Mesozoic large scale magmatism and mineralization in South China: Preface

South China is famous for its polymetallic deposits, with more than 50% of the world's W and Sb reserves and 20% of the Sn reserves, as well as abundant Cu–Mo–Pb–Zn–Au–Ag, Ta, Nb, HREE and U. This special issue reports recent progress on the tectonic evolution, magmatism and ore deposits of South China, which leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the Mesozoic large scale magmatism and mineralization events: (1) South China has been located in backarc settings during multiple subductions since the Paleozoic, which may have contributed to pre-enrichments of the ore-forming materials. (2) The Pacific plate subduction was a principle factor that controlled the late Mesozoic large scale magmatism and mineralization in South China, through flat subduction, ridge subduction/slab tearing and slab rollbacks.

► Multiple plate subductions have contributed to the magmatism and mineralization in South China. ► Flat subduction and subsequent slab rollback controlled the major magmatism and mineralization events in South China. ► The Lower Yangtze River mineralization belt formed through ridge subduction or tearing of a subducting slab.