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It is now more than a decade since the first edition of this book appeared, during which time a great deal has happened in furthering the knowledge of metallogeny and earth system science. Our understanding of global tectonic processes and the nature of crustal evolution continues to influence the practice of economic geology and assists in maintaining the supply of natural resources in a responsible and sustainable way. The economies of developing nations continue to grow so that a greater proportion of people than ever before enjoy the benefits of a lifestyle that befits the twenty‐first century. However, the global economy, and the natural resources industry in particular, remain cyclical in that security of supply of strategically important commodities has become a major problem – one result of this is the identification of “critical metals” whose supply cannot be regarded as sustainable in the short or medium term. Despite the fact that new metallotects are still being discovered – and even exploration for metals in the deep ocean and outer space mooted – the replenishment of depleted natural resources is becoming more difficult and environmentally demanding. In order to mitigate these problems, the responsible custodianship of natural resources is more necessary than ever before and there is a continuing need for all earth scientists to understand metallogeny and the resource cycle.

The 2nd edition of Introduction to Ore‐Forming Processes has been updated to play a role in meeting these demands. The book is still introductory in nature and the basic structure and layout remain unchanged – all sections have, however, been updated and expanded with respect to research undertaken since it first appeared. My grateful thanks are to Brian Skinner, Steve Kesler, Charlie Moon, Michael Meyer, and Judith Kinnaird who provided valuable commentary on the revised content for the 2nd edition. My own development as an economic geologist has benefited over the past decade or more by collaboration with geoscientists that include Mike Searle, Dave Waters, Chris Hawkesworth, Nick Gardiner, Judith Kinnaird, and Paul Nex.

This book was originally conceived in a very different format. The 2nd edition is dedicated to Professor John Moore (1946–2011), Rhodes University, whose perceptive suggestions led to the process‐related approach of the present content, and which contributed in no small measure to its success.

Laurence Robb Oxford