Introduction to Ore Forming Processes

INTRODUCTION TO ORE-FORMING PROCESSES

Introduction to
Ore-Forming
Processes
LAURENCE ROBB

© 2005 by Blackwell Science Ltd a Blackwell Publishing company
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The right of Laurence Robb to be identified as the Author of this Work has been asserted in accordance with the UK Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988.
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First published 2005 by Blackwell Publishing
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Robb, L.J.
Introduction to ore-forming processes / Laurence Robb.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-632-06378-5 (pbk. : alk. paper)
1. Ores. I. Title.
QE390.R32 2004
553′.1—dc22
2003014049
A catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.
1
Set in 9/11– pt Trump Mediaeval
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by Graphicraft Limited, Hong Kong
Printed and bound in the United Kingdom by TJ International, Padstow, Cornwall

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Blackwell Publishing, visit our website: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com Contents
Preface

vii

INTRODUCTION: MINERAL RESOURCES
Introduction and aims
A classification scheme for ore deposits
What makes a viable mineral deposit?
Some useful definitions and compilations
Natural resources, sustainability, and environmental responsibility
Summary and further reading

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15

PART 1 IGNEOUS PROCESSES
1 IGNEOUS ORE-FORMING PROCESSES
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Magmas and metallogeny
1.3 Why are some magmas more fertile than others? The “inheritance factor” 1.4 Partial melting and