冶金技术是古代文明的重要组成因素，冶金技术起源的研究是古代文明起源研究的重要组成部分，对中国冶金技术起源的深入研究将对揭示华夏文明的形成和早期发展历程提供重要论据。

15 pieces of copper artifacts of Siba Culture unearthed from Donghushan site (1800 B.C.) in Gansu province were examined. 8 of them were analyzed by atom absorption spectrographical analysis, and 11 of them were examined under microscope and scanning electron microscope. The results shown that arsenic(As) as major element was in the 11 pieces of copper artifacts which ranged from 2% to 8%, and all of them were manufacturing by hot forging, some followed by cold working. This kind of materials has a better mechanical properties then pure copper. It is the first time to find arsenic copper artifacts in such large amount in China. The site of Donhuishan was located in the northern slope of Qilian Mountain where nonferrous metal ores are in abundance, including copper-arsenic ores which could be used to produce arsenic-copper alloy.

Since BUMA-4 in 1998, great achievements have been made by the Institute of Historical Metallurgy & Materials to the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), China in the archaeometallurgical researches on new archaeological materials excavated in recent years. The main achievements are listed as follows: