Ancient Mining Research Articles

Вещественный состав хромититов из ультрамафитов обрамления Сысертского комплекса (гора Крон, Средний Урал)

The paper presents the results of a study of the mineralogy of chromitites from an ancient mine located on the slope of Mount Kron near the village of Raskuikha in the Middle Urals. Geologically, the studied chromitites form small lens-shaped bodies in apodunite and apoharzburgite serpentinites of the Early and Middle Ordovician. Ultrabasites are linear bodies confined to the melange zone developed in the northwestern exocontact of the Sysert metamorphic complex. It has been established that chromitites are represented by primary aluminous magnesiochromite, which, under the conditions of the greenschist facies of metamorphism, was transformed into magnesian and ferruginous chromite. Microprobe analysis determined that the green garnet that makes up the cement in chromitites and the brushes of crystals on it is uvarovite with a content of 53-63 % uvarovite end-member, up to 28 % grossular end-member and up to 22 % andradite end-member. Nine sulfides have been identified in chromitites: godlevskite, nickel pentlandite, heazlewoodite, millerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, bornite, galena and geerite. The formation of such rich mineralization is associated with the metamorphism of chromitites and their subsequent hydrothermal development.

Chemistry of tin bronzes and possible sources of tin in the Urals and Kazakhstan in the Late Bronze Age

The article discusses geochemical groups identified according to the results of the LA-ISP-MS analysis of tin bronzes of the Ural-Kazakhstan region of the Late Bronze Age. Based on the statistical analysis of 13 impurity ele-ments of 74 bronze and tin-containing copper products from the sites of the 2nd — early 1st mil BC in the Southern Trans-Urals and Northern Kazakhstan, seven chemically contrasting groups have been identified, which mark vari-ous types of tin sources. A significant part of the metal reflects the polymetallic nature of tin deposits, which are probably associated with the structures of Northern and Central Kazakhstan, where tin was mined together with cop-per ores. The second part of the sample — without a clear correlation of tin with other metals — reflects the cassiter-ite type of ores. It clearly shows the correlation As-Co-Ni±(Sb, Fe, Au), which is characteristic of the copper deposits of the Urals, indicating the alloying of the Ural copper ores with cassiterite master alloys. Data on tin metallogeny, ore chemistry, types of deposits, and known ancient mines of Northern, Central and Eastern Kazakhstan, which could have been sources of raw materials in the metallurgy of the Late Bronze Age, are presented. The main tin-bearing structures of Kazakhstan are the Kokshetau block in the north, the Kalba-Narym zone in the east, and the Ulytau, Bulattau, Atasu, and Sarysu-Teniz structures in Central Kazakhstan. Greisen, quartz-vein and pegmatite types of primary tin deposits, accompanied by placers, are known here. The ores at the deposits are represented both by pure cassiterite (in association with quartz, wolframite, tourmaline, etc.) and by association with sulphides (chalcopy-rite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, bismuthine, etc.) and copper oxide-carbonate ores.

The Ammonium Transporter SpAMT1;2 Contributes to Nitrogen Utilisation and Cadmium Accumulation in the Hyperaccumulator Sedum Plumbizincicola.

Sedum plumbizincicola (Sp) is a cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator found specifically in abandoned ancient mines where N is regularly deficient while Cd presents in excess. How Sp got adapted to this unique habitat remains unknown. Here, we reported relative abundant presence of NH4 + in mine areas for Sp, and the isolation and functional characterisation of a putative NH4 + transporter gene AMT1;2, which is highly expressed in Sp roots and encodes a pH-dependent dual affinity ammonium uptake transporter. Compared to SaAMT1;2, the homologous gene in the nonhyperaccumulating control Sedum alfredii (Sa), SpAMT1;2 expression is much higher and not inhibited by Cd. Only eight amino acid sequence polymorphisms were observed between SpAMT1;2 and SaAMT1;2, and the in-vitro NH4 + uptake activity and subcellular localisation are identical between them with or without Cd stress. Moreover, in contrast in Sa, NH4 + uptake in Sp is not inhibited by Cd, and NH4 + at ambient level promotes Cd accumulation. These data suggest that SpAMT1;2 is likely an essential gene contributing to nitrogen nutrition and the interaction between NH4 +and Cd uptake in Sp, which might represent a novel N utilisation pathway evolved in mines for the hyperaccumulator Sp.

