Abstract: The Exploitation of Yunnan copper in Qing Dynasty was conducted by imperial government, thus, the government played a crucial part in it. However, at the same time, plight caused by shortage of copper in Qing Dynasty, market-oriented resources allocation and cost-benefit in double-track pricing system, they all demonstrated that the market still played its role. Government officials such as Cai Yurong respected economic laws so that the exploitation of Yunnan copper could be developed prosperously both by means of government domination and market guiding. Nevertheless, during the reigns of Emperor Jiaqing and Emperor Daoguang, Yunnan copper definitely would decline because of the market logic of “cost raises as benefit falls”.

Key words: Early Qing Dynasty, The exploitation of Yunnan copper, Market Role