Metallogenic mechanism of Pingguo bauxite deposit, western Guangxi, China: Constraints from REE geochemistry and multi-fractal characteristics of major elements in bauxite ore

Abstract

Major and REE geochemistry and multi-fractal analysis of two types of bauxite (primary bauxite and accumulated bauxite) ores were studied in Pingguo bauxite orefield in western Guangxi, China. The results of geochemical data show that the accumulated bauxite has a feature of high Al2O3 whereas relative low Fe2O3 and SiO2 contents compared to the primary bauxite. The similar chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns illustrate that they have a cognate relationship. However, the negative Ce anomalies of primary bauxite and positive Ce anomalies of accumulated bauxite indicate that the ore-forming system changed from reducing environment to oxidation environment. The results of multi-fractal spectrum and parameters of Al2O3, Fe2O3 and SiO2 between primary bauxite and accumulated bauxite show that the distinct multi-fractal spectrum parameters reflect the different grade distribution between accumulated and primary bauxite ores. Metallogenic process from primary bauxite to accumulated bauxite is accompanied by the loss of diffluent elements (e.g., Si and S) and enrichment of stable elements (e.g., Al and Fe) in the surface environment. Among the rest, the migration mechanism of iron during the evolutionary process from primary ore to accumulated ore can be described as combined leaching and chemical weathering action with participation of sulfur.