Archaeologists have discovered six previously unknown Bronze Age mine sites in Extremadura, southwestern Spain. The discovery was made during a February study led by researchers from the Maritime Encounters program at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. These sites could help resolve long-standing questions about where the metals used in Scandinavian Bronze Age artifacts originally came from.
The field survey was conducted from February 9th to 16th in the area around Cabeza del Bui, Badajoz province. The project was carried out in collaboration with experts from the University of Seville and the Archaeological Museum of Badajoz.
The researchers recorded six different mining locations. These ranged from small extraction areas to larger, more complex sites. At one site, about 80 fluted stone axes, used to break down and process ore, were discovered and stood out.
Copper, lead and silver indicate ancient trade
The mines contained copper, lead and silver, all of which played important roles in the Bronze Age economy. These materials were widely traded over long distances and formed the backbone of early European exchange networks.
The study builds on previous work related to the Marine Encounters Program and other archaeological projects led by Professor Johan Lin at the University of Gothenburg. Previous studies using lead isotope and chemical analyzes of Scandinavian Bronze Age artifacts suggest that much of the metal originated in southwestern Spain.
Evidence that Europe was connected during the Bronze Age
“Newly discovered Bronze Age mines in the past decade, both by other research teams and with around 20 new mines recorded by our research group between 2024 and 2026, are increasing our understanding of how interconnected Europe was already 3,000 years ago. “These discoveries show that metal extraction in southwestern Europe was much more widespread and organized than previously realized, and provide a concrete archaeological context for chemical and isotopic analyses,” says archeology professor Johan Lin.
Facts/Extremadura Survey
- Location: Area around Cabeza del Buei, Badajoz Province, Spain
- Dates: February 9th to 16th
- Project: Sea Encounter
- Partners: University of Seville and Badajoz Regional Archaeological Museum
- Results: 6 unregistered Bronze Age mines.
- Notable finds: Approximately 80 fluted stone axes used for ore processing.
- Metal: copper, lead, silver
