During the quadrennial period beginning in 1975, the major topic of interest regarding genesis of metallic mineral deposits has been the extent and consequences of fluid flow within the shallow earth crust. Although certain advances have been made in understanding formation of metallic minerals from the liquid (magmatic) state (cf., Irvine, 1975a; Naldrett and Watkinson, 1978), the most abundant harvest of information concerning metal genesis has been derived from studies focusing on sources, compositions, and physico‐chemical characteristics of H20‐rich fluids, the nature of their movement, and the processes responsible for removal and localization of the materials which they transport. The extent and importance of hydrothermal fluid circulation relating to the formation of mineral deposits has been predicted and reasonably documented by complementary field and laboratory analyses of fossil and active geothermal systems. The following brief discussion will attempt to provide an overview of research efforts originating, for the most part, from centers within the USA as well as a summary of results and insights obtained which contribute to our understanding of the generation of metallic mineral deposits.