New genetic type of lithium mineralization

Abstract

In the southern part of the Siberian platform, a new genetic type of lithium mineralization was discovered in the Lower Cambrian halogen-carbonate formation of the Angara-Lena marginal trough, which arose as a result of the introduction of a fluid-saturated solution into the sedimentary cover of the platform. Focal hydrothermal development of halogen-carbonate deposits along deep faults led to the formation of lithium-bearing mineralization. A gradual reduction in tectonic activity within the Angara-Lena marginal trough was accompanied by the subsidence of hydrothermal-sedimentary deposits. In this case, the precipitated substance was dispersed and later transformed into layers. It has been established that the main lithium minerals are hectorite and lithiophorite. The results of a study of lithological and geochemical associations of rare earth elements in sections of Early Cambrian deposits of the studied lithium mineralization are presented.