Beyond conductive targets: Characterizing lithium-prospective lacustrine evaporite mineral systems of North America’s Basin and Range Province with regional-scale AEM

Lyndsay B. Ball; Paul A. Bedrosian; Chloe Danielle Gustafson

doi:10.5281/zenodo.10067937

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Beyond conductive targets: Characterizing lithium-prospective lacustrine evaporite mineral systems of North America’s Basin and Range Province with regional-scale AEM

Lyndsay B. Ball·Paul A. Bedrosian·Chloe Danielle Gustafson

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Abstract

The Basin and Range province of North America hosts substantial lacustrine evaporite mineral systems prospective for lithium, a critical mineral currently listed for mineral resource assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey. Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys are being conducted to support these assessments by identifying shallow clays and brines, as well as through improving the shallow subsurface geologic framework of the regional fluid flow system. In 2022-2023, three focus areas with proven lithium resources or considered highly prospective for lithium are being surveyed. Results from this effort can help to improve our understanding of the geologic conditions and geophysical signatures associated with known resource regions and benefit future lithium resource assessments by identifying regions with similar geophysical and geologic characteristics.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 34° to 42.5° latitude; -122° to -111° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Lyndsay B. Ball, Paul A. Bedrosian, Chloe Danielle Gustafson. 2023. Beyond conductive targets: Characterizing lithium-prospective lacustrine evaporite mineral systems of North America’s Basin and Range Province with regional-scale AEM. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10067937

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