Monday, 25 May 2026
Ancient copper workshop discovered in South Sinai
An Egyptian archaeological team has uncovered an ancient copper smelting workshop, administrative buildings, and lookout points at the Wadi al-Nasb site in South Sinai.
This find was announced by Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities as part of ongoing excavations to unravel the secrets of Egypt’s mineral-rich Sinai Peninsula.
The findings shed new light on the region’s pivotal role in ancient Egyptian industry and resource management.
“This discovery highlights Sinai’s strategic importance as a main source of copper and turquoise in ancient times and deepens our understanding of Egypt’s enduring presence in the area,” Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said.
He emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to supporting archaeological missions as bridges between Egypt’s ancient heritage and sustainable modern development.
Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, explained that the architectural and industrial evidence found indicates continuous Egyptian mining activity at Wadi al-Nasb from the Old Kingdom through to later periods, with a particular flourishing during the New Kingdom.
Among the most significant finds are workshops for copper smelting, copper ingots of various shapes and sizes, and clay tuyères (blowpipe heads), clear evidence of a sophisticated industrial system for copper production before the metal was transported to the Nile Valley for craft, military, and administrative purposes.
Further details from the team describe two key buildings: one rectangular sandstone structure at the western entry to Wadi al-Nasb, and another at the confluence with Wadi Sur. Originally used as lookout or control points, both were later adapted as copper smelting workshops, featuring multiple ancient furnaces, copper slag, and substantial copper ingots weighing over 1 kg.
A third building was also discovered on a southern ridge overlooking Wadi Sur, believed to have served as a monitoring point for mining operations and perhaps predating the New Kingdom.
The team also uncovered part of a vast central workshop with various types of copper furnaces, ore-preparation tools, ceramic crucibles, storage amphorae, and large quantities of charcoal and raw clay.