Distribution, types, metallogenic regularity and exploration potential analysis of zirconium deposit in China

Abstract

Zirconium, prized for its exceptional corrosion resistance, high melting point, and unique nuclear properties, plays a critical role in multiple industrial sectors globally. Zirconium deposits are categorized into endogenetic and exogenetic types in China. Endogenetic deposits - including alkaline rock-, alkaline granite-, and pegmatite-type mineralizations - predominantly occur along the Tarim Craton's northern margin, the North China Craton, the southern Greater Khingan metallogenic belt, and the Yangtze Craton's western margin. Exogenetic deposits, comprising clastic sedimentary, weathering crust, and fragmentation types, are concentrated in South China's coastal zones. Endogenetic mineralization formed during Permian-Cretaceous magmatic-hydrothermal events linked to evolved alkaline granitic systems, while exogenetic deposits developed in Quaternary periods through weathering of zirconium-rich protoliths. However, economic extraction of endogenetic deposits remains constrained by rare earth element (REE) associations and radioactive complexities. Currently, China's most economically significant reserves derive from clastic sedimentary systems, particularly coastal placer deposits. This study systematically synthesizes the spatial distribution and metallogenic mechanisms of Chinese zirconium deposits, offering strategic insights for resource exploration and sustainable utilization.

Keywords

Zirconium deposit / Metallogenic regularity / Critical mineral resources / Prospecting potential / Geological survey engineering

CRediT authorship contribution statement

This project was initially conceived by Qiong-Wen Liang, Yong-Shen Li. Qiong-Wen Liang wrote the original draft manuscript, to which Yong-Shen Li, Qiong-Wen Liang, YingCai Sun and De-Gao Zhai provided editing and additional writing. All authors discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgment

This work supported by Science and technology basic resources survey special project (2022FY101701) and China Geological Survey Project (DD2023350).

References

[1] Aiuppa A, Baker DR, Webster JD. 2009. Halogens in volcanic systems. Chemical Geology, 263(1-4), 1-18. doi: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2008.10.005.

[2] Allen PA. 2008. From landscapes into geological history. Nature, 451(7176), 274-276. doi: 10.1038/nature06586.

[3] Bai YX, Shen P, Cao C, Pan HD, Li CH, Luo YQ, Feng HX, Suo QY. 2021. Geochemical characteristics and significance of apatite from the Koktokay pegmatitic rare-metal deposit, Altay, Xinjiang. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 37(9), 2843-2860 doi: 10.18654/1000-0569/2021.09.15. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[4] Chase BM, Thomas DSG. 2007. Multiphase late quaternary aeolian sediment accumulation in western South Africa: Timing and relationship to palaeoclimatic changes inferred from the marine record. Quaternary International, 166(1), 29-41. doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2006.12.005.

[5] Che D, Wang JP, Wu QX, Gu Y, Yu C. 2016. China's zirconium resource situation and suggestions for sustainable development. Resources & Industries, 18(3), 23-28 doi: 10.13776/j.cnki.resourcesindustries.20160613.002. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[6] Chen HZ. 2018. Analysis and suggestion on current situation of development and utilization of Zirconium ore resources in Hainan. China Metal Bulletin, (04), 97-98 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[7] Chen JF. 2011. Formation and Evolution of Magma in The Gently Inclined Part of Altai No. 3 Pegmatite Vein. Beijing, Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Master thesis, 1-87 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[8] Chen JY, Fan HH, Wang SY, Zhang C, Zhao JY, Geng RR. 2019. Orecontrolling factors of the baerzhe super-large deposit in jarud banner, Inner Mongolia. Journal of Geomechanics, 25(1), 27-35 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[9] Chen Z, Yang HN, Yan W, Wu BH, Chen MH, Yang HP. 2006. Distributions and divisions of mineral resources in the sea areas of China: Placer deposit and ferromanganese nodule/crust. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 26(5), 101-108 doi: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2006.05.013. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[10] Chen ZP. 1997. Petrostratigraphy in Hainan Province. Beijing, China University of Geosciences Press, 14-16 (in Chinese).

[11] Cilliers LM. 1995. The Geology of The Graauwduinen Heavy Mineral Sand Deposit, West Coast Of South Africa. Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch University, PhD thesis, 1-88.

