Investigating the geochemical behavior and exploration potential of lithium in brines; a case study of Bam salt plug, Zagros Zone, southern Iran.

Lithium (Li) is a scarce and technologically important element; the demand for which has recently increased due to its extensive consumption, particularly in manufacturing of Li-ion batteries, renewable energy, and electronics. Li is extracted from brines, pegmatite, and clay minerals; though extraction from brines is economically preferred. More than 200 salt plugs are in the Zagros Mountains which represent potential sources for Li exploration.