The knowledge of metallurgy, first developed in the Near East, spread to most parts of Europe by 2000 BC. This book examines the distribution of sites and their geological background. All aspects of early mining technology are covered, from the initial discovery of copper minerals to their extraction and concentration using primitive techniques. It considers the daily life of the miners, the dangers they faced, their settlement background and ritual beliefs. Recent research on the most important sites, some of which can be visited today, is contained here . About the author William O'Brien is currently working on an investigation of the important Beaker copper mine at Ross Island, Co. Kerry. He lectures on prehistory and field archaeology in University College Galway.