The Asgata
copper mines in Cyprus were known as the Kalavasos mines. The mines were
operational ‘from antiquity’ to 1978.
Archaeological excavations have
brought to light several findings that reveal that the mines operated from
antiquity and were later used by the Romans. Many ancient tunnels and ramps
were found among the mines.
Archaeological research also
demonstrated that copper was processed within the mine. This is confirmed by
the ‘slags’ as well as the large kilns discovered during the excavation.
Three
wagons and machines are on display in the village of Asgata. The machinery
includes an autoloader and two trailers, which were used for loading and
transporting pyritis and copper. Pyritis and copper were extracted from the Asgata-Kalavasos
copper mines the region.
MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).
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