Types of volcanic-hosted massive sulfide deposits

The database on 374 Phanerozoic volcanic massive sulfide deposits located i n the world's largest massive sulfide metallogenic provinces was analyzed. The overwhelming majority of these deposits are classified into four groups distinguished on the basis of the associations of host volcanic rocks and ratios of major components in ores. The information was generalized on the geotectonic environments of ore formation, mineralogy, geochemistry, ore bo dy morphology, reserves, and contents of major (Cu, Zn, and Pb) and associa ted (Au and Ag) components in Cyprus-type (Zn-Cu), Besshi-type (Cu, Cu-Zn), Urals-type (Cu-Zn), and Kuroko-type (Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn) deposits. The Urals- and Kuroko-type deposits are of the most commercial importance. ln addition to the complex (polymetallic) composition of ores and high grades of non-ferr ous and precious metals, they are characterized by larger average reserves and include all big and unique massive sulfide deposits.