VMS are vital sources of copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver. They form on or near the sea floor by hydrothermal activity in submarine volcanic environments. These often high-grade, polymetallic deposits form as layers or lenses of sulphide minerals, frequently associated with modern or ancient “black smokers”.
In terms of minerals, these deposits are primarily composed of iron sulphides (pyrite, pyrrhotite) along with chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena.
Mining Investing Toolkit 