Why is Ngwenya significant in the early history of mining?

Ngwenya is significant in the early history of mining because it is the site of what is considered one of the world’s oldest mining and trading activities. Archaeological evidence indicates that as early as 42,000 years ago, inhabitants were quarrying red and black hematite ore at the Ngwenya massif for use as a cosmetic pigment.12

Furthermore, the site at Bomvu Ridge in the Ngwenya mountains is recognized as the oldest known underground mine in the world, where ochre was extracted for use in burial ceremonies and as body coloring. Later, around 400 ce, the site was also utilized by Bantu-speaking peoples for the mining of iron ore.312