Atlas of lithium geothermal fluids in Europe

Abstract

In the last decade, lithium has become a strategic metal leading several European countries to assess their Li-resources. For the first time, a geochemical characterization and assessment of identified Li-rich deep fluids in Europe has been conducted. A total of 182 occurrences have been identified. Geostatistical study suggests that the highest Li concentration values (i.e. 250–480 mg/l) are strongly correlated to B, Rb, K, SO4, Na, Cl and F whereas the lowest Li concentration values (i.e. 15 to 63 mg/l) are correlated to Mg, Mn, U and NH4. Moreover, the fluids’ ages are either coeval with a widespread emplacement of Li-magmatic bodies or deposition of sedimentary basins in Europe. Both reflecting extensional geodynamic setting. This review addresses main geochemical characteristics of deep fluids and contributes as a first step to the fundamental understanding of the geological processes for Li enrichment in the geothermal fluids.