The potential of lithium enrichment in Lapindo Brantas, Mount Anyar, and Buncitan Mud Volcanoes, Sidoarjo District, East Java Province

Abstract

Lithium is an alkaline, metallic element found primarily in the earth's crust and seawater. Recently, the industry's need, especially lithium batteries, has been increasing. Lithium exploration is directed to various geological environments that have the potential to contain lithium. Based on previous research, mud products from mud volcanoes can contain lithium. We conducted this research to determine the potential for lithium enrichment found in mud produced by mud volcanoes in Lapindo, Mount Anyar, and Buncitan. Samples were prepared to analyze petrography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ICP-MS, and ICP-AES. Mineralogically, the mud sample comprises smectite, kaolinite, quartz, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, calcite, pyrite, and dolomite. Lithium in the mud sample has an average concentration of 92.5 ppm with the highest concentration of 130 ppm from the Lapindo Mud volcano. The lowest concentration of 70 ppm comes from the Buncitan Mud Volcano sample. Based on its mineralogy and structure, the dominant of smectite and kaolinite clay minerals can bind the lithium. Lithium in the study area is thought to come from altered rocks below the surface, which migrate and are bound to clay minerals predominantly found in subsurface mud.