A new excavation at a Mature Harappan site in Haryana has revealed what researchers are calling an "Urban Mineral-Alkali Sourcing Center." This specialized industrial zone was used for the collection and grading of mineral salts and alkalis, which were essential components in the production of Harappan glass, faience, and soap-making. The discovery highlights the advanced geological knowledge possessed by the Indus Valley civilization.
The site contains dozens of standardized ore-sampling pits and terracotta sieves used for grading raw materials before they were sent to larger urban centers like Rakhigarhi. Archaeologists also discovered a cache of small steatite seals featuring a unique 'mountain-and-river' motif, which likely served as quality-control markers for specific mineral shipments destined for the export market.