"So, have you found any evidence that they used bronze or iron tools? Did they possess the means to smelt metals?" a Senior Scientist asked. This was a critical inquiry into the technological development of the indigenous civilization.
Smelting bronze was a relatively low hurdle, requiring a minimum temperature of around 800 degrees Celsius and only a basic charcoal fire. It was entirely possible for these reptilian natives to achieve this. In fact, small quantities of copper alloys could even be found naturally in some exposed ore deposits.
Smelting iron, however, was far more difficult. It required temperatures above 1,100 degrees Celsius and necessitated specialized blast furnaces and ventilation systems. Therefore, it was mostly a casual question, and the scientists didn't hold out much hope.
