Weathering of exposed or near-surface ores can result in the redistribution and zoned concentration of valuable metals. Lichtner and Biino [1992] developed a numerical model for metasomatic supergene enrichment of porphyry copper protore. They were able to reproduce elemental zoning seen in the field, particularly the high Cu grades seen in the upper zone of enrichment blankets formed by weathering.
Using transmission electron microscopy, Ilton and Veblen [1993] showed that inclusions of native copper found in mica in rocks associated with porphyry copper deposits were formed during weathering. Previously, such copper had been thought to be the product of primary magma-hydrothermal mineralizing processes related to the emplacement of copper-rich magma.
The timing of ore deposit weathering can also be used to evaluate
paleoclimates, because some weathering products are rich in potassium
and retain its radiogenic decay products. Vasconcelos et al. [1994]
used laser-heating 
Ar/
Ar dates on the mineral jarosite, formed
during progressive weathering of sulfide ores, to identify a global late
Miocene oxidation and weathering event responsible for weathering and
supergene enrichment of several ore deposits.