42 Cordilleran Mineral Systems: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Critical Metal Ore Deposits

Explore the processes responsible for selective transport and accumulation of critical metals in the Earth’s crust: mineral systems science, economic geology, mineral exploration, geochemistry and isotopes, fluid inclusions, and mineral chemistry (bilingual session (English/Spanish)).

Friday, 24 April 2026
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
LMH, Meeting Room

Geodynamic Controls on Porphyry Copper Formation in Southern Peru: Insights from Apatite Trace Element Geochemistry

Paper number: 42-2
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM

Authors

Abstract

Porphyry copper deposits in southern Peru were emplaced during distinct stages of Andean margin evolution, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate how geodynamic context influences magmatic-hydrothermal systems. This study compares five porphyry copper systems emplaced at different times and under contrasting geodynamic conditions, including variations in continental crustal thickness, distance from the trench, and deformation regime. We show that Tía Maria and La Tapada deposits emplaced during the Jurassic in an island arc setting, Cuajone and Toquepala deposits formed at the end of the Cretaceous after a ~30 Myr period of continental arc activity with important magma addition thickening the crust, and Los Chancas emplaced in the Miocene after an important landward arc migration due to slab flattening, in a compressive context. Through integrated petrological, geochemical, geochronological, and thermobarometric analyses, we assess how these geodynamic differences influenced the petrogenetic evolution and mineralization potential of each deposit.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 3

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026CD-411025

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