Genesis and Resource of Lithium Brines in the Qaidam Basin of North Qinghai-Xizang Plateau: An Overview

Abstract The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is globally acknowledged as the second-largest concentration area of lithium brine deposits, with the Qaidam basin standing out as the largest endorheic basin in this region, boasting numerous salt lakes and abundant lithium brine resources. Lithium brine deposits within the Qaidam basin are predominantly categorized into modern salt lake brines and deep brines. The former are the principal raw materials for the production of lithium salt products in China, whereas the latter are considered vital lithium reserve resources. The origin of lithium in modern salt lake brines is intricately linked to lithium-rich hot springs surfacing from deep, extensive fault zones surrounding the basin. The distribution of lithium-rich salt lakes is mainly governed by the evolution of ancient lake basins, induced by the Neotectonic activities. The formation of deep lithium-rich brines is subject to multiple factors, with water-rock interactions playing a crucial role. An important scientific endeavor for future studies on modern salt lakes in the Qaidam basin and the whole Qinghai-Xizang Plateau region involves a thorough analysis of the geochemical behavior of lithium throughout its migration and enrichment processes to clarify the genetic connections between hard-rock lithium mines and lithium-rich salt lakes.