Silver from the North

Following Strabo, the mines at Damastion and in its wider region have traditionally been localized in western Illyria. But for several reasons the only known ancient silver mine, west of the Axios, in the Openika hills up modern Ohrid, is no option. Findspots of coins of the Damastion type, minted after the Chalkidian model, however hint at the wider Skupi/Skopje basin as an area of circulation and as a center of silver commerce. Two ancient mining districts can be located not far off, to its east and north, in the regions of Kratovo (in modern North Macedonia) and (somewhat later) Ulpianum (in Kosovo or southern Serbia). From both districts, in the first half of the 4th c., mineral silver travelled south via the Axios Valley and the Anthemous region to the federal Chalkidian mint at Olynthos. The mines in the Kratovo district bordered on Hellenized Paionia, whereas those in the north, belonging to Dardania, were far less in touch with Greek civilization. Damastion’s location, probably in the Paionian borderlands, accounts for the Greek character of its coins. They became models for those from Dardanian mines which, however, soon fell off Greek standards. Nonetheless, Damastion kept close connections with the Chalkidians: soon after the Peloponnesian War it had been founded by the Mendaians and other groups including refugees from Aigina. Chalkidian economic connections with the Dardanian north, based on silver trade, were an impulse for a defensive alliance that the Illyro-Dardanian king Grabos concluded around 357 with the Chalkidians against Philip. Extremely short-lived, it was cancelled by the Olynthians when they accepted Philip’s offer of a symmachy. They threw the stele inscribed with their Dardanian alliance into a river flowing by their city even before it was fully incised.

Search amps up for signatures of cosmic particles in ancient minerals

Advances in imaging and data handling open new possibilities.

Stay with the green: New insights into ancient copper smelting in the Tonglüshan site, China

This paper presents new archaeometallurgical analyses from the Tonglüshan site, a famous ancient mining and smelting site in China. Results show that the primary phases in slag samples from two sites (Sifangtang and Lujia’nao) are all of a vitreous matrix, interspersed with fayalite crystals, wüstite, and hercynite. The trapped metallic particles in the slag are mainly raw copper with few sulfides present, which indicates a direct reduction process of oxidic ore. Iron-rich minerals were likely to be added as flux implied by the few unreacted inclusions in the slag samples. The extremely low copper content in the slag samples demonstrates a high rate of copper recovery, indicating that the copper smelting technology in the region had reached a considerably advanced level. In the meantime, the variations in metal content in slag samples from different periods reveal the diachronic changes in this copper smelting technology. The Tonglüshan site, with its millennia of ancient mining and metallurgical activities, provides an excellent material base for detailed studies on technological evolution.

Base-metal exploration by using remote sensing, geological, geophysical, and geochemical datasets with clues from ancient mining: A comprehensive review on Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt, Rajasthan, India

Base metal deposits are present in different continents with evidences of their mining activities during ancient times as mentioned in the historical literature. Aravalli – Delhi Fold Belt (ADFB) in Rajasthan, India is having numerous base metal prospects where ancient mining signages are recorded. Modern-day mining has commenced taking clues from these evidences. Present-day techniques such as remote sensing, geological mapping, geophysical survey, geochemical survey, and exploration/drilling are utilized for the identification of surficial ancient mining features and identification of the mineralized zones. These techniques utilize their unique criteria to get an idea of the mineral association. The integration of all the unique characteristics of modern techniques with the help of weighted overlay analysis, fuzzy logic, multi-criteria overlay analysis, etc. helps to identify the mineral potential zones from the ancient working sites. Their integrated results provide the surficial as well as sub-surficial information of the region that gives a better revelation about the region and helps in decision-making towards the mineralization status of the region. World-over surficial ancient features have been recorded in exploratory sites for base metals, and the case histories where integrated techniques were used for mineral exploration are discussed. Zawar – Dungarpur belt also has the potential for base metals therefore, the boolean approach, weighted overlay, and multi-criteria overlay analysis were performed using remote sensing, structural, and geochemical datasets. The integrated results showed that the head zone and southern broader part near Keekawat have the potential for base metals.

