De re metallica is a comprehensive book written by Georgius Agricola in 1556, focusing on mining and metallurgy. It serves as one of the first systematic texts on the subject, detailing various mining techniques, the properties of metals, and the processes involved in extracting and refining ores. The work is divided into twelve books, covering topics such as the tools used in mining, the types of minerals, and the environmental impacts of mining activities. De re metallica is considered a foundational text in the field of mining engineering and has influenced both scientific and industrial practices in metallurgy.