Lithium Deposits of Spodumene Pegmatites in Siberia

Comparative analysis of lithium deposits and ore manifestations of spodumene pegmatites of Siberia was carried out for the purpose of their development and substantiation of the investment attractivity for nuclear, electrochemical industry and defense technologies. The characteristics of the geological structure of ore fields of spodumene pegmatites are presented, along with the mineralogical and geochemical characterization of lithium-bearing complexes contained therein. The richest in lithium spodumene ore species are those from the deposits of the Eastern Sayan, Tuva and Eastern Transbaikalia. Comparable concentrations of lithium oxide are present in the ore from the Tashelga deposit in the Shoria Highlands. The ore from the Alakha stockwork situated in the south of the Altai Highlands has the lowest lithium oxide content; however, due to the uniformity of its distribution and substantial scale of mineralization, largescale resources are concentrated there. After ore concentrating, the concentrate consists mainly of spodumene. Iron should be mentioned as one of the most abundant admixtures. The level of concentrate enrichment with lithium oxide is determined by its concentration in spodumene. In this respect, among the studied deposits the most promising ones appear to be the pegmatites of the Eastern Sayan (Goltsovoye deposit). We emphasize that there is a necessity to perform additional geological prospecting, chemical engineering and inspection examinations for the purpose of allocating the sites with the richest lithium ore species within the Zavitino deposit (Transbaikalia), as well as at the Goltsovoye, Belorechensk and Urik deposits (Eastern Sayan), Tastyg deposit (Tuva) and promising ore manifestations Tashelga (Mountain Shoria) and Alakha (Altai Highlands). It is concluded that the spodumene pegamitites of Siberia are able to become the necessary and sufficient mineral raw material basis for the development of lithium industry in Siberia.