Sedimentary Environment and Source Analysis of Sedimentary Lithium Deposits in Dezong Mahai Salt Lake, Qaidam Basin

Yuliang Ma, Xiwei Qin (), Tong Pan, Jianzhou Chen, Ziwen Jiang, Chengwang Ding, Dong Zhang, Fan Zhang, Ning Feng, Chenglin Liu, Qingkuan Li and Erfeng Ren
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Yuliang Ma: Institute of Advanced Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Xiwei Qin: School of Geological Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
Tong Pan: Qinghai Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development, Xining 810008, China
Jianzhou Chen: The Fourth Geological Exploration Institute of Qinghai Province, Xining 810008, China
Ziwen Jiang: School of Geological Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
Chengwang Ding: The Fourth Geological Exploration Institute of Qinghai Province, Xining 810008, China
Dong Zhang: The Fourth Geological Exploration Institute of Qinghai Province, Xining 810008, China
Fan Zhang: School of Geological Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
Ning Feng: School of Geological Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
Chenglin Liu: School of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Qingkuan Li: Qinghai Institute of Salt Lake Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
Erfeng Ren: School of Geological Engineering, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-23

Abstract: Lithium possesses exceptionally high economic and strategic significance. China’s lithium resources rank second globally, predominantly found in salt lake brine. Recently, clay-type lithium deposits have been discovered in the Mahai Salt Lake within the Qaidam Basin, featuring a broad distribution area, stable production layers, and thick strata. This paper investigates the mineral sources and mining circumstances of the clay deposits in the study area through the principal trace elements and Sr and Li isotopes of the clay rocks. The study reveals that the sedimentation of the clay deposits in the study area is mainly semi-brine–brackish water phase sedimentation, formed in a shallow water environment of weak oxidation. A terrigenous source characterizes the clay sediment. The tectonic setting of the study area shares common traits with a continental island arc-active continental margin, and the abundant lithium clay rocks mainly receive contributions of feldspar, amphibole, pyroxene, etc. The primary sediment source of the clay deposits mainly stems from igneous and quartz sediment source areas. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr value indicates that the Sr source of the clay rocks in the study area is the shallow over-pressured brine and Yuka River water, mainly derived from the weathering dissolution of silicate rocks. The δ 7 Li value indicates that the lithium in the lithium-rich clay rocks mainly originates from the release of lithium from silicate minerals in the surrounding mountain ranges, carried by Yuka River water, and from the supply of lithium from the deep Ca-Cl type water body. The research findings establish a foundation for the future exploration and development of clay-type lithium deposits in salt lake regions.

Keywords: clay-type lithium; sedimentary environment; Sr and Li isotopes; sediment source; deep Ca-Cl type water (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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