Structural and functional diversity of microbial communities in ancient mining sites from San Luis Potosí, México

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) on soil microbial community functionality and structure. Charcas and Cedral in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, are sites with ancient mining activity. This activity has generated heavy metals (HMs) polluted soils that provoke deleterious effects on microbial community. Sampling was conducted in sites with and without aged mining activity. The parameters analysed were physicochemical properties and PTE concentrations. Functional diversity was evaluated with a community‐level physiological profiling (CLPP) analysis, diversity was evaluated using the richness (S), and the indices of Shannon's diversity (H), Simpson's dominance (D) and Pielou's evenness (J) were for the structure evaluation, based on relative substrate utilisation. CLPP results of set of soils indicated the following substrate utilisation pattern: carbohydrates > polymers (POL) > carboxylic/ketonic acids > amino acids (AmA) > amine/amides (A/A). In Cedral, the AmA utilisation favoured the increase of J value. In addition, it was observed that the utilisation of these compounds decreases at a higher concentration of Al and organic matter (OM) but increases at a higher concentration of Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Ni, a phenomenon opposite to that was observed in Charcas. The results of set of soil indicated that AmA utilisation increases the values of S, J, D, and H. These results indicate that the microorganisms in soil are resistant to high PTE concentrations, in that condition they need accessible carbon sources as energy and as nutrients, however, they adapted to use complex carbon sources (POL). Furthermore, it presented low OM mineralisation despite high values of H, or J, then some metabolic processes could be compromised. Therefore, an intervention for soil conservation and monitoring is required.

Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (hATTR) with Polyneuropathy Clusters Are Located in Ancient Mining Districts: A Possible Geochemical Origin of the Disease.

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) with polyneuropathy (formerly known as Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP)) is an endemic amyloidosis involving the harmful aggregation of proteins, most commonly transthyretin (TTR) but sometimes also apolipoprotein A-1 or gelsolin. hATTR appears to be transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. Over 100 point mutations have been identified, with the Val30Met substitution being the most common. Yet, the mechanism of pathogenesis and the overall origin of hATTR remain unclear. Here, we argue that hATTR could be related to harmful metal exposure. hATTR incidence is unevenly distributed globally, and the three largest defined clusters exist in Japan, Portugal, and Sweden. All three disease regions are also ancient mining districts with associated metal contamination of the local environment. There are two main mechanisms for how harmful metals, after uptake into tissues and body fluids, could induce hATTR. First, the metals could directly influence the expression, function, and/or aggregation of the proteins involved in hATTR pathology. Such metal-protein interactions might constitute molecular targets for anti-hATTR drug design. Second, metal exposure could induce hATTR -associated genetic mutations, which may have happened several generations ago. These two mechanisms can occur in parallel. In conclusion, the possibility that hATTR could be related to metal exposure in geochemically defined regions deserves further attention.

Non-ferrous metal of the Bronze Age of Northern Kazakhstan: geochemical characteristics and ore base

