Mineralogical and Geochemical Features of the Final Bronze Age Copper Slag in the Saryarka Metallurgical Center (Central Kazakhstan)

A study of copper metallurgical slags from Final Bronze Age settlements in Central Kazakhstan reveals that oxidized ore concentrates were predominantly used for smelting, with manganese minerals serving as fluxes. Radiocarbon dating places the Saurambay and Kamal settlements at 3170 ± 20 BP and 2890 ± 20 BP, respectively, confirming their Final Bronze Age metallurgical activity. The research also identifies sporadic production of Sn−As and As−Sb bronzes alongside copper, with iron and manganese as common admixtures. Geochemical analysis of slag and ore fragments highlights the active use of manganese minerals in the smelting process, providing insights into ancient metallurgical techniques.

Ankushev, M. N., Varfolomeev, V. V., Blinov, I. A., Ankusheva, P. S., Artemyev, D. A., & Khvorov, P. V. (2023). Mineralogical and Geochemical Features of the Final Bronze Age Copper Slag in the Saryarka Metallurgical Center (Central Kazakhstan). Nanobiotechnology Reports, 18(5), 680–691. https://doi.org/10.1134/s263516762360030x