Influence of tectonic element recycling on magma-associated mineral deposits

Magma associated mineral deposits are our most important sources of most metals, including most of those considered critical to the global transition to a renewable energy future. This chapter shows that ore deposit formation is ultimately linked to deep Earth tectonic recycling of elements and oxidation state through a range of igneous processes. Through changes in the atmosphere and thus oceans, oceanic crust and deep Earth, the biosphere and Earth co-evolved from being reduced in the Archean to being oxidized in the Phanerozoic, and this appears to be reflected in changes in magma associated ore deposit genesis over time.