The chemical composition of 29 copper and bronze artifacts from the sites of the Petrovka and Alakul Cultures located be-tween the Tobol and Ishim Rivers (the burial grounds of Bekteniz and Dzhangildy 5, and the sites of Novonikolskoye 1 and Semioz-ernoye 2; Northern Kazakhstan) were analysed using mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma and laser ablation. The sites are 14C dated to the interval between the 19th–17th centuries BC. In the examined sample, the leading metallurgical group with a slight prevalence in both Petrovka and Alakul metals was “pure” copper; the second part of the metal was represented by tin bronzes — low-alloyed (up to 8 wt.% Sn) in the Petrovka, and high-alloyed (Sn up to 21 wt.%) in the Alakul Culture. The statistical analysis of the main components of trace elements in the metal demonstrated a division into six main geochemical groups. Among these, tin bronzes with an uninterpretable copper component (10 specimens), “pure” copper of Ural origin with Fe-Co-Ni-As-Zn correlations (9 specimens), and “pure” copper with polymetallic Sn-Pb-As-Ag-Se specialization (10 copies), corresponding to the ores of copper deposits of the Kokshetau anticlinorium, can be identified. An overview of the tectonic structures of Northern Ka-zakhstan shows the nearby presence of several porphyry copper and skarn deposits with ancient mines (Imantau, Baksinskoye, Akkan-Burlukskoye, etc.), which likely served as sources of copper ore. Closely associated with these are Greisen and quartz-vein-greisen tin deposits, but there is no reliable information about their use in ancient times. According to the composition of tin alloys in the analysed metal, two main types can be distinguished: tin (without correlation with other impurity elements) when using pure cassiterite, and tin-lead (with increased concentrations and correlation of As, Au, Bi, etc.) when using cassiterite-sulfide ores. The data show the association of the Bronze Age sites of Northern Kazakhstan with the ore and raw materials base in this region, and the intensity of trade exchange of metallurgical products between the Ural and Kazakhstan centers of metal production.

Anthropological materials of the Bronze Age from the Ishkininsky burial mounds of Orenburg Region

The Ishkinin mounds are located on the territory of ancient copper mines that could have been created by the miners themselves. The materials from the burials of these burial grounds in total include six skeletons belonging to the Yamnaya and Alakul archaeological cultures of the Bronze Age. The people of the early stage of this epoch, judging by its morphological features, represent a rather tall Europeoid population. The restored male skull (Ishkinovka I, 3/7) is specific, differs from typical pit craniums of the Volga-Ural region in ultradolichocrania, and a very high face. According to male heredity, this individual has the same haplogroup that was characteristic of many Volga-Ural Ural Yamnaya people (R-Z2106), and according to female (mtDNA: H13a1a1), he finds a complete analogy with the sample of the Khvalyn Chalcolithic culture (Khlopkov Hillock, item 8), the owner of which craniologically represents a typical Uraloid complex. Probably, the physical characteristics of this person, and the appearance in general, are a reflection of the mestization of his progenitors. The Alakul skeletons of the Ishkinovka I and III burial grounds are more graceful. Taking into account previously published information, the bearers of the Alakul culture of the Late Bronze Age had a genesis unrelated to the ancient Yamal population. This, as well as archaeological data, shows that the ancient mines were developed for quite a long time, and by carriers of different archaeological cultures. The presence of cases of injury and natural pathologies on the skeletons of both cultures may indicate the presence of stress factors that caused their occurrence.

Reducing heavy metal (Zn, Cu) toxicity in a semi-arid area by halophytes

This work is the subject of a study of the effect of Atriplexhalimus on the variability of the percentage of certain heavy metals in the region of Boukhadra-Ouanza north of Tébessa, which is characterized by the proximity of an ancient mining area and with different levels of salinity. Where we made field trips, the first to know the area and determine the sampling locations, and the second to take samples. The latter (soil surrounding the roots of the cut plant and soil without vegetation at a distance of one meter), then after we measured the salinity standards (electrical conductivity and the percentages of certain heavy metals. The samples were analyzed at the Geology Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Tébéssa, where soil CE calculated and compared to the percentage of heavy metals (zinc and copper) in the soil. The results showed the presence of a significant proportion of heavy metals such as zinc and copper, especially in the third study area, which is considered high by World Health Organization standards and to acceptable standards, because the latter is located near an abandoned mining area, unlike the high salinity factor in the first and second areas.

Unha recontextualización da minaría do ouro galaico-romana

This article reviews the foundations and the state of the art of the geoarchaeological research into the Gallaecian-Roman gold mining, often referred to as ‘NW Roman mining’. Based on the evidence of the extraordinary success of this ancient mining, not achieved in the two centuries of modern techno-industrial mining, a reevaluation is made on the meaning and consequences of this success within its geomining, geographic and historical context, as well as on the artifacts introduced by the geoarchaeological methodologies and the literary references commonly used until now.

