Mineralogical and Structural Controls on Lithium Distribution and Extraction

The project aims to investigate the factors that influence lithium mobility and concentration in granite-hosted systems. The project will focus on understanding how lithium is distributed within host rock, alteration zones and circulating geothermal brines. This will be correlated with the structural and mineralogical processes as well as the influences on lithium extraction.

The study will be centred in Cornwall, UK, a region with active interest in both hard-rock and geothermal brine lithium extraction. The research will address several key questions, including how lithium is redistributed within granite systems due to hydrothermal fluid circulation and hydrothermal alteration, what mechanisms lead to fluid access and subsequent sealing of fluid pathways, and how regional structural trends influence these processes.

To achieve these aims, structural mapping in Cornwall will contextualise the mineral data within the broader geological setting. More detailed analysis of chemical analysis of major, light and trace elements will be achieved through energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS).

Furthermore, electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) will be used for quantitative microstructural analysis. This integration of mineralogical and structural data will facilitate an understanding of lithium distribution and the controls on fracture permeability in granite systems.

This research will contribute to the broader understanding of lithium mineralisation in granite-hosted systems and will have direct applications to industry by providing insights into more efficient and sustainable lithium extraction practices.