metalliferous

Metalliferous is an adjective used in geology and mining to describe rocks, ores, or environments that contain economically valuable concentrations of metals. In contrast, non-metalliferous rocks lack such concentrations. The term is derived from metal and -ferous, meaning bearing.

Metalliferous ore deposits include a range of geological settings where metal-bearing minerals occur in economically extractable quantities. Common metals include copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, nickel, tin, and molybdenum. Ore minerals may occur as sulfides, oxides, native metals, or complex silicates; examples include chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, cassiterite, and native gold. The same label can apply to metal-rich byproducts in sedimentary, magmatic, and metamorphic rocks.

Formation generally involves concentration of metals through magmatic differentiation, high-temperature hydrothermal activity, or sedimentary processes. Well-known metalliferous ore deposits include hydrothermal veins, porphyry copper systems, and sulfide-rich strata, as well as lateritic and placer deposits in certain contexts.

Economic geology uses the term metalliferous to distinguish metal-bearing resources from non-metallic or industrial mineral resources. Economic viability depends on metal price, ore grade, tonnage, metallurgical recoverability, and mining costs. Exploration targets metalliferous deposits through geochemical anomalies, geophysical surveys, and analysis of alteration halos and ore minerals.

See also: ore deposit, metallogenic belt, metalliferous mining, and non-metalliferous.