[12] Dai S, Chekryzhov IY, Seredin VV, Nechaev VP, Graham IT, Hower JC, Ward CR, Ren D, Wang X. 2016. Metalliferous coal deposits in East Asia (primorye of Russia and South China): A review of geodynamic controls and styles of mineralization. Gondwana Research, 29(1), 60-82. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2015.07.001.

[13] Dai S, Liu J, Ward CR, Hower JC, French D, Jia S, Hood MM, Garrison TM. 2016. Mineralogical and geochemical compositions of Late Permian coals and host rocks from the Guxu Coalfield, Sichuan Province, China, with emphasis on enrichment of rare metals. International Journal of Coal Geology, 166, 71-95. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2015.12.004.

[14] Dai S, Luo Y, Seredin VV, Ward CR, Hower JC, Zhao L, Liu S, Zhao C, Tian H, Zou J. 2014. Revisiting the Late Permian coal from the Huayingshan, Sichuan, southWestern China: Enrichment and occurrence modes of minerals and trace elements. International Journal of Coal Geology, 122, 110-128. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2013.12.016.

[15] Dai S, Nechaev VP, Chekryzhov IY, Zhao L, Vysotskiy SV, Graham I, Ward CR, Ignatiev AV, Velivetskaya TA, Zhao L, French D, Hower JC. 2018. A model for Nb-Zr-REE-Ga enrichment in lopingian altered alkaline volcanic ashes: Key evidence of H-O isotopes. Lithos, 302, 359-369. doi: 10.1016/j.lithos.2018.01.005.

[16] Dai S, Ward CR, Graham IT, French D, Hower JC, Zhao L, Wang X. 2017. Altered volcanic ashes in coal and coal-bearing sequences: A review of their nature and significance. Earth-Science Reviews, 175, 44-74. doi: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2017.10.005.

[17] Dai S, Zhou Y, Zhang M, Wang X, Wang J, Song X, Jiang Y, Luo Y, Song Z, Yang Z, Ren D. 2010. A new type of Nb (Ta)-Zr(Hf)-REEGa polymetallic deposit in the Late Permian coal-bearing strata, eastern Yunnan, southWestern China: Possible economic significance and genetic implications. International Journal of Coal Geology, 83(1), 55-63. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2010.04.002.

[18] de Wit MCJ. 1999. Post-Gondwana drainage and the development of diamond placers in western South Africa. Economic Geology, 94(5), 721-740. doi: 10.2113/gsecongeo.94.5.721.

[19] Fan HR, Niu HC, Li XC, Yang KF, Yang ZF, Wang QW. 2020. The types, ore genesis and resource perspective of endogenic REE deposits in China. Chinese Science Bulletin, 65(33), 3778-3793 doi: 10.1360/TB-2020-0432. (in Chinese).

[20] Fan JJ, Tang GJ, Wei GJ, Wang H, Xu YG, Wang Q, Zhou JS, Zhang ZY, Huang TY, Wang ZL. 2020. Lithium isotope fractionation during fluid exsolution: Implications for Li mineralization of the bailongshan pegmatites in the West Kunlun, NW Tibet. Lithos, 352, 105236. doi: 10.1016/j.lithos.2019.105236.

[21] Fan SY. 2004. Quartz sand mine for glass in littoral area of Guangdong Province types and prospects of industrial. China Non-Metallic Mining Industry Herald, (5), 93-94 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[22] Force ER. 1991. Placer deposits. Reviews in Economic Geology, (5), 131-139. doi: 10.5382/Rev.05.09.

[23] Fu QJ, Cen L. 2008. Discussion on resources potential in concentration area of Zr-Ti placer in east coast of Wanning, Hainan Province. Resources Environment & Engineering, 22(1), 6-8,15 doi: 10.16536/j.cnki.issn.1671-1211.2008.01.006. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[24] GACPRC. 2017. Summary of Imports and Exports. General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, http://stats.customs.gov.cn/.

[25] GACPRC. 2018. Summary of Imports and Exports. General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, http://stats.customs.gov.cn/.

[26] GACPRC. 2019. Summary of Imports and Exports. General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, http://stats.customs.gov.cn/.

[27] GACPRC. 2020. Summary of Imports and Exports. General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, http://stats.customs.gov.cn/.

[28] GACPRC. 2021. Summary of Imports and Exports. General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, http://stats.customs.gov.cn/.

