Lithium-Rich Deposits in the Liangshan Formation during the Permian in the Upper Yangtze Plate, China

With the increasing demand for lithium (Li) resources in industry, there has been new attention on clay-type lithium-rich deposits recently. In this study, a Li-rich clay deposit with a Li₂O content up to 0.3% in the Liangshan Formation in the upper Yangtze, South China Block was demonstrated. We analysed the mineralogy and element geochemistry of the samples from the Liangshan Formation and its underlying and overlying layers. Kaolinite (average 53%, up to 93%) was the major mineral in the samples from the Liangshan Formation. The Li concentrations increased with increasing kaolinite compositions and Al₂O₃ concentrations. Furthermore, based on the geochemical indicators, it was suggested that the clay formation and Li enrichment were related to the weathering processes of the bottom impure limestone under the hot and wet climate, and the sedimentary processes in the anoxic, still, and flat land–sea interaction area in the Upper Yangtze. The Li was probably sourced from the bottom impure limestone during the weathering stage. The samples from the Liangshan Formation also showed REE enrichment from 117 to 729 μg/g.