Large Igneous Provinces and Associated Magmatic Systems: Petrogenesis, Geodynamics, and Metallogeny

Dear Colleagues,

Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) and related magmatic systems represent some of the most significant manifestations of large-scale magmatism in Earth’s history. Their formation is closely linked to mantle dynamics, lithospheric evolution, continental rifting and breakup, and major tectonomagmatic events. They also play an important role in the generation and concentration of a wide range of economically critical mineral resources.

This Special Issue aims to bring together multidisciplinary studies on Large Igneous Provinces and associated magmatic systems, including carbonatites, kimberlites, lamproites, alkaline and ultramafic rocks, and related intrusive and volcanic complexes. Contributions from all continents and geological periods are welcome, with particular emphasis on the links between mantle processes, magmatic evolution, lithospheric architecture, geochronology, and mineralization.

The Special Issue will provide a forum for integrating geological, petrological, mineralogical, geochemical, isotopic, geochronological, geophysical, and metallogenic approaches to better understand the origin and evolution of large-scale magmatic systems and their mineral-resource potential.

Topics of interest include:

1. Geodynamic Context and Mantle Processes
   This topic explores the origin and emplacement of LIPs and related magmatic systems, including mantle plumes, mantle–lithosphere interaction, lithospheric extension, rifting, subduction-related processes, metasomatism, and melting of heterogeneous mantle sources.
2. Petrogenesis, Petrology, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry
   Research in this area examines the mineralogical, petrological, geochemical, and isotopic characteristics of LIPs, carbonatites, kimberlites, lamproites, alkaline rocks, ultramafic rocks, and related magmatic complexes, with emphasis on magma sources, melting processes, differentiation, crustal contamination, and magmatic evolution.
3. LIPs and Tectonic Evolution Through Time
   This includes studies of continental and oceanic LIPs throughout Earth’s history and their relationships with supercontinent assembly and breakup, continental rifting, ocean-basin formation, lithospheric reorganization, and major tectonomagmatic events.
4. Carbonatites, Kimberlites, and Alkaline–Ultramafic Magmatism
   Studies in this area address the origin, emplacement, evolution, and geodynamic significance of carbonatites, kimberlites, lamproites, alkaline complexes, and related ultramafic rocks, including their relationships with deep mantle processes, lithospheric architecture, and large-scale magmatism.
5. Magmatic Metallogeny and Ore-Forming Processes
   Investigations of the formation, distribution, and controls of mineral deposits associated with LIPs and related magmatic systems, including Ni-Cu-PGE, Fe-Ti-V, Cu-Co, REE, Nb-Ta, P, Li, U, and other critical and strategic mineral resources, as well as diamond deposits associated with kimberlites and related rocks, are welcomed.
6. Geochronology and Temporal Evolution
   This topic addresses the application of modern geochronological and thermochronological methods to constrain the timing, duration, and evolution of magmatic events and their relationships with tectonic processes, lithospheric evolution, environmental change, and mineralization.
7. Magmatism, Environmental Change, and Mass Extinctions
   Studies in this field examine the relationships between large-scale magmatic events, atmospheric and oceanic perturbations, climate change, biogeochemical cycles, and major biological crises throughout Earth history.
8. Mineral Exploration and Resource Potential
   This research area focuses on the application of geological, geochemical, geophysical, remote-sensing, and mineralogical approaches to the exploration and evaluation of mineral resources associated with LIPs and related magmatic systems, with particular emphasis on critical and strategic minerals.
9. Regional and Global Perspectives
   Regional case studies, comparative studies, global compilations, and integrated models that contribute to a broader understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of LIPs and associated magmatic systems and their metallogenic significance are of key importance.

By bringing together studies from different geological settings and periods, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of large-scale magmatism, mantle dynamics, lithospheric evolution, magmatic and post-magmatic processes, and ore-forming systems. It will also contribute to refining metallogenic models and improving our understanding of the distribution, formation, and exploration potential of critical and strategic mineral resources worldwide.

We particularly encourage contributions that integrate field geology, petrology, mineralogy, whole-rock and mineral geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, geochronology, geophysics, and metallogenic studies to develop new or improved models for the evolution and mineral-resource potential of LIPs and associated magmatic systems.

Prof. Dr. Nasrrddine Youbi
Prof. Dr. Hassan Ibouh
Prof. Dr. Moulay Ahmed Boumehdi
Prof. Dr. Andrea Marzoli
Dr. Andrey Bekker
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Publisher’s Notice

Following discussions between the Minerals Editorial Office and the Guest Editors, the Special Issue description has been revised. This change has been approved by the journal Editorial Board, and the Special Issue website has been updated accordingly on 26 October 2026. The Special Issue will continue to be handled by the Guest Editors in accordance with MDPI’s Special Issue and editorial policies.