[29] GACPRC. 2022. Summary of Imports and Exports. General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, http://stats.customs.gov.cn/.

[30] GACPRC. 2023. Summary of Imports and Exports. General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, http://stats.customs.gov.cn/.

[31] Gysi AP, Williams-Jones AE, Collins P. 2016. Lithogeochemical vectors for hydrothermal processes in the strange lake peralkaline granitic REE-Zr-Nb deposit. Economic Geology, 111(5), 1241-1276. doi: 10.2113/econgeo.111.5.1241.

[32] Han XH, Li L, Liu G, Wang XM. 2017. Occurrence characteristics of zirconium-titanium placer in the east coast of Wanning, Hainan Island. China Mining Magazine, 26(S2), 186-189 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[33] Hao XY, Xiong BK. 2010. Present situation of Zircon sand made in China. Ceramic, (2), 14-16 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[34] Hu LY, Hou SS, Liang GA. 2015. Study on the metallogenic regularity and prospecting direction in the Hailuoling tantalum- tin polymetallic ore field in Jiangxi. Mineral Exploration, 6(2), 132-141 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7801.2015.02.004. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[35] Huang GW, Sun Q, Wu J. 2019. Zirconium resources utilization and environmental friendly technology integration innovation under new situation. Nonferrous Metals Engineering & Research, 40(3), 10-13 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.10044345.2019.03.004. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[36] Huang H, Zhang Z, Santosh M, Zhang D. 2014. Geochronology, geochemistry and metallogenic implications of the Boziguo'er rare metal-bearing peralkaline granitic intrusion in South Tianshan, NW China. Ore Geology Reviews, 61, 157-174. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2014.01.011.

[37] Huang H, Wang T, Zhang Z, Li C, Qin Q. 2018. Highly differentiated fluorine-rich, alkaline granitic magma linked to rare metal mineralization: A case study from the boziguo'er rare metal granitic pluton in South Tianshan terrane, Xinjiang, NW China. Ore Geology Reviews, 96, 146-163. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2018.04.021.

[38] Jahn BM, Wu F, Capdevila R, Martineau F, Zhao Z, Wang Y. 2001. Highly evolved juvenile granites with tetrad REE patterns: The Woduhe and baerzhe granites from the great Xing'an Mountains in NE China. Lithos, 59(4), 171-198. doi: 10.1016/S0024-4937(01) 00066-4.

[39] Jiang S, Liu T, Zhang H, Cao S, Zheng R, Li T, Yu J, Wu Y. 2022. A new type of rare metal deposit: The Yushishan leptynite-type Nb-Ta deposit in eastern altun, Gansu Province, NW China. Acta Geologica Sinica - English Edition, 96(5), 1471-1483. doi: 10.1111/17556724.15010.

[40] Joseph G. 2018. Mineral commodity summaries 2018. US Geological Survey, http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zirconium/.

[41] Joseph G. 2019. Mineral commodity summaries 2019. US Geological Survey, http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zirconium/.

[42] Joseph G. 2020. Mineral commodity summaries 2020. US Geological Survey, http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zirconium/.

[43] Joseph G. 2021. Mineral commodity summaries 2021. US Geological Survey, http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zirconium/.

[44] Joseph G. 2022. Mineral commodity summaries 2022. US Geological Survey, http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zirconium/.

[45] Joseph G. 2023. Mineral commodity summaries 2023. US Geological Survey, http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zirconium/.

[46] Joseph G. 2024. Mineral commodity summaries 2024. US Geological Survey, http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zirconium/.

[47] Kempe U, Götze J, Dandar S, Habermann D. 1999. Magmatic and metasomatic processes during formation of the Nb-Zr-REE deposits khaldzan buregte and tsakhir (Mongolian Altai): Indications from a combined CL-SEM study. Mineralogical Magazine, 63(2), 165-177. doi: 10.1180/002646199548402.

[48] Kogarko LN. 1990. Ore-forming potential of alkaline magmas. Lithos, 26(1-2), 167-175. doi: 10.1016/0024-4937(90)90046-4.

[49] Li CX, Cheng G, Yao M. 1988. Influence of discharge load in China on coastal and continental shelf sedimentation. Journal of Tongji University, 16(2), 137-147 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[50] Li MW. 2006. Metallogenic series and metallogenic prediction of endogenic metal deposits in the middle part of Tianshan-Xingmeng Orogenic belt. Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, PhD thesis, 1-88 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[51] Li MW. 2022. Metallogenic series and metallogenic prediction of endogenic metal deposits in the middle part of Tianshan-Xingmeng Orogenic belt. Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, PhD thesis, 1-88 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[52] Lin MK, Lin CS, Pan YJ, Qi WT, Li Y. 2016. Characteristics and metallogenic conditions of Zirconium-titanium placer in shallow sea of eastern Hainan Province. Western Exploration Project, 28, 141-143 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[53] Liu CQ, Zhang H. 2005. The lanthanide tetrad effect in apatite from the Altay No. 3 pegmatite, xingjiang, China: An intrinsic feature of the pegmatite magma. Chemical Geology, 214(1-2), 61-77. doi: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2004.08.054.

[54] Liu CM, Qin DX, Yan YF. 2012. The discovery of the intermediate and basic volcanic rocks in the Dachang ore deposit, Guangxi, and its geological significance. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica, 31(1), 73-78 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-6524.2012.01.007. (in Chinese).

[55] Liu F, Zhang ZX, Li Q, Zhang C, Li C. 2014. New precise timing constraint for the Keketuohai No. 3 pegmatite in Xinjiang, China, and identification of its parental pluton. Ore Geology Reviews, 56, 209-219. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2013.08.020.

[56] Liu HS. 1989. Enrichment law of coastal placer in Quaternary system in China. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 41-49 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[57] Liu HY, Ma Z. 2017. Analysis of the zirconium resources security in China. China Mining Magazine, 26(9), 6-10 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[58] Liu XF. 2015. The evolution of sedimentary paleoenvironment and provenance in the deepwater area of the Qiongdongnan Basin. Qingdao: Ocean University of China, Master thesis, 1-75 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[59] London D. 2018. Ore-forming processes within granitic pegmatites. Ore Geology Reviews, 101, 349-383. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2018.04.020.

[60] Lv ZH, Zhang H, Tang Y, Zhao JY, Liu YL, Guo L. 2018. The distribution of phosphorous in various types of pegmatites from Altai, Xinjiang and its implication. Bulletin of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, 37(2), 260-270 doi: 10.19658/j.issn.1007-2802.2018.37.028. (in Chinese).

[61] Mo WR, Zhu YH, Yuan QM, Gong D, Xie QL. 2015. The characteristics and geological significance of Quaternary sediments from Wenchang area of Hainan Province. South China Geology, 31(1), 1-10 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-3701.2015.01.001. (in Chinese).

[62] Mysen BO, Cody GD, Smith A. 2004. Solubility mechanisms of fluorine in peralkaline and meta-aluminous silicate glasses and in melts to magmatic temperatures. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 68(12), 2745-2769. doi: 10.1016/j.gca.2003.12.015.

[63] Nechaev VP, Dai S, Zhao L, Moore TA, Nechaeva EV. 2021. The Tarim Basin, China, a prospect for plume-related Zr(Hf)-Nb(Ta)-REY-Ga-U mineralization. Ore Geology Reviews, 133, 104081. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.104081.

[64] Pan YJ, Cui RY, Lin MK, Chen F, Hu BQ. 2017. Preliminary analysis of placer resources potential in Hainan Island offshore area. Marine Science Bulletin, 36(4), 458-467 doi: 10.11840/j.issn.1001-6392.2017.04.013. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[65] Philander C, Rozendaal A. 2011. The contributions of geometallurgy to the recovery of lithified heavy mineral resources at the Namakwa Sands mine, West Coast of South Africa. Minerals Engineering, 24(12), 1357-1364. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2011.07.011.

[66] Philander C, Rozendaal A. 2015a. Geology of the Cenozoic namakwa sands heavy mineral deposit, west coast of South Africa: A worldclass resource of titanium and zircon. Economic Geology, 110(6), 1577-1623. doi: 10.2113/econgeo.110.6.1577.

[67] Philander C, Rozendaal A. 2015b. Detrital zircon geochemistry and U-Pb geochronology as an indicator of provenance of the Namakwa Sands heavy mineral deposit, west coast of South Africa. Sedimentary Geology, 328, 1-16. doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2015.08.001.

[68] Poon P, Graham IT, Liepa EAC, Cohen DR, Pringle IJ, Burkett DA, Privat K. 2020. Mineral distribution and provenance of heavy mineral sands (zircon, ilmenite, rutile) deposits from the NW Murray Basin, far western NSW, Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 67(4), 575-590. doi: 10.1080/08120099.2020.1703813.

[69] Prizomwala SP, Bhatt N, Basavaiah N. 2014. Provenance discrimination and source-to-sink studies from a dryland fluvial regime: An example from Kachchh, western India. International Journal of Sediment Research, 29(1), 99-109. doi: 10.1016/S1001-6279(14) 60025-1.

[70] Qiu K, Yu H, Wu M, Geng J, Ge X, Gou Z, Taylor RD. 2019. Discrete Zr and REE mineralization of the Baerzhe rare-metal deposit, China. American Mineralogist, 104(10), 1487-1502. doi: 10.2138/am-20196890.

[71] Roy P. 1999. Heavy mineral beach placers in southeastern Australia: Their nature and genesis. Economic Geology, 94(4), 567-588.

[72] Roberts DL, Bateman MD, Murray-Wallace CV, Carr AS, Holmes PJ. 2009. West coast dune plumes: Climate driven contrasts in dunefield morphogenesis along the western and southern South African coasts. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 271(1-2), 24-38. doi: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2008.09.009.

[73] Rozendaal A, Philander C. 2010. Heavy Mineral Placer Deposits Along the West Coast of South Africa_A World-Class Resource of Zircon, Ilmenite and Rutile. Publications of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 8, 73-78

[74] Rozendaal A, Philander C, Carelse C. 2010. Characteristics, recovery and provenance of rutile from the Namakwa Sands heavy mineral deposit, South Africa. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 110(2), 67-74.

[75] Rozendaal A, Philander C, Heyn R. 2017. The coastal heavy mineral sand deposits of Africa. South African Journal of Geology, 120(1), 133-152. doi: 10.25131/gssajg.120.1.133.

[76] Ruan T. 1981. Geological conditions and distribution of coastal placer mineralization in Guangdong (mainland part). Geology and Prospecting 8-18.

[77] Salvi S, Fontan F, Monchoux P, Williams-Jones AE, Moine B. 2000. Hydrothermal mobilization of high field strength elements inAlkaline igneous systems: Evidence from the tamazeght complex (Morocco). Economic Geology, 95(3), 559-576. doi: 10.2113/gsecongeo.95.3.559.

[78] Salvi S, Williams-Jones AE. 1990. The role of hydrothermal processes in the granite-hosted Zr,Y, REE deposit at strange lake, Quebec/Labrador: Evidence from fluid inclusions. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 54(9),2403-2418. doi: 10.1016/0016-7037(90) 90228-D.

[79] Salvi S, Williams-Jones AE. 1996. The role of hydrothermal processes in concentrating high-field strength elements in the Strange Lake peralkaline complex, northeastern Canada. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 60(11), 1917-1932. doi: 10.1016/0016-7037(96)00071-3.

[80] Salvi S, Williams-Jones AE. 1997. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of hydrocarbons during sub-solidus alteration of the Strange Lake peralkaline granite, Quebec/Labrador, Canada. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 61(1), 83-99. doi: 10.1016/S0016-7037(96) 00313-4.

[81] Salvi S, Williams-Jones AE. 2006. Alteration, HFSE mineralisation and hydrocarbon formation in peralkaline igneous systems: Insights from the strange lake pluton, Canada. Lithos, 91(1-4), 19-34. doi: 10.1016/j.lithos.2006.03.040.

[82] Salvi S, Williams-Jones AE, Linnen RL, Samson RL. 2005. Alkaline granite-syenite deposits. Geological Association of Canada Short Course Notes, 17, 315-341.

[83] Schmitt AK, Trumbull RB, Dulski P, Emmermann R. 2002. Zr-Nb-REE mineralization in peralkaline granites from the Amis complex, brandberg (Namibia): Evidence for magmatic pre-enrichment from melt inclusions. Economic Geology, 97(2), 399-413. doi: 10.2113/gsecongeo.97.2.399.

[84] Sheard ER, Williams-Jones AE, Heiligmann M, Pederson C, Trueman DL. 2012. Controls on the concentration of zirconium, niobium, and the rare earth elements in the Thor Lake rare metal deposit, northwest territories, Canada. Economic Geology, 107(1), 81-104. doi: 10.2113/econgeo.107.1.81.

