Investigating deposits of lithium at key sites across the Balkan Peninsula
Project lead: Dr Ivan Savov
Project objectives
- Sample alkaline element rich pegmatite veins, especially enriched in Li (and B)
- Image and measure alkaline element gradients across key target areas (on all scales- from field to thin section)
- Determine/model the processes governing the Li (and B) distribution
Summary of the project
Lithium is an alkaline element that is highly valued globally, with deposits repeatedly referred to as “white oil”. This is due to its effective use in the production of batteries, which are much needed for the rapidly growing electric car industry. The global deposits of lithium, however, are not sufficient to meet societal needs for this metal. Multiple types of deposits (sedimentary, brines, hydrothermal, and magmatic) have been found globally and are currently being explored mostly in Chile, China, Australia, and the USA, with no large-scale production anywhere in Europe yet.
This project aims to investigate high-temperature (pegmatite) veins and/or volcano-sedimentary deposits of lithium (and boron) at key sites across the Balkan Peninsula. The study aims to uniquely combine the elemental and/or isotope signatures of key Li-containing minerals and their mineral associations in an attempt to decipher the distribution of lithium and the mechanisms of its enrichment under magmatic and hydrothermal conditions. This study may have impact for the future discoveries and potential exploration of lithium from European deposits. The project may include fieldwork in Bulgaria or Serbia.
The project will sit within the School of Earth and Environment.
Project outcomes
This project will enable the student to develop excellent skills in techniques used in the geochemistry lab and in the field and establish links with the mining industry.
For more information, please contact Dr Savov at i.savov@leeds.ac.uk.