Cation leaching from the basalt JB-1a by 2M NaCl hydrothermal solutions

The basalt JB-1a was reacted with 2M NaCl solutions, and the leaching behavior of the cations Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Co was monitored. The experiments were carried out using standard cold-seal pressure vessels in the temperature range from 300 to 800°C under the constant pressure of 1000 bars and also in the pressure range from 500 to 1000 bars at 600°C. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn and Co in the hydrothermal solutions increased significantly with increasing temperature and with decreasing pressure. The thermodynamic analysis of the experimental results suggests that this is due to the formation of trichloro-complexes and also partly due to the temperature dependence of ion exchange between augite and aqueous chloride solution. The Na concentration in the aqueous solution decreases with increasing temperature and with decreasing pressure. On the other hand, the behavior of K, Ca and Mg is complex and their concentrations seem to be controlled by the coexisting minerals. Judging from the experimental results, it is concluded that the transition elements are effectively leached from the basalt under higher temperatures and lower pressures. This means that higher temperature and lower pressure conditions are preferable for the production of ore-forming hydrothermal solutions.