| Title | Where We Find Metals |
|---|---|
| Contributor | Shaun Barker(author) |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.11647/obp.0373.04 |
| Landing page | https://www.openbookpublishers.com/books/10.11647/obp.0373/chapters/10.11647/obp.0373.04 |
| License | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ |
| Copyright | Shaun Barker |
| Publisher | Open Book Publishers |
| Published on | 2024-04-08 |
| Long abstract | Mineral deposits are found in almost every environment on Earth—from the ocean floor, to high mountains, deserts and jungles. What factors control the distribution of minerals across our planet, and why do we mine in environmentally sensitive areas? This chapter describes the unique processes—asteroids, anoxic ocean waters, volcanoes and salty seas—that have led to the accumulation of large metal deposits on Earth over millions or even billions of years. By understanding these processes, we can better appreciate why particular types of mineral deposits occur where they do, and how mineral exploration might change in the future. |
| Page range | pp. 31–38 |
| Print length | 8 pages |
| Language | English (Original) |
Shaun Barker is an Associate Professor and Director of the Mineral Deposit Research Unit in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science at UBC. He has a background in structural geology and geochemistry, and conducts research on hydrothermal systems, which form many types of ore deposits. Over the last few years, Shaun has focused on developing and applying new tools to improve exploration success for copper and base metal deposits that are needed to support the low-carbon energy transition. He is a Lindgren Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists.