Ngwenya Mine

The Ngwenya Mine, located on Bomvu Ridge in Eswatini, is considered the oldest known mine in the world, with evidence of haematite extraction dating back to approximately 41,000 BCE. The mine has been significant through various phases, first for its deposits of red ochre used by the San people in rock art, and later for iron smelting by Bantu tribes around 400 CE. In the 20th century, commercial mining operations began under the Anglo-American Corporation and later by Salgaocar, which led to significant environmental and social impacts. Despite modern exploitation, the site holds great archaeological significance due to its long history of human usage and the insights it provides into prehistoric and historic mining and metalworking practices.