More than 100 Ltvalitic metalluraicul slags from prehistoric copper production sites in d~e Easrern Alp; wcre <.;J~alY7.ed by ch\ue8mical and minerulogrcal techniques, The im-estigated sarnples include the oldest hnds ot
metullurgical .ictivity in Trentino und ;\lco _-\dige and yidd iniormarion t'or rhe interpretation of tbc introduction .ind development ot merallurgical tecb niqucs in tbc E"lstcrn A.lps, 'I'lie slags fllLlnd in most drcn;;lcological sites are distinct into rwo groups having ditterer.t minerulogjcal, chemical, and tcxtural fcatures, ,,11le! thev are inrcrpreted as derived lrom two di Fferent steps oF the copper smelring process tr01T1 sulphides. Cooling rates derived
rrorn the Invulitc te:-:rUi.-CS arc consistent with this interorc.ution