porphyry copper systems

Porphyry copper systems are large mineral deposits formed deep within the Earth's crust, associated with magmatic activity. They occur when magma rises beneath the surface, cooling and crystallizing to create mineral-rich rocks containing significant amounts of copper, along with other metals like molybdenum and gold. These deposits typically form over millions of years, characterized by extensive alteration and mineralized zones surrounding a central porphyritic intrusion. Porphyry copper systems are the primary source of global copper supply, and their exploration involves geophysical, geochemical, and geological methods to identify economically viable mineral concentrations.