Comparison of one- and two-stage models of porphyry copper deposition

Abstract

This paper considers porphyry copper-deposition models examined from the petrological and geochemical points of view. The principal differences between the models include the time and mechanism of the sulfide-ore deposition and composition of the ore-bearing fluid. The copper-rich fluid inclusions contain an insufficient amount of sulfur to form sulfide ores; an independent sulfur source is necessary to form porphyry copper deposits.