Lithologic(ore)types, formation sequence and metallogenic mechanism of bauxite and associated critical metal deposits
DU Yuansheng1,2, YU Wenchao1,2, WENG Shenfu2,3, LEI Zhiyuan2,4, LI Peigang2,3, QIN Ying2,5, DENG Keyong5, LU Shufan5, LUO Xiangjian5, FU Hongbin5, ZHANG Jiawei2,5, WU Bo5, DENG Xusheng2,5, CHEN Qun6, GUO Shangyu7, ZHANG Qilian8, QIN Feng9, ZOU Yingzhong10, PANG Dawei1,2, ZHOU Jintao1,2, CHENG Long1,2
1 School of Earth Science,China University of Geosciences(Wuhan),Wuhan 430074, China; 2 Innovation Center of Ore Resources Exploration Technology in the Region of Bedrock,Ministry of Natural Resources of People’s Republic of China,Guiyang 550081,China; 3 Geological Brigade 106,Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Zunyi 563003,China; 4 Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development of Guizhou Province,Guiyang 550004,China; 5 Guizhou Geological Survey,Guiyang 550018,China; 6 Geological Brigade 115,Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 551400,China; 7 Mineral Resources Reserve Evaluation Center of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,Nanning 530028,China; 8 Geological Survey of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,Nanning 530023,China; 9 Geological Brigade 274,Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Beihai 536005,China; 10 Geological Brigade 6,Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Guigang 537100,China
Abstract：Continental weathering represents a pivotal mechanism in the Earth’s surface system,encompassing a diverse range of energy forms,including solar,wind,chemical,and gravitational potential energy,alongside a series of intricate physical and chemical processes. This multifaceted process facilitates migration and redistribution of geochemical elements across different Earth subsystems(e.g.,lithosphere,hydrosphere,biosphere,and atmosphere). During this transformation,anomalous elemental enrichment can lead to the formation of industrial-scale weathering-leaching deposits,which can be categorized into two types: weathering deposits and sedimentary-leaching deposits. However,traditional approaches in mineral deposit studies and sedimentology face limitations in understanding the stages and dynamics of mineralization,leading to unresolved issues in both fundamental research and exploration. To address these exigent issues,this study delineates the fundamentals of continental weathering,as well as the concepts of weathering crust(including paleoweathering crust)and soil(extending to paleosol),providing a comprehensive analysis of modern and ancient weathering-leaching profiles. We conducts a meticulous sedimentological analysis and comparison of profiles examing modern weathering and leaching profile found in the gibbsite deposit in Guigang,Guangxi,in contrast with ancient deposits l from the Early Carboniferous-Late Permian bauxite deposits and sedimentary leaching Rare Earth Element(REE)deposits in Southwest China. Our findings underscore that weathering-leaching deposits primarily consist of structural components such as clastic,aggregate and coating grains,massive clay. These correlate to the genesis of clastic,pelletizing,and massive ores within weathering-leaching deposits. Diagenetic processes are largely driven by the cementation and infilling activities of oxide minerals and clays. Drawing upon these conclusions,the study proposes a classification framework for weathering-leaching deposits,where the vadose and phreatic zones within the weathering profile serve as foundational criteria for division. This framework further discriminates between the weathering ore sequence and sedimentary-leaching ore sequence,primarily based on the presence or absence of sedimentary units. By integrating paleoclimatic analysis and recent advances in mass balance calculations of element migration during the leaching process,this study elucidates the mechanisms of weathering-leaching deposit formation,summarizing the process into three phases: (1)the formation of ore-forming parent material,(2)subsequent weathering of these metallogenic substances,and(3)later stages transformations. This in-depth exploration promotes a nuanced understanding of the intricate processes underlining continental weathering,paving the way for future research avenues in this pivotal facet of Earth’s surface system.
DU Yuansheng,YU Wenchao,WENG Shenfu et al. Lithologic(ore)types, formation sequence and metallogenic mechanism of bauxite and associated critical metal deposits[J]. JOPC, 2024, 26(5): 1152-1166.
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