In 1741, along the banks of the Leni River, construction of the foundry went underway, destined to be used for the metal working of all the minerals extracted from the mines of Iglesiente and Guspinese. Villacidro was chosen as the premises due to the richness of its water and woods, and because it was close to several mining centers.

The foundry started its activities in 1743; it ran for almost 50 years and finally closed in 1797, even if occasional news regarding its activities continued till 1806. A factory for copper working was set up during the second half of 1800, in the vicinity of the foundry’s ruins.

Present day, just a few visible remains can be found from the buildings that hosted the foundry and the copper factory, in part along the course of the Leni River and in part situated on private property.