Genetic Classification of Bauxites of Futa Jallon-Mandingo Province (West Africa) by Textural and Structural Features

Abstract

In the process of the formation of classical lateritic bauxites in the Futa Jallon-Mandingo province, due to a complex of two- to three-stage genesis, lithological and genetic types of bauxites were formed that differed in external characteristics, color, texture, and structure. The proposed genetic typification of bauxite based on textural and structural features of the rocks in fact is the basis for the geological and industrial classification of deposits of the region. Studying the textural and structural features of bauxites is the only way through which one can get an idea of the conditions of their formation. It is in the textures and structures of ores their genetic history is imprinted. The analysis shows that the deposits, within which deposits of sedimentary-lateritic and chemically transformed bauxites predominate, are distinguished not only by greater thicknesses of ore bodies and a significantly higher content of total alumina in the ores, but also by increased contents of monohydrate forms. This also determines various economic indicators of the operation and technology of metallurgical processing of bauxite.