María Florencia Becerra

This workshop aims to address new research on the use, circulation, and provenance of copper in the pre-Columbian Southern Andes through a four-day meeting from August 25th to 28th, 2025, at the Museum of La Plata, Argentina. Mining and metallurgy have had significant impacts on the environment and social development in this region, yet many aspects remain little known. By bringing together local and international scholars specialized in archaeology, geology, and geochemistry, the workshop seeks to explore methodologies, challenges, and future directions in the study of copper in the region. Specific topics include the selection and use of copper minerals, provenance studies, contexts of findings and trade circuits, as well as research challenges and limitations. Presentations and discussions will be structured to allow for in-depth exploration of these topics. The workshop will also address the impact of current mining projects on the preservation of archaeological evidence and how they pose both challenges and opportunities for research. Additionally, the workshop will facilitate international cooperation and partnerships to strengthen research efforts in regional archaeology and increase global visibility. After the workshop, participants will revise their texts for publication. This compilation will provide an updated state of the art on the topic.