The Brian J. Skinner Award shall be presented annually to the author(s) of an outstanding paper published in ECONOMIC GEOLOGY. The award will be in recognition of the most innovative and original paper appearing in any of the eight issues of a single volume of the journal. Papers will be judged on technical excellence, innovation, and impact on the science of economic geology. The committee shall comprise the members of the Editorial Board of ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, chaired by the Editor. SEG Council will ratify the selection of the committee.

2006 Award

Igneous Geology of the Carlin Trend, Nevada: Development of the Eocene Plutonic Complex and Significance for Carlin-Type Gold Deposits, 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

Submarine magmatic-hydrothermal system: Brothers Volcano, Southern Kermadec Arc, New Zealand, 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

Henderson Porphyry Molybdenum System, Colorado: I. Sequence and abundance of hydrothermal mineral assemblages, flow paths of evolving fluids, and evolutionary style, 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

Geology of the Bajo de la Alumbrera porphyry copper-gold deposit, Argentina, 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

Miocene Landscape Evolution and Geomorphologic Controls on Epithermal Processes in the El Indio-Pascua Au-Ag-Cu Belt, Chile and Argentina, 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 stimulate new discussion and research on the role of surface evolution in the paleohydrology of ore-forming systems.