D. A. Pogrebnaya (IEC SB RAS, Energy Craft LLC), A. G. Vakhromeev (IEC SB RAS, INRTU), V. S. Kovalevsky (MSU)

GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF CALDERA-TYPE LITHIUM-BEARING THACKER PASS TYPE CLAY DEPOSITS AND ITS POSSIBLE ANALOGUES (NEVADA, NORTH AMERICA)

The growing demand for lithium is driven by the transition to renewable energy sources. In this regard, it is relevant to study new deposits and technologies for lithium mining in order to ensure a stable supply to the market and support environmentally sustainable production. This article studies the migration paths of lithium-bearing brines and the mechanism of clays formation with a high lithium content: hectorite, illite, and smectite. A generalized model for the formation of the Tucker Pass caldera-type lithium-bearing clay deposits in North America is described. Particular attention is paid to the role of hydrothermal fluids as a potential additional source of lithium “supply” to the caldera basin. Key criteria characterizing commercial accumulations of lithium of this type are listed.
Keywords: lithium clays, commercial brines, “salars”, caldera, lithium deposits, hectorites, USA.