Tropical bauxitization and geochemical weathering: evidence from stockpile and test pits of Gunung Kijang, Bintan Island

Ronaldo Irzon, Firdaus Djabar

Abstract


Bauxite, the primary ore of aluminium, forms through intense weathering of alumina-rich rocks, typically in tropical climates. In Gunung Kijang, bauxite deposits were commercially mined until 2009, and remnants of these deposits are still observed in the region. This study aims to investigate the bauxitization process in the Gunung Kijang area of Bintan Island, Indonesia, with a focus on geochemical aspects. Samples from stockpile and test pits were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Geochemical results show a high concentration of gibbsite (Al(OH)3). Al₂O₃ content ranged from 40.41% to 55.29%, while other oxides, such as SiO₂ and Fe₂O₃, were found in moderate concentrations. Loss on ignition (LOI) values confirmed the weathering intensity of the samples, with higher values indicating more hydroxyl-bearing minerals. Weathering indices, including the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW), showed that all samples experienced intense chemical weathering. Rare earth element (REE) analysis indicated Light-REE enrichment and a significant positive cerium anomaly, suggesting reductive conditions during bauxitization. The study concludes that the bauxite deposits are highly weathered and exhibit geochemical characteristics typical of tropical bauxite formation.


Keywords


Bauxite, geochemistry, weathering, Gunung Kijang

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.55981/risetgeotam.2026.1465

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