Granitic aplite-pegmatite lithium deposits in western Sichuan: Ore-bearing property evaluation and geological indicators

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2023.5.5

Abstract

Abstract:

Lithium, known as a clean energy metal and “white oil” of the 21st century, is one of the most important critical metals in China, yet finding large lithium deposits is one of the most challenging problems in geosciences. The high-grade aplite-pegmatite lithium deposits in western Sichuan have superior ore-forming conditions, but they are widely buried under Quaternary sediments. To evaluate the ore-bearing properties and identify the geological indicators of hidden lithium veins, we analyzed the internal relationship between the regional metallogenic setting and geophysical and geochemical anomalies. Combined with the regional ore prospecting, target area prediction/delineation, and ore-deposit positioning results, we developed a comprehensive evaluation method for granitic pegmatite lithium deposits, that is “model guiding-remote sensing image interpretation-geological mapping-geophysical prospecting-geochemical characterization-drilling verification” workflow. Briefly, metallogenic model analysis and geological mapping were carried out to identify geological indicators of target areas, and high-precision gravity detection and audio-frequency electromagnetic geodetic sounding (ATM) were used for hidden vein detection. To pinpoint the vein body, a combination of different depth estimation methods, such as ATM, IP scanning, IP sounding, and high-density resistivity imaging, were used. Large-scale soil geochemical measurements were used to characterize the ore-bearing property of vein bodies. Finally, the belt-shaped, geophysical high-resistance anomalous veins were evaluated according to the spatial relationship between geophysical and geochemical anomalies to identify lithium-bearing veins, that provided a basis for drilling engineering designs. This workflow has been applied to guide the deep prospecting and exploration of giant lithium deposit in Murong, Yajiang County, and in the evaluation of large to medium-size lithium deposits in Zhawulong, Shiqu County and Renyicuo, Yajiang County, and good results have been achieved. This study provided an example of strategic prospecting and exploration of lithium resource in the region.

Key words: western Sichuan, aplite-pegmatite lithium deposit, indicator of ore, comprehensive evaluation of ore-bearing properties

CLC Number:

FU Xiaofang, HUANG Tao, HAO Xuefeng, WANG Denghong, LIANG Bin, YANG Rong, PAN Meng, Fan Junbo. Granitic aplite-pegmatite lithium deposits in western Sichuan: Ore-bearing property evaluation and geological indicators[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2023, 30(5): 227-243.

Figures/Tables 14

Fig.1 Location of the Songpan-Garze (western Sichuan)-Tianshuihai terrane in northern Tibetan Plateau. Modified after [6].

Fig.2 Sketch map of metamorphic magmatic diapir dome group in northern Yajiang. Modified after [9].

Fig.3 Distribution of pegmatite veins in the central and southern Jiajika orefield. Modified after [13].

Fig.4 Structural characteristics of X03 albeit-spodumene vein in the Jiajika orefield

Fig.5 Simulated three-dimensional exploration profile of X03 and No.309 veins connected to granite branches. Modified after [9].

Fig.6 AMT measured cross-section along N-S and E-W directions, showing the deep structural geology of Jiajika area. Modified after [13].

Fig.7 3D and horizontal slices of density anomaly model of the Jiajika granitoids. Modified after [32].

Fig.8 Comparison of apparent resistivity curve with induced sounding inversion image and survey line profile for X03 lithium deposit. Adapted from [9].

Fig.9 1∶200 000 geochemical anomaly maps of total metal elements, Li, B, and Be in Jiajika water system. Modified after [13].

Fig.10 Planar resistivity map of pegmatite veins such as X03

Fig.11 AMT sounding and exploration profiles P18 (left) and P22 (right) of the Murong giant lithium deposits in Yajiang County. Modified after [38].

Fig.12 Geological sketch map of the Zhawulong lithium deposit in Shiqu County

Fig.13 Comprehensive interpretation of electrical resistivity profiles PM100, PM102, PM104. Modified after [39].

Fig.14 3D high-resistivity anomaly model. Adapted from [39].

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