The rare mineral otavite CdCO₃ was found at the abandoned Pb-Zn mine of Montevecchio (SW Sardinia, Italy). Otavite occurs in the oxidised gossan, in association with aurichalcite. SEM imaging shows that otavite is composed of lenticular hollow structures containing aggregates of tiny rhombohedral crystals. Oxidation of primary Cd-bearing sulphides (sphalerite and greenockite) releases up to 24 ppm of Cd to drainage waters of the Montevecchio area. These waters are generally saturated with respect to otavite. Therefore, this mineral might play an important role in controlling Cd mobility in the environment.