Isotopes in Economic Geology: A Sustainable approach to Geosciences

Abstract

One of the most important methods used in economic geology is isotope geochemistry since it provides useful data on the genesis and age of the process of mineralization. This review is going to describe applications of both stable and radioactive isotopes in ore-forming systems. Stable isotope systems, including oxygen (δ¹⁸O), sulfur (δ³⁴S), carbon (δ¹³C), and hydrogen (δ²H), are extensively used to identify fluid sources, characterize fluid–rock interactions, reconstruct paleoenvironmental conditions, and constrain the physicochemical parameters governing mineral deposition. Radiogenic isotope systems such as uranium–lead (U–Pb), rubidium–strontium (Rb–Sr), samarium–neodymium (Sm–Nd), and lead (Pb) isotopes provide robust constraints on the age of mineralization, magma evolution, crust–mantle interactions, and metal provenance. The use of several isotopic systems has made it possible to get an in-depth understanding of hydrothermal, magmatic, and sediment-related ore deposits and has been useful in refining ore genesis models and decreasing uncertainties of predictive exploration. The recent advances in technologies such as Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), and the use of non-traditional stable isotopes such as lithium, iron, copper, and zinc isotopes have helped increase the precision, resolution, and capability of conducting in situ isotopic studies. Such advances make it possible to carry out detailed investigations on mineralization processes and give chances of exploring concealed ore deposits. Moreover, isotope geochemistry techniques have been used in environmental monitoring and assessing environmental impacts associated with mining operations. However, despite difficulties associated with isotopic fractionation, standardization, and complexity of geological systems, new methodological developments are widening the field of isotope geochemistry. Therefore, isotope methods are very important for advancing ore genesis, exploring mineral deposits, and sustainable use of mineral resources of the earth.