Time is a fundamental dimension of ore deposit formation. Economic mineral systems are built through a sequence of events involving source activation, magma or fluid generation, metal mobilization, transport, deposition, overprinting, upgrading, preservation, and exposure. Determining when these processes occurred, how long they lasted, and how they relate to tectonic, magmatic, metamorphic, sedimentary, and climatic events is essential for understanding why some systems become economic while others remain barren.
This session focuses on the geochronology and temporal evolution of ore-forming systems. We invite contributions that use radiometric dating, isotope geochemistry, petrochronology, mineral chemistry, diffusion modelling, geochronological method development, and integrated field relationships to constrain the timing, duration, tempo, and recurrence of mineralization. Contributions may address both direct dating of ore and alteration minerals and indirect constraints from associated magmatism, metamorphism, deformation, basin evolution, hydrothermal alteration, weathering, or supergene enrichment.
A key aim of the session is to link absolute ages with geological processes. We particularly encourage studies that investigate the duration of hydrothermal systems, pulsed versus continuous mineralization, time gaps between magmatism and ore formation, rates of metal accumulation, temporal links between tectonics and fluid flow, and the timing of remobilization or upgrading events. Studies comparing fertile and barren systems, or integrating geochronology with exploration models, are especially welcome.
By bringing together specialists in ore geology, geochronology, isotope geochemistry, structural geology, petrology, and exploration, this session aims to improve our understanding of how timing controls the construction, modification, preservation, and discovery of economic ore deposits.