Earth’s Crust Institute (Siberian Branch) of Russian Academy of Science:

S. V. Alekseev, Head of Laboratory of Hydrogeology, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, e-mail: salex@crust.irk.ru

L. P. Alekseeva, Senior Researcher, Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences

Irkutsk Department of “Rosneft burenie”:

A. G. Vakhromeev, Major Geologist, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences

Udachny Mining and Concentration Plant of the “ALROSA” Company:

G. P. Shmarov, Major Geologist

Distribution and geochemical properties of lithium-bearing ground waters in the Irkutsk region and Western Yakutia are characterized. The hydrogeological section in the southern and north-eastern parts of the Siberian platform is divided taxonomically. Lithium-bearing hydrogeological formations (Cl-Ca brines with salinity of 170–631 g/l) are distinguished. New data about lithium content (up to 600 mg/L in balykhta horizon Є1) in the natural and technogenic salt waters and brines are presented. It is shown that lithium concentration depends on the ground water salinity. Forecast geological and commercial reserves of hydromineral raw materials are estimated. The potential of an application of ground waters for manufacture of low-cost lithium products is proved. Brines as “liquid lithium ore” can compete with world’s producers of lithium.

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