The 2014 excavations extended those of the previous year (Area 1000): Trench 1 (at the north end of area 1000), Trench 2 (in front of furnaces 2 and 3), and Trench 3 (at the south end of area 1000). The investigation identified a complex chronology, with occupation phases datable to the proto-historic period, possibly of a productive nature.

TRENCH 1
In addition to investigating the stratigraphy relating to the earliest walls (remains of a late medieval furnace, 14th century), the excavations identified numerous other traces of metal casting activities, not linked to the first reduction of mixed sulphides, but to a different phase (liquation or another phase of possible extraction of an argentiferous mineral from copper), which further investigation may clarify. Production indicators included crucible fragments, stones, charcoal, bricks altered by exposure to fire and minute metallic fragments. In the same area, the remains of a possible forge were identified, also datable to a phase pre-dating the 15th century. Lastly, the analysis of the earliest walls identified a probable retaining wall, certainly pre-Roman, which can perhaps be associated with the fragments of early/mid Bronze Age pottery and lithic implements found in secondary deposition on the plateau (cf. Trench 3).

TRENCH 2
Evidence of the construction site for the 15th century furnaces were identified, documented by the foundation cuts for the structures themselves and by substantial layers of more or less sterile material attesting the preparation of the area prior to their construction. The excavation also uncovered an earlier phase characterised by a different production use that was represented by the presence of a brick-built casting structure, linked to the exploitation of mixed sulphides. The structure, built during the first half of the 15th century, was formed by a circular chamber and a splayed praefurnium. A first analysis of the materials shows it was used as part of the copper producing process, but also showed a high content of silver in the metal found, which suggests that the silver was also extracted from the copper bearing minerals.

TRENCH 3
The stratigraphy relating to the hut structure (see 2013) was removed. These layers produced several lithic tools made of arenite quartz, found in secondary deposition, interpreted as probable mallet heads, as well as flakes and small blocks with abraded surfaces. Along the external north-eastern edge of the hut, the excavation also identified a metalworking area (the layers contained brick fragments, copper, and two body sherds of slipped pottery). Below the removed contexts were the remains of the bottom of a small productive structure, preserved for about 80 cm in length, made up of calcinated stones, charcoal, and soil reddened by exposure to heat. Laboratory analyses should identify the mineral typology and process carried out in the structure.