Abstract: The mining of Yunnan copper in Qing Dynasty was conducted by imperial government, but the realization of its goal is based on the management of mining enterprises. These mining enterprises have the general characteristics of enterprises, but also have the special nature of Yunnan copper development and the time mark of “earthbound China”. In terms of property right relations, these mining enterprises not only have the internal property right structure with clear rights and responsibilities, but also have the external property right boundary to avoid disputes. In terms of management structure, the core is the “seven-chief system” under the “dual leadership” of the on-site officials and the mine investors, where there is both division of labor and collaboration, but it is strict in "personnel management" and neglects "technological innovation". In terms of cultural bond, “guild hall” is helpful to raise capital, recruit labor, strengthen factory regulations and restrain the factory crowd, but it also tends to produce the narrowness of “circle culture”.

Key words: early Qing Dynasty, mining of Yunnan copper, enterprise management