Tectono-Magmatic Precursors for Porphyry Cu-(Mo-Au) Deposit Formation

Porphyry Cu-(Mo-Au) deposits are relatively rare but reproducible products of subduction-related magmatism. No unique processes appear to be required for their formation, although additive combinations of common tectono-magmatic processes, or optimization of these processes, can affect the grade and size as well as the location of the resulting deposits. These various contributing processes are reviewed, from partial melting in the mantle wedge overlying the subducting plate, through processes of magma interaction with the lithosphere, to mechanisms for magma emplacement and volatile exsolution in the upper crust. Specific ore-forming processes, such as magmatic-hydrothermal fluid evolution, are not discussed.…

• NS
  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada