Enrichment mechanism of Li, B and K in the geothermal water and associated deposits from the Kawu area of the Tibetan plateau: Constraints from geochemical experimental data

Tan, Hongbing; Su, Jinbao; Xu, Peng; Dong, Tao; Elenga, Hartman Issombo

doi:10.1016/j.apgeochem.2018.04.001

Cited by 26 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Based on this, we consider that with the continuous advancement of extraction technologies, geothermal-type lithium resources have the potential to become a new genetic type of lithium ore deposit. This article absorbs and summarizes previous relevant research materials (Zheng and Liu, 1982, 1987Zheng et al, 1983Zheng et al, , 1989Zheng et al, , 1990Zheng et al, , 1995Tong et al, 1981Tong et al, , 2000Zheng S H et al, 1982;Duo, 2003;Luo et al, 2017;Guo and Wang, 2012;Pang et al, 2013;Tan et al, 2014Tan et al, , 2018Zheng W et al, 2015;Wang R C, et al, 2017;Mao, 2018;Guo et al, 2007Guo et al, , 2009Guo et al, , 2010Guo et al, , 2012Guo et al, , 2017Guo et al, , 2019aGuo et al, , 2019bXia and Zhang, 2019;Zhang et al, 2019). Together with field investigations and research on the key areas in southern Xizang (e.g., the Gudui geothermal field), we aim to report the characteristics, distribution and scale, origin and utilization prospects of geothermal-type lithium resources in southern Xizang.…”

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confidence: 84%

“…Most geothermal springs in this region show an unusual enrichment of lithium and other typical resources (e.g. B, Rb, Cs) dissolved in hot water or as geothermal deposits (Tan et al, 2018). Research on Li-rich geothermal resources in China started early when Zheng et al (1983) discovered a hot spring with high lithium concentration in the southern part of the Bangkog Co in Xizang.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…With the rapid transformation of China's economy and industrial base, the high-tech industries are developing quickly. China's demand for lithium resources is increasing rapidly year by year, coupled with the continuous expansion of the international lithium demand market and the shortage of Li-rich mineral raw materials, so that any Li-rich water that can be used to extract lithium is an effective solution (Tan et al, 2018). Therefore, in the context of the exploration, exploitation and market dynamics of lithium resources at home and abroad in recent years, in order to improve the current situation of research and utilization of lithium resources in the high-temperature Li-rich geothermal field in Xizang, based on our team's rich field and other research experiences in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (Zheng and Liu, 1987;Zheng et al, 1983Zheng et al, , 1990Zheng et al, , 1995 and understanding of the development and utilization status of other high-temperature Li-rich geothermal fields around the world, we propose that Li-rich geothermal water is an important kind of lithium mine.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Geothermal‐type Lithium Resources in Southern Xizang, China

Wang

Zheng

Zhang

et al. 2021

Acta Geologica Sinica (Eng)

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High‐temperature geothermal water has abundant lithium (Li) resources, and research on the development and utilization of geothermal‐type lithium resources around the world are increasing. The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau contains huge geothermal resources; especially, Li‐rich geothermal resources in southern Xizang, southwestern China, are widely developed. The Li‐rich geothermal spots in Xizang are mainly distributed on both sides and to the south of the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone. Such resources are often found in the intensely active high‐temperature Li‐rich geothermal fields and, compared with other Li‐rich geothermal fields around the world, the Li‐rich geothermal fluid in the Xizang Plateau, southern Xizang is characterized by good quality: the highest reported Li concentration is up to 239 mg/L; the Mg/Li ratio is extremely low and ranges from 0.03 to 1.48 for most of the Li‐rich geothermal fluid; the Li/TDS value is relatively high and ranges from 0.25–1.14% compared to Zhabuye Li‐rich salt lake (0.19%) and Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia) (0.08–0.31%). Continuous discharge has been stable for at least several decades, and some of them reach industrial grades of salt lake brine (32.74 mg/L). In addition, elements such as boron (B), caesium (Cs), and rubidium (Rb) are rich and can be comprehensively utilized. Based on still‐incomplete statistics, there are at least 16 large‐scale Li‐rich hot springs with lithium concentration of 20 mg/L or more. The total discharge of lithium metal is about 4300 tons per year, equivalent to 25,686 tons of lithium carbonate. Drilling data has shown that the depth is promising and there is a lack of volcanism (non‐volcanic geothermal system). With a background of the partial‐melting lower crust caused by the collision of the Indo‐Asia continent and based on a comprehensive analysis of the tectonic background of southern Xizang and previous geological, geophysical, and geothermal research, deep molten magma seems to provide a stable heat source for the high‐temperature Li‐rich geothermal field. The Li‐rich parent geothermal fluid rushes to the surface to form hot springs along the extensively developed tectonic fault zones in southern Xizang; some of the Li‐rich fluid flows in to form Li‐rich salt lakes. However, most of the Li‐rich geothermal fluid is remitted to seasonal rivers and has not been effectively exploited, resulting in great waste. With the continuous advance of lithium extraction technologies in Li‐rich geothermal fluid, the lithium resource in geothermal water is promising as a new geothermal type of mineral deposit, which can be effectively exploited. This is the first study to undertake a longitudinal analysis on the characteristics, distribution and scale, origin and utilization prospects of Li‐rich geothermal resources in southern Xizang, research that will contribute to a deeper understanding of Li‐rich geothermal resources in the area and attract attention to these resources in China.

