Genetic types, distribution, application and ore-searching prospects of boron deposits

This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering.

Objective Boron is an important non-metallic key mineral resource and an important industrial raw material in the new technology industry. China is not only a major producer of boron deposits, but also a major importer. Eighty-two percent of boron ore comes from abroad. Studying the origin, distribution and prospects of boron mineral deposits is an effective way to address the massive dependence on imports of boron resources, which is beneficial to the development of the national economy.

Methods By collecting public information, this paper summarizes the genesis types, distribution and application of boron deposits.

Results Boron deposits can be divided into volcanic sedimentary type, sedimentary metamorphic type, skarn type, modern salt lake type, underground brine type and marine evaporative sedimentary type. It is mainly distributed in the Pacific Rim and the Mediterranean coast, such as Kestelek, Emat, Bigadic and other deposits in Turkey, Kramer deposit in the United States and Uyuni Salt Lake in Bolivia, accounting for about 90% of the global reserves.

Conclusions Among them, volcanic sedimentary boron deposits account for about 75% of the global total, and the lowest grade is 25% (B₂O₃), which is an important deposit type in the world. Modern salt lake type boron deposits account for about 20%, grade 8%-30% (B₂O₃). The sedimentary metamorphic boron deposit is an important boron industrial deposit in China, with ore grade of 11% (B₂O₃). The world is divided into six regions of metallogenic potential based on the size and distribution of boron deposits.