Geochemical characteristics and genesis of ion-adsorption type REE deposit in the Lincang granite, Yunnan Province

This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.

Objective The widespread Lincang granite weathering crust has the enormous potential of ion-adsorption type REE resource. Strengthening the research on the phase characteristics and leaching rate of ion-adsorption type REE deposit in Lincang granite weathering crust and other ore deposit geochemical characteristics and metallogenic mechanisms will help to further promote the prospecting of ion-adsorbed rare earth resources in this area.

Methods Through systematic drilling projects in the middle section of Lincang granite, a detailed understanding of rare earth metallogenic geology and ore deposit geochemical characteristics, and its genesis are discussed.

Results All-phase and leaching-phase of REE in the full weathering layer of crust are strongly differentiated, their distribution patterns show "W" shapes as smooth and shallow; the ores are the mixed type of LREE-enriched; REE ore bodies lay in the full weathering layer of granite weathering crust, and grade changes from top to bottom show two types as " low- high" and " high- low".

Conclusions The infiltrating acidic solution carries the REE which dissociate from the sub-minerals of granite migrating down, the REE enrich and mineralize in the full weathering layer of crust, because the clay minerals and acidic solutions declined sharply, the enrichment of half weathered layer and weak weathered layer are greatly reduced.