Sulfur Quarry of Be'eri

The Sulfur Quarry of Be'eri is a former mining site in the western Negev landscape featuring exposed mineral deposits and the remains of extraction facilities. The location clearly shows traces of quarrying work with visible pit openings and deteriorating structures from the industrial period.

A British mandate officer discovered substantial sulfur deposits in 1929, leading to the establishment of Palestine Sulfur Quarries Ltd in 1930. The quarry's operation represented an early effort to extract natural mineral resources under British administration in Palestine.

The site represents early industrial development in Israel, demonstrating the transformation from mining operations to agricultural resource distribution in the region.

The quarry sits in a remote area and should be visited with proper footwear and caution, as pit openings and debris can be hazardous. Inquiring with local authorities beforehand about accessibility and any restrictions is wise to avoid unexpected obstacles.

The site produced roughly 880 tons of sulfur originally intended for military use, but later redirected for agricultural exports to Egypt, Turkey, and Greece. This unexpected shift from military to civilian application shows how local resources adapted to changing economic priorities.