[85] Shen ZW, Zhang FF, Han C, Han SP, Zhao JW. 2016. Situation analysis and sustainable development suggestions of zirconium resources in China. China Mining Magazine, 25(3), 16-20, 28 doi: 10.3969/j. issn.1004-4051.2016.03.004. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[86] Song JW, Wu DM, Chen F, Deng KZ. 2021. Geochemical characteristics and resource potential of Zr and Ti in shallow sea surface sediments in the east of Hainan Island. China Mining Magazine, S1, 217-221 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[87] Su HM, Jiang SY, Zhu XY, Duan ZP, Huang XK, Zou T. 2021. Magmatic-hydrothermal processes and controls on rare-metal enrichment of the Baerzhe peralkaline granitic pluton, Inner Mongolia, Northeastern China. Ore Geology Reviews, 131, 103984. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.103984.

[88] Sun HR, Yin WZ, Tang Y, Fu YF, Liu J. 2019. Flotation kinetics of magnesite and its associated minerals dolomite. Conservation and Utilization of Mineral Resources, 39(1), 10-16 doi: 10.13779/j.cnki.issn1001-0076.2019.01.003. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[89] Sun Y, Lai Y, Chen J, Shu Q, Yan C. 2013. Rare earth and rare metal elements mobility and mineralization during magmatic and fluid evolution in alkaline granite system: Evidence from fluid and melt inclusions in baerzhe granite, China. Resource Geology, 63(3), 239-261. doi: 10.1111/rge.12007.

[90] Sun ZH, Qin KZ, Mao YJ, Tang DM, Ma DC. 2021. Characteristics and significance of aegirine and arfvedsonite in Boziguoer Nb-Ta-Zr-RbREE deposit related to alkaline granite, Xinjiang. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 37(12), 3687-3716 doi: 10.18654/1000-0569/2021.12.07. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[91] Sun ZH, Qin KZ, Mao YJ, Tang DM, Wang FY, Noreen J, Zhou QF. 2022. Mineral Chemistry of Pyrochlore Supergroup Minerals from the Boziguoer Nb-Ta-Zr-Rb-REE Deposit, NW China: Implications for Nb Enrichment by Alkaline Magma Differentiation. Minerals, 12(7), 785. doi: 10.3390/min12070785.

[92] Tan HC, Zhang YF, Chen QS, Yang YQ, Zhang YL. 2015. The demand trend of zircon resources and analysis of supply and demand in China from 2015 to 2025. Resources Science, 37(5), 998-1007 (in Chinese)

[93] Tan QX. 1998. Ocean placers in China. China geology, (4), 23-30 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[94] Tan QX, Sun Y. 1998. Littoral placer deposit in China. Beijing, Science Press, 1-158.

[95] Tong CL. 2018. Classification and metallogenic characteristics of sea sand resources in Hainan Island. Geological Survey of China, 5(3), 74-80 doi: 10.19388/j.zgdzdc.2018.03.10. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[96] Wang G, Li S, Suo Y, Peng G, Wang P, Cheng H, Liu Z, Liu Y, Bukhari SWH, Liu Z, Diao Y, Zhan H, Zhu M. 2023. Cenozoic source-tosink driven by tectono-geomorphic evolution: A systematic detrital zircon U-Pb analysis in the central northern South China Sea. EarthScience Reviews, 239, 104365. doi: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2023.104365.

[97] Wang Q. 2013. Analysis of metallogenic geological conditions and prospecting prospect of coastal placer in Guangdong Province. Inner Mongolia Coal Economy, (01), 37-38,41 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[98] Wang R. 2020. Critical mineral resources of Nb,Ta,Zr, and Hf in China., 3763-3777.

[99] Wang SH, Li J, Wu SZ, Yan W, Huang WX, Miao L, Chen Z. 2016. 2016. The distribution characteristics of rare metal elements in surface sediments from four coastal bays on the northwestern South China Sea. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 169, 106-118. doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2015.12.001.

[100] Wang Y, Wang S, Liu M. 2017. Magnetic properties indicate sediment provenance and distribution patterns in the Bohai and Yellow Seas, China. Continental Shelf Research, 140, 84-95. doi: 10.1016/j.csr.2017.04.012.

