awaits rebirth.
For over three hundred years Ballao has lived with mining, first Sa Mina (cultivation started in 1720) and then Corti Rosas. The mining village is part of the complex museum-tourist system under construction. The pleasant and private place, scenic and full of charm, is a landmark for tourists and visitors as well as residents who often spend their leisure time there.
