Introduction to LCT (Li-Cs-Ta) Type Pegmatite Exploration Technology to Secure Raw Minerals (Li) for Batteries

Sunjin Lee; Il-Hwan Oh; Sang Joon Pak; Chul-Ho Heo

doi:10.32390/ksmer.2023.60.5.292

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2023 Vol.60, Issue 5S Preview Page Next Page

Technical Report (Special Issue)

Introduction to LCT (Li-Cs-Ta) Type Pegmatite Exploration Technology to Secure Raw Minerals (Li) for Batteries 배터리 원료 물질(리튬) 확보를 위한 LCT(Li-Cs-Ta)형 페그마타이트 탐사기술 소개

31 October 2023. pp. 292-303

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Abstract

The occurrence mode of lithium, a critical element in the battery industry, can be categorized into three types. Among these, the hard rock-type, particularly the LCT (Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum) pegmatites, stands out for its exceptional cost-effectiveness and developmental efficiency. LCT pegmatites originated from S-type granites; they exhibit compositional characteristics consistent with fertile granite and are enriched in Li, Cs, Be, Sn, Ta>Nb, B, P, and F. Leveraging these geochemical attributes, LCT pegmatites can be effectively explored by considering distinct factors such as the distribution of source rocks, geotectonic environment, and age dating. Current research deals with LCT pegmatites located in Uljin, South Korea, employing appropriate exploration methods including geophysical exploration and structural and geochemical analysis. The future objective involves constructing a 3D subsurface orebody model through the spatial integration of data derived from various exploration methods.

Keywords

LCT-type pegmatites

source rocks

pegmatite exploration

lithium-bearing pegmatites

배터리 필수 원자재인 리튬은 성인에 따라 세 유형(경암형;hard rock-type, 염수형;brine-type, 점토형;clay-type)으로 구분되며, 이중, 경암형인 LCT(Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum)형 페그마타이트는 생산 및 개발 효율 측면에서 가장 우수하다. LCT형 페그마타이트 탐사는 근원암(퇴적기원의 화강암)과 희유원소(Li, Cs, Ta, Be, Sn, Ta>Nb, B, P, F 등) 부화특성, 근원 화성암체의 분포, 지구조적 환경파악 및 지질연대 측정 등의 연구를 바탕으로 적절한 탐사기법이 적용되어야 하며, 이행 과정은 다음과 같다: 1) 사전 문헌조사, 2) 광역 지리정보 취득 및 대상지 위치 선정, 3) 지질조사 및 광물학적 정보 취득, 4) 리튬 페그마타이트의 정밀 지화학 분석 및 성인연구. 국내 LCT형 페그마타이트 광상은 경상북도 울진군에 부존하여, 산출특성을 고려한 다양한 탐사기법(광역 지구물리, 지화학 탐사, 구조지질, 정밀화학분석)을 적용한 연구가 진행되고 있어, 향후 탐사자료에 기반한 3차원 광체 모델 구축으로 리튬 잠재자원량을 예측하고자 한다.

키워드

LCT형 페그마타이트

근원 화성암체

페그마타이트 탐사

함 리튬 페그마타이트

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineers
Publisher(Ko) :한국자원공학회
Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Society of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineers
Journal Title(Ko) :한국자원공학회지
Volume : 60
No :5
Pages :292-303
Received Date : 2023-09-05
Revised Date : 2023-10-23
Accepted Date : 2023-10-26
DOI :https://doi.org/10.32390/ksmer.2023.60.5.292

Journal of the Korean Society of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineers 한국자원공학회지 ISSN:2288-0291(Print) 2288-2790(Online)

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