The Magmas and Ore-forming Systems (MOSt) research group explores links between magmatic processes within the other, such as those that drive volcanic eruptions and form planetary crusts, and ore-formation, including hydrothermal porphyry copper deposits that provide almost three-quarters of the world’s copper. Thus MOSt lies at the interface of igneous petrology and economic geology, approaching its research goals through a combination of geological observations, high temperature and pressure experiments, microbeam analysis, geophysics, and numerical models.

White Island is a subduction-related volcano in New Zealand that passively discharges approximately 100 tonnes of copper and 4.5 kg of gold to the atmosphere each year. (Photo copyright Richard Arculus, Australian National University)