Unique role of pore water in lateritic bauxite formation, Republic of Guinea

Abstract

Results of the hydrogeochemical study of bauxite-bearing lateritic mantles of the Futa Djallon-Mandingo Province, West Africa, have allowed us to first characterize the pore water of vadose and infiltration hydrogeological zone. Abundances of major components (aluminum and iron) of the water are shown to be few orders higher than are those typical of the other waters of lateritic mantles. The pore water is proved to be a major factor of matter redistribution over any bauxite-bearing lateritic profile.