Compilation of gallium resource data for bauxite deposits

Open-File Report 2013-1272
Mineral Resources Program
By:  and 

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Abstract

Gallium (Ga) concentrations for bauxite deposits worldwide have been compiled from the literature to provide a basis for research regarding the occurrence and distribution of Ga worldwide, as well as between types of bauxite deposits. In addition, this report is an attempt to bring together reported Ga concentration data into one database to supplement ongoing U.S. Geological Survey studies of critical mineral resources.


The compilation of Ga data consists of location, deposit size, bauxite type and host rock, development status, major oxide data, trace element (Ga) data and analytical method(s) used to derive the data, and tonnage values for deposits within bauxite provinces and districts worldwide. The range in Ga concentrations for bauxite deposits worldwide is <10 to 812 parts per million (ppm), with an average of 57 ppm. Gallium concentrations in lateritic bauxites range from below detection (< 8 ppm) to 146 ppm; the average concentration is 57 ppm Ga. The average Ga concentration for karst bauxite deposits is 58 ppm with a range between <10 to 180 ppm Ga. As a result, there are no substantial differences in gallium concentrations between karst- and laterite-type bauxites. We calculate the range in geologically available Ga in bauxite deposits worldwide between 30 and 82,720 metric tons (t), with an average of 14,909 t.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Compilation of gallium resource data for bauxite deposits
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2013-1272
DOI 10.3133/ofr20131272
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center, Mineral Resources Program
Description Report: iv, 14 p.; Table: ZIP file
Online Only (Y/N) Y
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