It appears that the mines had been in operation ever since the ancient times and more specifically since the Copper time, and this continued later on during the Roman Times. This is proven by the findings in the area which include ancient tunnels, sloping wells and huge piles and rust. The rust constitutes the remains of processing chalcopyrite in a kiln, which was apparently done on site. Timber from the forests that probably existed in the area of the mines was used to fire the kiln.