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Document Details : Title: Archaeo-Metallurgical Reconnaissance of Ancient Mines and Slag Sites on the Northern Edge of the Dasht-e Kavir Desert, Iran Author(s): ROUSTAEI, Kourosh Journal: Iranica Antiqua Volume: 47 Date: 2012 Pages: 351-398 DOI: 10.2143/IA.47.0.2141968 Abstract : In February-March 2005 we made a reconnaissance survey of ancient mines on the northern edge of the Dasht-e Kavir desert of Iran. This survey was part of a larger landscape survey of the Shahroud Region, to assess the potential of the area concerning ancient mines and related sites. Totally, we surveyed 270 mines and 41 slag sites, which are concentrated in areas of Torud, Reshm, Kouh Zar, Zardabie and Raze va Shesh. The surveyed mines include copper, lead, zinc, iron, gold, and turquoise deposits, some of them located as high as 2300 m above sea level. According to mining techniques and surface finds, it seems that most of the surveyed mines belong to the historical and Islamic periods, but there are indications that suggest a prehistoric date for some of the mines in Kouh-e Baba Ahmad, north of Reshm village, and Chah Messi near Torud village. Among the surveyed mining area, Reshm has surprisingly remained untouched, with several evidences of different types of mining activities, including miner residences, areas for crushing ores and smelting installations. |
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