Opportunities and challenges with the protection of ancient mining sites in mountain landscapes: A case study of the Kopaonik

Opportunities and challenges with the protection of ancient mining sites in mountain landscapes: A case study of the Kopaonik

Provenance of Coastal and Seabed Sediments Relative to Mining and Processing Wastes: The Case of Lavrion, Attiki Peninsula, Greece

A detailed textural, mineralogical, and geochemical investigation of beach sands and seabed sediments from Thorikos and Oxygono bays of the eastern coast of Lavrion is performed, with the objective the provenance of the ore types exploited, the processing and beneficiation types employed, and the respective exploitation periods. The Oxygono Bay beach and seabed sands are highly heterogeneous, predominated by lithic clasts originating from surrounding lithologies. Examination of the fine-grained fraction from the seabed core revealed that only the upper 50 cm was affected by recent and ancient mining activity. Combining the mineralogy and geochemistry of Oxygono Bay sands with the radiochronological model of Pappa et al. (2018), four periods of recent exploitation (mid-19th—late 20th century) are distinguished: (1) The “1860–1875 A.D.”, involving exploitation of the ancient smelter slags, (2) the “1875–1900 A.D.”, with ongoing ancient smelter slag processing and the commencement of underground sulfide ore exploitation, (3) the “1900–1930 A.D.”, where heavy mining of the carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn–Ag ore occurs, (4) the “1930–1980”), where the implementation of flotation-type processing assisted in the exploitation of the poor skarn and porphyry-type ores. The latest “1980 A.D.—to date” period depicts the cessation of all mining and processing activities. The southern Thorikos Bay beach sands are homogeneous and fine-grained, are mainly composed of gangue and pyrite, and show elevated Fe, As, Pb, Zn, and Mn content. The southern Thorikos Bay beach sands clearly point to exploitation and processing by flotation of the carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn–Ag sulfide ore, and the tailings were disposed of from the nearby facilities to southern Thorikos Bay without any environmental concern during the “1930–1980 A.D.” period.

Reducing heavy metal (Zn, Cu) toxicity in a semi-arid area by halophytes

This work is the subject of a study of the effect of Atriplexhalimus on the variability of the percentage of certain heavy metals in the region of Boukhadra-Ouanza north of Tébessa, which is characterized by the proximity of an ancient mining area and with different levels of salinity. Where we made field trips, the first to know the area and determine the sampling locations, and the second to take samples. The latter (soil surrounding the roots of the cut plant and soil without vegetation at a distance of one meter), then after we measured the salinity standards (electrical conductivity and the percentages of certain heavy metals. The samples were analyzed at the Geology Laboratory, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Tébéssa, where soil CE calculated and compared to the percentage of heavy metals (zinc and copper) in the soil. The results showed the presence of a significant proportion of heavy metals such as zinc and copper, especially in the third study area, which is considered high by World Health Organization standards and to acceptable standards, because the latter is located near an abandoned mining area, unlike the high salinity factor in the first and second areas.

Convolutional neural networks for accurate identification of mining remains from UAV-derived images

A new deep learning system is proposed for the rapid and accurate identification of anthropogenic elements of the Roman mining infrastructure in NW Iberia, providing a new approach for automatic recognition of different mining elements without the need for human intervention or implicit subjectivity. The recognition of archaeological and other abandoned mining elements provides an optimal test case for decision-making and management in a broad variety of research fields. A new image dataset was created by obtaining UAV images from different anthropic features. A convolutional neural network architecture was implemented, achieving recognition results of close to 95% accuracy. This methodological approach is suitable for the identification and accurate location of ancient mines and hydrologic infrastructure, providing new tools for accurate mapping of mining landforms. Additionally, this novel application of deep learning can be implemented to reduce potential risks caused by abandoned mines, which can cause significant annual human and economic losses worldwide.

