Trace element characteristics of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation clay rocks in the Xingwen area of southern Sichuan: Sedimentary environment and Li mineralization indicators

TANG Yi; HAO Xuefeng; PAN Meng; HE Yangpiao; PENG Yu; FU Xiaofang

doi:10.19826/j.cnki.1009-3850.2025.02003

2025 Vol. 45, No. 2

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TANG Yi, HAO Xuefeng, PAN Meng, HE Yangpiao, PENG Yu, FU Xiaofang. 2025. Trace element characteristics of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation clay rocks in the Xingwen area of southern Sichuan: Sedimentary environment and Li mineralization indicators. Sedimentary Geology and Tethyan Geology, 45(2): 225-232. doi: 10.19826/j.cnki.1009-3850.2025.02003

Citation:

TANG Yi, HAO Xuefeng, PAN Meng, HE Yangpiao, PENG Yu, FU Xiaofang. 2025. Trace element characteristics of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation clay rocks in the Xingwen area of southern Sichuan: Sedimentary environment and Li mineralization indicators. Sedimentary Geology and Tethyan Geology, 45(2): 225-232. doi: 10.19826/j.cnki.1009-3850.2025.02003

Trace element characteristics of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation clay rocks in the Xingwen area of southern Sichuan: Sedimentary environment and Li mineralization indicators

1.
Sichuan Institute of Comprehensive Geological Survey, Chengdu 610081, China
2.
The Seventh Geological Brigade of Sichuan Province, Leshan 614000, China

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Corresponding author: HAO Xuefeng, 87483931@qq.com

Received Date: 18 September 2023

Revised Date: 28 February 2024

Accepted Date: 11 March 2024

Publish Date: 20 June 2025

Abstract

Abstract

The clay rocks of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation, which are related to the weathering and deposition of igneous rocks from the Permian Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP), are widely distributed across southern Sichuan, providing the geological background and metallogenic conditions for the formation of lithium and other critical metal resources. This study investigates the kaolin clay rocks of Upper Permian Longtan Formation in Xingwen area of southern Sichuan, analyzing trace elements such as lithium, and exploring the provenance, sedimentary environment, and indicators for Li mineralization. The aim is to provide insights for geological prospecting and related research on key metals such as Li in southern Sichuan. The results show that Li, Ga, Nb and other critical metals are enriched in the clay rocks, making this region a promising area for exploration of Li and other critical metals. The content of inactive elements and related parameters indicate that the source of the clay rocks is basaltic and medium-acid rocks from the ELIP. Additionally, the contents and indices of Ni, Ni/Co, and δU, which reflect the sedimentary environment, indicate that the clay rocks were deposited in a saline lagoonal environment in the transition area of sea and land. According to the geochemical indicators of trace elements, geological exploration should be arranged in the distribution area of lagoon sediments in the middle to outer zone (outward direction) of the ELIP.
- lithium /
- provenance area /
- sedimentary environment /
- Longtan Formation /
- southern Sichuan

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References

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