In 1922, the Masua mining operations in Sardinia, which had been active ever since the early 1600s, had reached a peak of production. Zinc and lead were in high demand, and modernized mining methods meant that more ore was being extracted than ever before.

Efficiency, however, was becoming a serious issue. At the time, transporting the zinc and lead ore from the mines to the nearest port was a lengthy and costly process. Sailors had to come from the island harbor at Carloforte, about 15 miles to the south. Once they arrived on the beaches near Masua, they would load up their boats with ore before heading back to Carloforte.