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How a 3000-year-old copper smelting site could be key to understanding the origins of iron

Researchers from Cranfield University discovered that ancient copper smelters at a 3000-year-old site in southern Georgia were using iron oxide as a flux to increase copper yield. This finding supports the theory that iron was invented by copper metalworkers, who experimented with iron-bearing materials in a metallurgical furnace.

SourceCranfield University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeCase study·DateSep 26, 2025