The Research Centre FZ HiMAT at the University of Innsbruck is honored to welcome you on the occasion of the 2nd Mining in European History-Conference 2012. After three years we convene again in Innsbruck for four days to discuss the multiplicity of mining problems from different points of view of many disciplines. We are pleased about the large attendance of numerous recognized colleagues all united by their passion in mining history. Mining had an imprinting role in two main time periods in the Alpine region: the fi rst one during the Metal Ages especially during the 2nd and the 1st mill. BC when the procurement of mineral resources was one of the decisive factors for the colonisation and transformation of the natural landscape into a cultural one, and after a phase of Roman and Early Medieval reluctance a second heyday started at the 8th and 9th century AD. Decades of active research conducted up to now provide solid basic knowledge but still a multitude of unanswered research questions is dedicated to these time periods.
