Further Information of the Associated Li Deposits in the No.6 Coal Seam at Jungar Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, Northern China

Abstract

Abstract:Total 138 coal samples and 14 parting samples were taken from the No. 6 Seam of the Jungar Coalfield, Inner Mongolia. These samples were analysed by optical microscopy, sequential chemical extraction procedure (SCEP), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS), X–ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope in conjunction with an energy–dispersive X–ray spectrometer (SEM–EDX) analysis. The results indicate that the Li contents have reached the industrial grade of the coal associated Li deposit, and the total Li reserves have reached 2406600 tons, that is, 5157000 tons Li2O in the No. 6 seam in the Jungar Coalfield. The sequential chemical extraction procedure results suggest that the Li concentration is mainly related to inorganic matter. The minerals in the coals consist of kaolinite, boehmite, chlorite–group mineral, quartz, calcite, pyrite, siderite and amorphous clay material. Some Li could be absorbed by clay minerals in the Li–bearing coal seam. The chlorite phase could be most likely the host for a part of Li. The Yinshan Oldland should be the most possible source of Li of the coal.