This special issue presents several studies applying lead isotope analysis (LIA) to address archaeological questions in the field of ancient mining and metallurgy. They were presented during an international workshop, held in Fribourg (Switzerland), June 19–20, 2008, organised in collaboration between the Geosciences Department of the University of Fribourg and the Laboratory of Prehistoric Archaeology and Human Peopling (Department of Anthropology and Ecology) of the University of Geneva with the financial support of the Swiss National Science Foundation. Dr. F. Cattin and Dr. B. Guénette-Beck were in charge of the scientific organization. More than 30 scientists from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland attended the sessions with the seven key lectures dedicated to different aspects of actual research in the field of LIA. Over the last few years, several studies of archaeological artefacts using lead isotope analysis have shown a renewed interest in this technique. The workshop aimed to bring together experienced senior researchers and young scientists active in the field to promote contacts and discussions.