Abstract:
This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.
Objective Clay-type lithium are an important type of lithium resource. This study focuses on the coal and bauxite-bearing strata of the Late Permian Heshan Formation in Guangxi and aims to identify prospecting targets for clay-type lithium mineralization and provide a scientific basis for future exploration planning.
Methods Based on an analysis of the depositional environments of the Late Permian Heshan Formation, this study investigated the mechanisms of lithium enrichment in clay-type lithium deposits, the factors controlling these mechanisms, and their coupling with the depositional environments. Favorable depositional environments for lithium enrichment were then identified, and a regional integrated prospecting model was established to predict prospective areas for clay-type lithium deposits.
Results Transitional marine-terrestrial depositional environments are favorable for lithium enrichment and mineralization. Specifically, during deposition of the Late Permian Heshan Formation in Guangxi, the nearshore depositional zones along the margin of the Daxin paleoland and the restricted platform areas in western Guangxi, together with the open platform areas in central Guangxi, are favorable for lithium enrichment. The aluminous claystones and carbonaceous mudstones in the aluminous member of the lower part of the Heshan Formation, as well as the K7 coal seam at the base of the upper part, are the key lithium-enriched horizons.
Conclusions Four prospective areas for lithium exploration are identified in western, central, southwestern, and northwestern Guangxi. Among them, the Pingguo, Debao, and Jingxi bauxite districts in western Guangxi; the Xian’an and Heshan coalfields in central Guangxi; the Fusui coalfield in southwestern Guangxi; and the Leye, Lingyun, and Bama bauxite districts in northwestern Guangxi are highlighted as favorable targets for further exploration. Clay-type lithium deposits hosted in the coal- and bauxite-bearing rock series of the Heshan Formation are widely distributed but relatively concentrated, indicating considerable exploration potential. Consequently, increased exploration investment in this type of deposits is recommended to strengthen China’s lithium supply capacity.
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