A preliminary deposit model for lithium brines

Open-File Report 2013-1006
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

This report is part of an effort by the U.S. Geological Survey to update existing mineral deposit models and to develop new ones. The global transition away from hydrocarbons toward energy alternatives increases demand for many scarce metals. Among these is lithium, a key component of lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles. Lithium brine deposits account for about three-fourths of the world’s lithium production. Updating an earlier deposit model, we emphasize geologic information that might directly or indirectly help in exploration for lithium brine deposits, or for assessing regions for mineral resource potential. Special attention is given to the best-known deposit in the world—Clayton Valley, Nevada, and to the giant Salar de Atacama, Chile.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A preliminary deposit model for lithium brines
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2013-1006
DOI 10.3133/ofr20131006
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Central Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center
Description iii, 6 p.
Country Bolivia, Chile, Tibet, United States
State California, Nevada
Other Geospatial Clayton Valley, Dead Sea, Great Salt Lake, Salar De Atacama, Salar De Uyuni, Salton Sea, Searles Lake, Taijanier Lake, Zhabuye Lake
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details