Metals and microorganisms in a Maar lake sediment core indicating the anthropogenic impact over last 800 years

A closed Maar lake, receiving mostly atmospheric deposition, offers a unique setting for investigating the impact of human activities on the environment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the historical record of metals in core sediments of Maar Lake in Huguangyan (HGY), Southeast China, and elucidate the possible microbial responses to anthropogenic metal stress. Five stages were divided according to the historical record of metals and corresponding distribution of microbial community, among which Pb and Sn showed a peak value around 1760 CE, indicating the ancient mining and smelting activities. Since the 1980s, a substantial enrichment of metals such as Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, and Pb was observed, due to the rapid industrial growth in China. In terms of microorganisms, Chloroflexi phylum, particularly dominated by Anaerolineales, showed significant correlations with Pb and Sn, and could potentially serve as indicator species for mining and smelting-related contamination. Desulfarculales and Desulfobacterales were found to be more prevalent in recent period and exhibited positive correlations with anthropogenic metals. Moreover, according to the multivariate regression modeling and variance decomposition analysis, Pb and Sn could regulate Anaerolineales and further pose impact on the carbon cycle; while sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) could response to anthropogenic metals and influence sulfur cycle. These findings provide new insights into the interaction between metals and microbial communities over human history.

Effects of impurities on the ice microstructure of Monte Perdido Glacier, Central Pyrenees, NE Spain

Abstract Monte Perdido Glacier, located in the central Pyrenees, is one of the southernmost glaciers in Europe. Due to climate change, this glacier is suffering an accelerated mass loss, especially in the last decades. If the current trends persist, this glacier is expected to disappear in the next 50 years. As part of the efforts of the scientific community to increase the knowledge about this glacier, this research presents the first microstructural characterization of the Monte Perdido Glacier, focused on a high-impurity concentration segment that belongs to an ice core drilled in 2017. The results reveal the ice has a layering defined by air bubbles and non-soluble impurities. The bubble-defined layering exhibits features of both a primary (sedimentary) and a secondary (strain-induced) origin. We found a clear inverse correspondence between the particle concentration and the grains' size and roundness index. A preliminary micro-Raman characterization of the particles shows the occurrence of atacamite, anatase (likely related to ancient mining activities in the vicinity of the glacier) and quartz. The latter could be an indicator of mineral dust, probably suggesting the arrival of dust-laden air masses from the north of the African continent.

Source-specific probabilistic contamination risk and health risk assessment of soil heavy metals in a typical ancient mining area

Heavy metal pollution (HMP) from mining operations severely threatens soil ecosystems and human health. Identifying the sources of soil heavy metals (HMs) and assessing source-specific risks are critical for developing effective risk mitigation strategies. In this study, a combination of methodologies including PMF, Monte Carlo analysis, soil pollution risk index, and a human health risk assessment model were utilized to investigate soil HM risks in a typical ancient mining area in Daye City, China, considering both environmental pollution and human health impacts. Cu emerged as the most significant soil pollution risk, whereas As posing the highest health risk. About 48.44 % of the multi-element integrated soil pollution risk has escalated to the heavy level. Furthermore, around 22.42 % of the non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) and 9.53 % of the carcinogenic risk (CR) exceeded unacceptable thresholds (THI > 1 for NCR and TCR > 1E-4 for CR). The PMF model identified four distinct sources: the smelting industry, traffic emissions, a combination of agricultural and natural factors, and mining activities. The mixed agricultural and natural source significantly impacted health risks, contributing 42.17 % to NCR and 53.88 % to CR, followed by the mining source, contributing 31.67 % to NCR and 24.07 % to CR. Interestingly, the mining source contributed the highest soil pollution risk at 42.45 %, while the mixed agricultural and natural source exhibited the lowest at 16.33 %. Furthermore, the study explored source-specific risk components by evaluating the contributions of different sources to specific elements. The mining source was identified as the focus for soil HMP control, followed by the mixed agricultural and natural source. Overall, this study provided an in-depth analysis of soil heavy metal risks in mining areas from the source apportionment perspective, which broadened the research framework of soil heavy metal source analysis and risk assessment, potentially providing scientific guidance for managing regional soil HMP.