During April and July 2009, an archaeological survey was conducted south of the Zin plant (License No. S-139/2009; map ref. 2060–95/5225–70), prior to enlarging a mine. The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Rotem Amfert Negev Company Ltd., was performed by E. Aladjem and I. Peretz, with the assistance of S. Gal (GPS).
The survey area, located southeast of Mount Zin and north of Nahal Hazeva, is characterized by a desert landscape with sparse vegetation along the banks of the wadis and in their channels. The northeastern part of the area is flat and severed by wadi channels, whereas its southwestern part is higher and includes two hills.
No ancient remains were discerned in the survey.