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confidence: 84%

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confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

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Geothermal‐type Lithium Resources in Southern Xizang, China

Wang

Zheng

Zhang

et al. 2021

Acta Geologica Sinica (Eng)

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“…Lithium in the salt lakes on the QTP may be derived from one or more processes [15,33,[62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71]:…”

Section: The Sources Of LI In Brines In Salt Lakesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although Risacher and Fritz [42,43] and Risacher et al [45] proposed that hydrothermal activity is not specifically responsible for the formation of high Li concentrations in brines of salt lakes studied in the Andes, these geothermal waters on the QTP play evidently important roles in the formation of Li-rich salt lakes. An isothermal evaporation experiment of geothermal waters from the Kawu Geothermal field on the QTP reported that zabuyelite, which was first discovered in the Zabuye Lake, precipitated, suggesting that geothermal water inflow may be the primary source for Li accumulation in the salt lakes [67]. Moreover, previous studies reported that the combined action of surrounding rocks' weathering, paleo-lake migration, leaching of former evaporites and upflow of deep underground brines contributed to the formation of Li brine deposits in the Bieletan section in the Qarhan playa, Dongtai and Xitai salt lakes, and Yiliping playa in the Qaidam Basin on the QTP [80].…”

Section: The Sources Of LI In Brines In Salt Lakesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrochemistry, Distribution and Formation of Lithium-Rich Brines in Salt Lakes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Fan

Wang

et al. 2019

Minerals

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Salt lakes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) are remarkable for Li-rich brines. Along with the surging demand of Li, the Li-rich brines in salt lakes on the QTP are of great importance for China’s Li supply. Previous studies reported the geological, geographical, geochemical signatures of numerous salt lakes on the QTP; however, conclusive work and the internal relationships among the hydrochemistry, distribution and geological setting of Li-rich salt lakes are still inadequate. In this study, major and trace (Li, B) ionic compositions of 74 Li-rich salt lakes on the QTP were reviewed. The Li-rich brines cover various hydrochemical types (carbonate, sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and chloride types) and present horizontal zoning from the southwest to the northeast along with the stronger aridity. The Li concentrations and Mg/Li ratios in these salt lakes range from 23 to 2895 mg/L, 0.0 to 1549.4, respectively. The distribution of these salt lakes is close to the major suture zones. Geothermal water is proposed to be the dominant source of Li in the investigated salt lakes, while weathering of Li-bearing sediments and igneous rocks, and brine migration provide a minor part of Li. Four factors (sufficient Li sources, arid climate, endorheic basin and time) should be considered for the formation of Li-rich brines in salt lakes on the QTP.

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

Yuan

Zhao

et al. 2021

Aquat Geochem

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Enrichment mechanism of Li, B and K in the geothermal water and associated deposits from the Kawu area of the Tibetan plateau: Constraints from geochemical experimental data

Cited by 26 publications

References 21 publications

Geothermal‐type Lithium Resources in Southern Xizang, China

Geothermal‐type Lithium Resources in Southern Xizang, China

Hydrochemistry, Distribution and Formation of Lithium-Rich Brines in Salt Lakes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

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

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