Magmatic and Hydrothermal Ore-Forming Processes: Genesis, Geochemistry, and Global Perspectives on Metal Mineralization

Understanding how ore deposits form through magmatic processes, hydrothermal activity, or an interplay between the two remains one of the most debated areas in Earth sciences. Ore formation is often described through a sequence of interconnected processes: a magma becomes saturated in sulphide or oxide phases, metal-bearing fluids migrate through permeable and fractured crust, and metals are concentrated to form economically significant mineral deposits. However, many ore systems preserve evidence for both magmatic and hydrothermal influences, reflecting complex and often multi-stage histories of metal enrichment. Distinguishing primary mineralization from later remobilisation, alteration, or overprinting remains a persistent challenge, particularly in deposits that have undergone prolonged tectonic, metamorphic, or hydrothermal evolution. Advances in geochemistry, isotope systematics, mineralogy, geochronology, and structural geology continue to reveal new insights into ore-forming processes, while also highlighting the need for more integrated approaches to understanding mineral system evolution. As global demand for critical and strategic metals continues to grow in support of energy transition technologies, infrastructure development, and advanced manufacturing, improving our understanding of ore-forming processes has become increasingly important. Robust genetic models are essential not only for understanding the formation and preservation of mineral deposits but also for guiding mineral exploration and resource assessment in both established and emerging metallogenic regions. This research topic brings together original research, reviews, and case studies focused on the genesis, geochemistry, and evolution of magmatic and hydrothermal mineral systems. The objective is to foster dialogue across deposit types, tectonic environments, and methodological approaches, while encouraging integration among disciplines that have traditionally investigated ore-forming processes independently. We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes: - Petrogenetic controls on metal enrichment, magmatic differentiation, and sulphide or oxide saturation. - Fluid-rock interaction processes and mechanisms of metal transport and deposition in hydrothermal systems. - Stable and radiogenic isotope systematics as indicators of metal sources, fluid evolution, and ore-forming processes. - Textural, mineralogical, and geochronological constraints on the timing and evolution of mineralizing events - Structural and tectonic controls on fluid migration, metal concentration, and ore localization. - Comparative studies of ore-forming systems across cratons, orogenic belts, and other metallogenic regions - Case studies from underexplored, emerging, or underrepresented mineral districts and regions. - Innovative analytical or isotopic methods that challenge or refine established genetic models. Given that ore-forming processes are often studied separately by isotope geochemists, structural geologists, petrologists, or economic geologists, we particularly encourage interdisciplinary studies that integrate multiple datasets and perspectives. By bringing together contributions from across the mineral deposits community, this collection aims not only to highlight recent advances and discoveries but also to provide a framework for developing more robust, predictive, and transferable models of ore system formation and evolution. Topic editors: Takodjou Wambo Jonas Didero, Donald Hermann Fossi Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84904/magmatic-and-hydrothermal-ore-forming-processes-genesis-geochemistry-and-global-perspectives-on-metal-mineralization