Early copper mining in the Iberian Peninsula: state of the art

Abstract

The metallogenetic characteristics of the Iberian Peninsula are somewhat peculiar due to the availability of numerous small open-cast oxidic copper ore mineralisations exploited until recent times. Their study in relation to prehistoric metallurgy has a long tradition that is reflected in the archaeological literature. However, it is in recent decades that research has begun to provide precise data of great interest relating the geochemistry of the ores to archaeological metallurgical evidence by means of lead isotope analysis, all within the chronological framework provided by C14 dating of both mines and excavated prehistoric settlements. The data reported here present in an orderly fashion all available information covering the Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and the Balearic Islands, but it should be noted that there are a number of mine excavation projects underway which will hopefully provide more information when completed.

Keywords

• early copper mining
• iberian peninsula
• lead isotope analysis
• radiocarbon dating
• chalcolithic
• bronze age
• archaeology