Brian J. Skinner Award-Winning Papers
The Brian J. Skinner Award is presented annually
to the author(s) of an outstanding paper published in ECONOMIC GEOLOGY.
The award is in recognition of the most innovative and original paper
appearing in any of the eight issues of a single volume of the journal.
Papers are judged on technical excellence, innovation, and impact on
the science of economic geology, by a committee consisting of the Editorial Board of ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, chaired by the Editor, and ratified by
SEG Council.
2006 Award Download this paper
Igneous Geology of the Carlin Trend, Nevada: Development of the Eocene Plutonic Complex and
Significance for Carlin-Type Gold Deposits: Economic Geology, v. 101, no. 2, pp. 347-383, by Michael W. Ressel and
Christopher D. Henry
This paper is the product of a significant effort to increase the awareness of igneous
rocks and magmatic activity in the Carlin Trend. It characterizes and contrasts Jurassic,
Cretaceous, Eocene, and Miocene intrusions in the northern Great Basin using a diverse data
set of emplacement styles, mineralogy, compositions and hard-won Ar-Ar ages. These data provide
a comprehensive temporal framework for igneous rocks that are spatially associated with more
than 40 gold deposits of the Carlin Trend. The paper integrates a large amount of new and
previously published information and succeeds in the technically and conceptually challenging
task of combining geological mapping, geochronology, igneous petrology and geophysics to address
a major question in economic geology.
2005 Award Download this paper
Submarine magmatic-hydrothermal system: Brothers Volcano, Southern Kermadec Arc, New Zealand: Economic Geology, v.
100, no. 6, pp. 1096-1133, by C. E. J. de Ronde, M. D. Hannington, P. Stoffers, I. E. Wright,
R. G. Ditchburn, A. G. Reyes, E. T. Baker, C. J. Massoth, J. E., Lupton, S. L. Walker, R. R. Greene,
C. W. R. Soong, J. Ishibashi, G. T. Lebon, C. J. Bray, and J. A Resing
This paper presents an elegant and detailed dissection of an active submarine hydrothermal
system in a critical transitional geologic environment. Economic geologists have long recognized the
significance of volcanic arcs as favorable terrains for mineralization. However, ore deposits
typically form a bimodal distribution with end members divided between terrestrial and submarine
representatives. The innovative combination of geologic and geochemical studies that form the basis
of this contribution provides unique insights of the interplay between magmatic fluids and evolved seawater
in ore-forming systems on the sea floor.
2004 Award Download this paper
Henderson Porphyry Molybdenum System, Colorado: I. Sequence and abundance of hydrothermal
mineral assemblages, flow paths of evolving fluids, and evolutionary style: Economic Geology, v.
99, no. 1, pp. 3-38 - Pt.I, by Eric Seedorff and Marco T. Einaudi
This paper presents a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the geology,
alteration and mineralization of a classic and economically significant
porphyry molybdenum deposit. The geological mapping, core logging and
paragenetic studies that form the basis of this paper reflect the careful
field and laboratory observations necessary to constrain the history of
mineralization and to present a full and complete picture of a complex
mineralizing system. The body of observations on Henderson clearly show
how multiple overprinting hydrothermal events lead to the formation of
world-class orebodies. Together with the companion paper on the
geochemical evolution of the Henderson system, this work provides new
insight into the essential processes that form porphyry deposits and sets
a new standard for their documentation.
2003 Award Download this paper
Geology of the Bajo de la Alumbrera porphyry copper-gold deposit, Argentina: Economic Geology, v.
98, no. 8, pp. 1535-1574, by John M. Proffett
This paper presents an exhaustive descriptive account of the geology, alteration and
mineralization of a complex, economically significant porphyry copper-gold deposit.
The geological mapping, which forms the basis for this contribution, exemplifies
the type of careful fieldwork and observations necessary to reliably constrain the
history of these deposits and to present a full and complete picture of the
mineralizing process. The body of observations in this paper is the result
of an exceptional effort, both in the field and in the preparation of the
accompanying maps. It is an example of how detailed geological observations
underpin the interpretation of ore-forming systems and how our science
relies on this effort. The carefully prepared maps are expected to have a
significant impact in both research and teaching and are an important
milestone for the journal. They set a high standard of technical excellence
for future contributions of this type.
2002 Award Download this paper
Miocene Landscape Evolution and Geomorphologic Controls on Epithermal Processes
in the El Indio-Pascua Au-Ag-Cu Belt, Chile and Argentina: Economic Geology, v. 97, no. 5, pp. 971-996,
by Thomas Bissig, Alan H. Clark, James K. W. Lee, and C. Jay Hodgson
This paper presents an integrated study of the geochronology, mineralization and
landscape evolution in the El Indio-Pascua belt. Taking advantage of the superb exposures
of the Andes, the authors combine innovative geomorphologic reconstructions (aided by GIS
technology), high-precision geochronology, and ore deposit geology to show how changing
landscape can influence fluid evolution and affect mineralizing processes. Despite the
implied importance of the paleosurface in epithermal environments, the means to link landscape
evolution to mineralizing processes has eluded economic geologists. The approach presented in
this paper is considered both innovative and provocative and hopefully will stimulate new discussion
and research on the role of surface evolution in the paleohydrology of ore-forming systems.
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