The Main Processes and Stages in the Formation of the Unique Sangaredi Deposit of Bauxites (West Africa)

In the course of additional exploration of the lower horizons of the unique Sangaredi deposit in West Africa, nonlaterized deposits of the Sangaredi series of all major lithological types were found. The lithological composition of redeposited bauxitized deposits of the Sangaredi series varies from conglomerate- and gritstone–bauxites to sandstone-like and clayey bauxites, which facially represent water-sedimentary (alluvial and lacustrine) continental deposits. The appearance of such a propitious redeposited parent substrate predetermined the formation of sedimentary-lateritic bauxites as a result of subsequent laterization. In this article the main processes are characterized and the stages of the formation of extra-quality bauxites of the unique Sangaredi deposit are substantiated.