The Role of Hydrocarbons in the Genesis of Mineral Deposits

Dear colleagues,

Hydrocarbon reservoirs commonly coexist with low-temperature hydrothermal mineral deposits in petroliferous basins. Bitumen and petroleum liquids are constituents of low-temperature hydrothermal mineral deposits such as Mississippi Valley-type Pb-Zn deposit, Carlin-type Au deposits, disseminated sandstone-hosted U deposit, and sandstone-hosted Pb and Cu (-V-Co) deposits. Crude oil and oilfield brine can be rich in certain metallogenic elements, such as Au, Ag, As, Sb, Hg, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, and V. The coexistence or interdependence between low-temperature hydrothermal mineral deposits and hydrocarbon reservoirs suggests a genetic relationship between mineralization and hydrocarbon accumulation.

Organic matter, preserved in euxinic or anoxic environments, sequesters metals/elements, which are later released during its catagenesis and integration into hydrocarbons. Consequently, organic matter-rich facies can act as metal/element reservoirs, with hydrocarbons potentially serving as carriers for these metals/elements.

This Special Issue is focused on four topics:

• Topic 1: The spatial and temporal relationship between low-temperature hydrothermal deposits and paleo-oil/gas reservoirs. Case studies of the superimposition or interdependence between low-temperature hydrothermal deposits and paleo-oil/gas reservoirs in space and time.
• Topic 2: The role of the generation of hydrocarbons and ore-forming hydrothermal fluids in the genesis of ore. Case studies on the source and migration pathways of the ore-forming hydrothermal fluid and hydrocarbons, as well as genetic models of mineralization and hydrocarbon accumulation.
• Topic 3: The role of hydrocarbons in ore transport and deposition processes. Experiments and case studies on the incorporation of metals/elements within petroleum, the role of petroleum liquids in ore transport, and sulfate reduction.
• Topic 4: The role of organic matter in the fixation of metals/elements during synsedimentary/diagenesis stage.

This Special Issue aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role of hydrocarbons in mineral deposits.

Prof. Dr. Guozhi Wang
Dr. Larbi Rddad
Guest Editors

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• hydrocarbons and metals/elements
• low-temperature mineralization and hydrocarbons
• hydrocarbon accumulation
• relationship between mineralization and hydrocarbon accumulation