Riyadh: An Egyptian archaeological mission at Wadi Nasb in South Sinai has uncovered a copper smelting workshop, administrative buildings, and watchtowers during ongoing excavations.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy highlighted the significance of the discovery in demonstrating Sinai's role as a key source of copper and turquoise in ancient Egypt.

Supreme Council of Antiquities Secretary-General Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled noted that the findings provide evidence of continuous mining activity in Wadi Nasb from the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom, enhancing understanding of ancient industrial practices. The discoveries include copper smelting workshops and blowpipe heads, indicating a sophisticated production system.

The mission also uncovered part of a large central workshop containing various copper smelting furnaces, tools for raw material preparation, pottery crucibles, and substantial quantities of prepared charcoal and clay.