Geochemical signatures and mineralization environments of the element gallium from the Hongguandu bauxite deposit in Chongqing

The accessory element gallium contents in the Hongguandu bauxite deposit in Chongqing are greater than the minimum industrial indices for the multipurpose utilization. It is inferred from the geochemical indices such as Sr/Ba, U/Th and Ga/Al ratios that the ore-bearing rock series should belong to the continental-dominated marinecontinental alternative deposits in the bauxite deposit. There is a highly positive correlation of Ga contents with Cr and TiO₂ contents and a moderately positive correlation of Ga contents with V contents, while no correlation with Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ contents. It follows that the Hongguandu bauxite deposit in Chongqing resulted from the freshwater processes in the weakly acidic oxidized environments.