Effect of Karst Geomorphology on the Sedimentary Mineralization and Geochemical Distribution of Bauxite: An Example from the Xiaoyuan Area in Qingzhen, Guizhou Province

Abstract

Bauxite, in central Guizhou, is predominantly karst bauxite, but there is insufficient research on the effect of karst paleogeomorphology on bauxite development. Xiaoyuan bauxite is also a karst bauxite, and high- and low-iron bauxite deposits exist in the study area. This study conducts geological modeling of karst bauxite using controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric (CSAMT) data and drill core data. The effects of karst paleogeomorphology on bauxite deposition and mineralization are evaluated by assessing karst paleogeomorphology, conducting a mineralogical analysis of drill cores at different locations, and determining the geochemical distribution characteristics of the elements in the horizontal and vertical directions. Combined with previous research results, we propose two metallogenic processes of high-iron and low-iron bauxite. The findings are significant for understanding the mechanism of bauxite formation.