Hydrochemistry, Distribution and Formation of Lithium-Rich Brines in Salt Lakes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Qingkuan Li,Fashou Shan,Qishun Fan,Jianping Wang,Yongsheng Du,Haicheng Wei,Xiangru Zhang,Zhanjie Qin

doi:10.3390/min9090528

Qingkuan Li, Fashou Shan + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/min9090528

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Abstract

Salt lakes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) are remarkable for Li-rich brines. Along with the surging demand of Li, the Li-rich brines in salt lakes on the QTP are of great importance for China’s Li supply. Previous studies reported the geological, geographical, geochemical signatures of numerous salt lakes on the QTP; however, conclusive work and the internal relationships among the hydrochemistry, distribution and geological setting of Li-rich salt lakes are still inadequate. In this study, major and trace (Li, B) ionic compositions of 74 Li-rich salt lakes on the QTP were reviewed. The Li-rich brines cover various hydrochemical types (carbonate, sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and chloride types) and present horizontal zoning from the southwest to the northeast along with the stronger aridity. The Li concentrations and Mg/Li ratios in these salt lakes range from 23 to 2895 mg/L, 0.0 to 1549.4, respectively. The distribution of these salt lakes is close to the major suture zones. Geothermal water is proposed to be the dominant source of Li in the investigated salt lakes, while weathering of Li-bearing sediments and igneous rocks, and brine migration provide a minor part of Li. Four factors (sufficient Li sources, arid climate, endorheic basin and time) should be considered for the formation of Li-rich brines in salt lakes on the QTP.

Highlights

Lithium (Li) is the lightest alkaline metal and an excellent conductor of electricity and heat.Over the last decade, the Li demand has been boosted due to its use in Li battery industry, which is playing a critical role in electrical vehicles and storage of energy [1,2,3]
In China, 78% of identified Li resources (4.5 million tons) are brine resources [6] and 86.8% of Li brine resources occur in the salt lakes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) [7,8]
Li brine deposits are reported in the Sichuan Basin, Jianghan Basin, Jitai Basin and Lop Nur Salt Lake in China (Figure 1a) [9,10,11]

Summary

Introduction

Lithium (Li) is the lightest alkaline metal and an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. Studies on the formation of Li brine deposits in several salt lakes on the QTP have been carried out, including the Zabuye Lake [32], Dongtai and Xitai salt lakes [33,34,35], Da Qaidam Salt Lake [36,37], Duogecuoren Co. Hundreds of geochemical data (major and trace elemental concentrations, and isotopic compositions) of brines in this region were published [42,43,44,45,46,47] These studies provide insights into the hydrochemistry, distribution and formation of brines and salts in the salars on the Central Andes.

Overview of Analytical Methods

The Sources of Li in Brines in Salt Lakes

Schematic

The Formation Model of Li Brine Deposits on the QTP

Findings

Perspectives for Future Work