Contribution of Hydrothermal Processes to the Enrichment of Lithium in Brines: Evidence from Water–Rock Interacting Experiments

Yuan, Xueyin; Hu, Yufei; Zhao, Y. M.; Li, Qiang; liu, Chenglin

doi:10.1007/s10498-021-09395-1

Cited by 10 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…Despite occurring in different geological contexts, a common feature of Italian high-enthalpy fluids is that they originated from/interacted with Li-rich, Mg-poor source(s), and/or were able to develop higher Li concentration than Mg very efficiently. At present, we have no conclusive evidence of the source(s) and process(es) involved; however, we notice that a recent study [168] indicates that aqueous solutions interacting with a granitic rock at T > 200 • C result in fluids with low Mg/Li ratios. Whatever the process(es) involved, this concurrence of high Li contents and low Mg/Li ratios makes geothermal fluids the first potential objective for Italian Li sources, as demonstrated by the existence of a research permit in the Cesano area [17].…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 75%

Lithium Occurrence in Italy—An Overview

et al. 2022

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Italy has no record of Li production, even though it is well known for its outstanding Li mineral specimens from the Elba Island pegmatites. Because of the current geopolitical situation, the opportunity for a systematic appraisal of resources is evident. Most European Li production comes from deposits associated with Late Paleozoic magmatic rocks. In Italy, such rocks occur extensively in Sardinia and Calabria, but their potential for Li is unknown, and deserves a more systematic exploration. Also of potential interest are the Permo–Triassic spodumene pegmatites in the Austroalpine units of the Central Alps. The Tertiary pegmatites (Elba Island and Central Alps) contain Li minerals, but do not appear large enough to warrant bulk mining. However, we notice that Tertiary–Quaternary magmatic rocks of the Tuscan and Roman magmatic provinces have systematically higher Li contents than those recorded in normal arc igneous rocks worldwide. Specifically, Tuscan granites contain up to 350 μg/g Li, mostly hosted by biotite (up to 4000 μg/g Li); the Capo Bianco aplite (Elba Island) contains up to 1000 μg/g. There are other small Li occurrences associated with Mn deposits and metabauxites, and there is a hypothetical potential for sediment-hosted deposits in the post-orogenic Lower Permian Alpine basins. However, the most promising potential seems to be associated with subsurface fluids. High-enthalpy fluids in geothermal fields may contain up to 480 mg/L Li. Lower-temperature thermal waters may also contain significant Li (>10 mg/L). Moreover, a visionary, but not impossible, perspective may consider a deep injection of water to interact with, and extract Li from, magmatic rocks.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 75%

Lithium Occurrence in Italy—An Overview

et al. 2022

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“…So, the distribution patterns for TDS and Br Weathering of igneous rocks and hydrothermal supplies associated with volcanic activity have been suggested to interpret the sources of Li-enriched brines 17,[35][36][37][38] . The geographic distribution pattern for Li concentrations of these brines in the Qianjiang Depression, in combination with the widely developed volcanic rocks in the Jianghan Basin, indicates that Li enrichment in brines is more likely to be associated with geothermal sources during volcanic activity 39,40 .…”

Section: Spatial Distribution Pattern and Origin Of LI In Brinesmentioning

confidence: 98%

Lithium and brine geochemistry in the Qianjiang Formation of the Jianghan Basin, central China

Wang

Huang

et al. 2023

Sci Rep

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The Li-enriched oilfield brine is a very important lithium resource. It has gained much attention and become the target of active Li surveys with the growing global demand for Li. However, only little is known about their feature and nature. In the study, hydrochemical data from 155 oil wells tapping the Eocene to Lower Oligocene Qianjiang Formation of the Jianghan Basin, central China indicate that the brines are of the Na–Cl or Na–Ca–Cl type and are characterized by highly variable Li contents of 7.56 to 150 mg/L, with Mg/Li ratios less than 11.65. High Na/Cl and Cl/Br molar ratios indicate distinct contributions from halite dissolution. The Ca excess, Na deficit and Ca/Mg and Ca/Sr molar ratios in the brines imply multiple diagenetic processes, including halite dissolution, dolomitization, albitization and calcite or anhydrite cementation. The lithium contents of these brines have a weak relationship with the salinity and a negative correlation with Cl/Br ratios, possibly indicating that these Qianjiang oilfield brines have been diluted by secondary brines derived from halite dissolution. The spatial distribution patterns for Li and B concentrations of the brines are different from those for salinity and Br contents and show a geographic pattern, indicating that Li enrichment in the Qianjiang brines is likely connected with geothermal sources associated with volcanic activity.

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“…Upon reaching cooler surface conditions, the brines cool and precipitate lithium minerals, resulting in the formation of lithium-rich deposits. The geothermal brines thus serve as a conduit for transporting lithium from deep geological reservoirs to shallower environments where it can be concentrated and extracted Oilfield Brines: Oilfield brines, produced as a byproduct of oil and gas extraction, can also contain significant concentrations of lithium.…”

Section: Lithium Exploration and Geological Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geological Insights into Exploration and Extraction of Lithium from Oilfield Produced-Water in the USA: A Review

Ettehadi,

Chuprin,

Mokhtari

et al. 2024

Energy Fuels

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The significance of lithium (Li) in modern applications, such as lithium battery production for electric vehicles, and various manufacturing processes, underscores its important role in our daily lives. However, conventional methods of lithium production from spodumene or salars face challenges in meeting the rapidly growing demand due to limited recovery rates and prolonged production times. In response, our paper offers a review of distinctive exploration focusing on novel pathways for lithium recovery, with a particular emphasis on the geological perspective within the oil and gas industry. Central to our analysis is the untapped potential of oilfield brines as a significant lithium source, notably formations like the Smackover Formation of the Gulf Coast. Through our geological lens, we provide a comprehensive understanding of lithium enrichment processes, including the complex interplay of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes, which informs our analysis of lithium recovery technologies and highlights opportunities and challenges associated with meeting the growing demand for this critical mineral. The uniqueness of our review lies in its meticulous analysis of the advantages offered by oilfield brines over conventional sources. This review paper not only presents these advantages but also comprehensively addresses the challenges and limitations associated with lithium extraction, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in lithium recovery from oilfield brines. We emphasize the potential of the United States to emerge as a pivotal player in the global lithium production and supply sectors, aiming to bridge the critical demand-supply gap and offer actionable insights for the industry. Our review seeks a comprehensive examination of the challenges and limitations in lithium extraction from unconventional sources, providing valuable insights that extend beyond conventional exploration efforts. By addressing these gaps, we aim to present a more complete and forward-looking perspective on the evolving landscape of lithium extraction, offering a roadmap for sustainable and efficient lithium recovery methods in the future.

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Contribution of Hydrothermal Processes to the Enrichment of Lithium in Brines: Evidence from Water–Rock Interacting Experiments

Cited by 10 publications

References 53 publications

Lithium Occurrence in Italy—An Overview

Lithium Occurrence in Italy—An Overview

Lithium and brine geochemistry in the Qianjiang Formation of the Jianghan Basin, central China

Geological Insights into Exploration and Extraction of Lithium from Oilfield Produced-Water in the USA: A Review

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