Strengthening Heritage Resilience in a Mining Cultural Landscape through Muon Radiography and Immersive Digital Technologies

Mining cultural landscapes are complex heritage systems shaped by long-term interactions between geological resources, extractive activities and communities. Ensuring their resilience requires integrated approaches that combine scientific knowledge, digital innovation and stakeholder engagement.

This contribution presents a transdisciplinary workflow developed at the Archaeological and Mining Park of San Silvestro (Tuscany, Italy), aimed at supporting resilient heritage management through non-invasive investigation and immersive communication. Between 2019 and 2025, the MIMA-SITES project applied cosmic-ray muon radiography (muography) at the Temperino mine to explore subsurface density variations and to improve the understanding of unknown cavities and high-density ore bodies. Muography results were integrated with extensive geomatic surveys (terrestrial and mobile laser scanning, UAV photogrammetry) and three-dimensional geological modelling, producing a comprehensive digital representation of both surface and underground components of the site. These scientific outputs were translated into co-created digital products, including interactive 3D visualisations and video storytelling, and are being further developed into immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences integrated within the park’s museum pathway. Beyond their technical value, these tools contribute to making otherwise invisible subsurface features more accessible, supporting awareness of potential risks and offering new ways for the public to engage with the geological and archaeological evolution of the landscape.

The San Silvestro Park exemplifies a dynamic mining cultural landscape where digital technologies can act as a bridge between research, heritage management and community engagement. While the proposed approach is still evolving, it suggests how non-invasive imaging, immersive media and participatory communication may contribute to long-term resilience by improving knowledge transfer, supporting informed decision-making and strengthening the connection between heritage, science and society.