Abstract
The research aims to elucidate the question of exploitation of copper ores near Mutěnín (Domažlice district), mainly in the Bronze Age which is archaeologically documented in the micro-region. It is since the 1960s already that some authors have been taking into consideration prehistoric mining of local ores.
The paper presents previous results of archaeological field research and archival research. However, prehistoric activities are difficult to identify with relics of old mines in Bohemia because they were usually destroyed by later mining.
The way out is offered above all by retrospective analysis of modern or medieval phases of mining works at particular deposits. This should be followed by a detailed assessment of situation in the context of advanced foreign research on prehistoric copper ore mining, laying focus mainly on choosing appropriate methods of field and laboratory research.