Subducting seafloor anomalies promote porphyry copper emplacement
Feb 3, 2026··
0 min read
Ben Mather
Abstract
Ben Mather , Dietmar Müller, Chris Alfonso, Nicky Wright, Maria Seton 350% increase in copper demand by 2050 for renewable energy plants and EVs. No significant copper discoveries in the last 10 years. Porphyry Cu distribution – Lee & Tang 2020, EPSL Largest Cu porphyries occur in thick crust > 45 km. Porphyry Cu requires shortening along the arc with > 45 km thick crust . No magmatic activity in flat subduction regime. Vigorous volcanism “overcooks” Cu deposits post slab delamination. Geodynamic regime diagram – Richards 2021, Geosphere
Date
Feb 3, 2026 9:00 AM — 10:00 AM
Location
Pullman Hotel, Albert Park