[101] Wang YX, Zhao ZH. 1997. Geochemistery and origin of the Baerzhe REE-Nb-Be-Zr superlarge deposit. Geochemica, 26(1), 25-26, 28, 30-36 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[102] Wang ZH, Li QC. 1991. Zircon resource of China. Geological economy of China, (07), 17-20 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[103] Wu HH, Wang T, Zhang ZC, Huang H, Qin Q. 2019. Chemical characteristics of amphibole and biotite from the Boziguo'er alkaline granitic pluton in Baicheng County, Xinjiang, and their implications for petrogenesis and mineralization. Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica, 38(2), 173-190 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[104] Xing SJ. 2009. Discussion about the geological characteristics of the Tabei weathering crust-type Zr, Hf deposit in Longnan County, Jiangxi Province. Mineral Resources and Geology, 23(1), 70-72 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5663.2009.01.014. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[105] Xu C, Song WL, He C, Wang LZ. 2015. The overview of the distribution, type and genesis of the exogenetic rare earth elements(REE) deposits. Bulletin of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, 34(2), 234-241 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-2802.2015.02.04. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[106] Xu HM, Zou TR, Fang JL, Xu Y, Fan L, Wang J. 2012. Study on age and genesis of niobium-tantalum deposit in Bozigoer, Xinjiang. Mineral Deposit, 31, 625-626 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[107] Xue FQ, Tan HC, Zhang YF. 2016. The global supply and demand trend of zircon resources. China Mining Magazine, 25(8), 47-52 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-4051.2016.08.011. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[108] Xue YL, Wang XM, Yang F. 2017. Grain size and geochemical characteristics of surface sediments in shallow sea of Wanning, Hainan, and their implications for shallow sea placer deposits. China Mining Magazine, 26(S1), 220-226 (in Chinese).

[109] Yan S, Shan Q, Niu HC, Yu X, Zhao X, Zhao XC, Zhang HJ, Xiong Y. 2021. Timing and genesis of the tudiling trachyte Nb-Ta-Zr-REE deposit in the South Qinling (Central China): Implications for rare metal enrichment in extrusive peralkaline magmatic systems. Ore Geology Reviews, 139, 104535. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.104535.

[110] Yang WB, Luo Y, Shan Q, Niu HC, Yu XY. 2009. Characteristics of rare earth polymetallic deposit in Balzhe, Inner Mongolia. Acta Mineralogica Sinica, 29(S1): 266 doi: 10.16461/j. cnki.1000-4734.2009.s1.234. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[111] Yang WB, Niu HC, Shan Q, Sun WD, Zhang H, Li NB, Jiang YH, Yu XY. 2014. Geochemistry of magmatic and hydrothermal zircon from the highly evolved baerzhe alkaline granite: Implications for Zr-REE-Nb mineralization. Mineralium Deposita, 49(4), 451-470. doi: 10.1007/s00126-013-0504-1.

[112] Yang WB, Su WC, Liao SP, Niu HC, Luo Y, Shan Q, Li NB. 2011. Melt and melt-fluid inclusions in the baerzhe alkaline granite: Information of the magmatic-hydrothermal transition. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 27(5), 1493-1499 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[113] Yang Y, Qi R, Liu XJ, He YS, Zhang GC. 2010. Mineralization prospect of Zr and Ti and analysis of metallogenic conditions at the Changhua River Estuary and its adjacent sea area in Hainan. Geological Science and Technology Information, 29(1), 80-85 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[114] Yang WB, Ni HC, LiNB, Hollings P, Zurevinski S, Xing CM. 2020. Enrichment of REE and HFSE during the magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of the Baerzhe alkaline granite, NE China: Implications for metal mineralization. Lithos, 358-359, 105411

[115] Yin LW. 2017. Global zircon sand production capacity is far greater than demand. Land and Resources Information, (9), 40-45 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-3709.2017.09.007. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[116] Zhai FR, Liang S. 2023. Analysis of metallogenic geological characteristics and resource potential of rare earth deposits in Liaoning Province. Chinese Rare Earth, 44, 98-105. doi: 10.16533/j.cnki.15-1099/tf.20220063.

[117] Zhang H, Liang H. 2022. Development characteristics and control measures of pond landslide. Acta Geologica Sichuan, 42(1), 78-80 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-0995.2022.01.015. (in Chinese).

