Lithium and brine geochemistry in the Qianjiang Formation of the Jianghan Basin, central China

Abstract

The Li-enriched oilfield brine is a very important lithium resource. It has gained much attention and become the target of active Li surveys with the growing global demand for Li. However, only little is known about their feature and nature. In the study, hydrochemical data from 155 oil wells tapping the Eocene to Lower Oligocene Qianjiang Formation of the Jianghan Basin, central China indicate that the brines are of the Na–Cl or Na–Ca–Cl type and are characterized by highly variable Li contents of 7.56 to 150 mg/L, with Mg/Li ratios less than 11.65. High Na/Cl and Cl/Br molar ratios indicate distinct contributions from halite dissolution. The Ca excess, Na deficit and Ca/Mg and Ca/Sr molar ratios in the brines imply multiple diagenetic processes, including halite dissolution, dolomitization, albitization and calcite or anhydrite cementation. The lithium contents of these brines have a weak relationship with the salinity and a negative correlation with Cl/Br ratios, possibly indicating that these Qianjiang oilfield brines have been diluted by secondary brines derived from halite dissolution. The spatial distribution patterns for Li and B concentrations of the brines are different from those for salinity and Br contents and show a geographic pattern, indicating that Li enrichment in the Qianjiang brines is likely connected with geothermal sources associated with volcanic activity.

Recovery of Lithium from Oilfield Brines—Current Achievements and Future Perspectives: A Mini Review

“…Li et al [43] reported Li + concentrations ranging from 110 to 237 mg/L in the Nanyishan and Dafengshan oilfields in the Qaidam Basin, Tibetan Plateau. The recent findings of Yu et al [44] confirm variable Li + contents from 7.5 to 150 mg/L in the Qianjiang Formation in central China.…”

“…Therefore, the concentration of lithium cannot be predicted on the basis of simplified analyses of basic ions and must be determined separately for each time. Yu et al [44] created a unique database containing hydrochemical data from 155 oil wells. The statistical analysis of this dataset confirms that lithium concentration has a weak relationship with the salinity and content of individual ions as shown in Figure 3a-d.…”

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Genesis of Ore-Rich Brine in the Lingbei Area of the Jiangling Depression, Jianghan Basin

“…Most of the samples meet or exceed the threshold for industrial grade, with some even reaching the lowest industrial grade.Li is a crucial element in the 21st century, serving as an energy source and lightweight alloy material. It is widely used in various industries such as atomic energy, aerospace, defense, metallurgy, electronics, glass ceramics, petroleum, chemicals, batteries, rubber, steel, machinery, and medicine(He, 2011;Yu et al,2023;Ding et al,2023;. In the study area, the Li + content in the brine ranged from 11.08 to 79.34mg/L, with an average of 35.16mg/L.…”