New research in Scientific Reports

Chelle-Michou, C., Rottier, B., Caricchi, L. & Simpson, G., Tempo of magma degassing and the genesis of porphyry copper deposits. Sci. Rep. 7, 40566; doi: 10.1038/srep40566 (2017)

New numerical modelling research suggests that the size of porphyry copper deposits (our major source of copper) is primarily controlled by the volume of magma emplaced in the crust just below the deposit. This article proposes a new method based on high-precision geochronology that may be use to estimate the maximum size of the deposits.

Nature article