[118] Zhang H, Lv ZH, Tang Y. 2019. Metallogeny and prospecting model as well as prospecting direction of pegma- tite-type rare metal ore deposits in Altay orogenic belt, Xinjiang. Mineral Deposits, 38, 792-814 doi: 10.16111/j.02587106.2019.04.008. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[119] Zhang JW, Wang HD, Gong WY, Ma CZ, Zhang H, Liao Q. 2019. Analysis on the development and utilization situation of zirconium resource in China. Conservation and Utilization of Mineral Resources, 39(5), 106-110 doi: 10.13779/j.cnki.issn1001-0076.2019.04.055. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[120] Zhang YF, Lin XW, Guo QM, Wang X, Zhao DC, Dang C, Yao S. 2015. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating and geochemistry of Aral granitic plutons in koktokay area in the southern Altay margin and their source significace. Acta Geologica Sinica, 89(2), 339-354 doi: 10.19762/j.cnki.dizhixuebao.2015.02.010. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[121] Zhang ZF, Chen XF, Gao AH, Zhang ZG. 2019. Analysis of the zirconium resource situation and global layout. China Ming Magazine, 28, 50-56 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[122] Zhang ZY. 1991. The distributive and enriched law of littoral placers in Leizhou peninsula. Scientia Geographica Sinica, 11(2), 134-141,97 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[123] Zhao KH. 1997. Formation condition and prospect of Zircon placer in the sea area of chu island in Shandong Province. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 17, 79-84 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[124] Zhao L, Dai S, Graham IT, Li X, Zhang B. 2016. New insights into the lowest Xuanwei formation in eastern Yunnan Province, SW China: Implications for Emeishan large igneous province felsic tuff deposition and the cause of the end-guadalupian mass extinction. Lithos, 264, 375-391. doi: 10.1016/j.lithos.2016.08.037.

[125] Zhao L, Dai S, Graham I, Wang P. 2016. Clay mineralogy of coal-hosted Nb-Zr-REE-Ga mineralized beds from Late Permian strata, eastern Yunnan, SW China: Implications for paleotemperature and origin of the micro-quartz. Minerals, 6(2), 45. doi: 10.3390/min6020045.

[126] Zhao LX, Dai S, Graham IT, Li X, Liu H, Song X, Hower JC, Zhou Y. 2017. Cryptic sediment-hosted critical element mineralization from eastern Yunnan Province, SouthWestern China: Mineralogy, geochemistry, relationship to Emeishan alkaline magmatism and possible origin. Ore Geology Reviews, 80, 116-140. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2016.06.014.

[127] Zhou M Li, Hei M, Wang, Zhenchao. 2020. The genesis of regolithhosted rare earth element and scandium deposits: Current understanding and outlook to future prospecting., 3809-3824

[128] Zhu JC, Wu CN, Liu CS, Li FC, Huang XL, Zhou DS. 2000. Magmatichydrothermal evolution and genesis of kokotokay No. 3 rare metal pegmatite dyke, altai, China. Geological Journal of China Universities, 40-52 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[129] Zhu JZ, Zhang GH, Du QS, He J. 2013. Ore potentiality, mineralization laws and genesis of alkaline granite in 801 rare REE deposit. Northwestern Geology, 46(4), 207-214 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1009-6248.2013.04.020. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[130] Zhu YF, Zeng Y, Gu L. 2006. Geochemistry of the rare metal-bearing pegmatite No. 3 vein and related granites in the Keketuohai region, Altay Mountains, Northwest China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 27(1), 61-77. doi: 10.1016/j.jseaes.2005.01.007.

[131] Zhu Z, Wang R, Marignac C, Cuney M, Mercadier J, Che X, Lespinasse MY. 2018. A new style of rare metal granite with Nb-rich mica: The Early Cretaceous Huangshan rare-metal granite suite, northeast Jiangxi Province, Southeast China. American Mineralogist, 103(10), 1530-1544. doi: 10.2138/am-2018-6511.

[132] Zou TR. 1986. The origin of No. 3 pegmatite in altayshan, Xinjiang. Mineral Deposits, (4), 34-48 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[133] Zou TR, Li QC. 2006. Rare and rare earth metal deposits in Xinjiang, China. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 1-284 (in Chinese).