By using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer(ICP-AES),the authors make analyses and tests of the trace elements in the copper ores,slag,ingots and coagulated grains from several sites of mining and smelting of pre-Qin times.The results suggest that in the smelting process,the trace elements Au,Ag,As,Sb,Bi,Se,Te,Co,Ni,etc.were concentrated mainly in the copper and they are indicative of the provenance of the raw material of bronze casts.Meanwhile,the copper ores and ingots unearthed from different sites of mining and smelting are distinctly diverse in the character of trace elements,so it is feasible to determine the exporting route of ancient copper ores by using the trace element tracing technique,especial to trace various copper mineral deposits.
