Neither written reports nor archeological findings about origins of gold mining in Zlaté Hory has been preserved. It is presumed that gold was originally gained by gold-washing along local streams in the 10^th and 11^th century. After depletion of these sources of gold it was switched to underground mining in the region of Maria Hilf. Rich gold bearing ores in Starohori were discovered some time after that. Herewith the foundation of two big mining districts was established. Mining in these districts was documented by first written reports in the 14^th century.

The greatest prosperity of gold mining was reached in the 16^th century when nuggets weighing 1,38 kg and 1,78 kg were found in placer  location beyond the town. After time of prosperity period of decline had come and consequent attemps of renovation of gold mining had never reached its former level. On the basis of geological prospecting, copper ore mining was reestablished in the fifties and sixties of  last century. After depletion of copper ores the attention was shifted to complex ores and in 1990 the gold mining was reestablished. Presently, gold mining in this district is finished. Only reminders of gold mining survived including head race, relict of gold-washing and also written records in chronicles.