Uranium exploration Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Joachimsthal in Saxony was an important silver mining district since the Middle Ages when around the 1770s production started to decrease
and the mining town was about to become a ghost town. It was at that time that Martin Heinrich Klaproth (1743-1817) a pharmacist in Berlin who
became later professor of chemistry at the Royal Mining Academy, discovered that the black mineral in the ore can be used to give glass a brilliant
yellow color with green fluorescence when added to the molten batch. He was also convinced that this mineral must have contained a new metal.
This discovery coincided with the discovery in 1781 of a new planet in the solar system by his compatriot William Herschel who had immigrated
to England in 1757 and called the planet Uranus. Hence Klaproth named the new metal “uranium” to honor his compatriot. In 1789 he was able
to isolate a black heavy solid from the ore which he thought it to be the new metal. Since that time uranium started to play a dominant role in the
history of medicine.

- by
- •
- Uranium exploration, Ore Mountains, black mineral in silver ores

ОПЫТ СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЯ ОБЪЕКТИВНОГО КОНТРОЛЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ СИСТЕМ РАДИАЦИОННОЙ ЗАЩИТЫ ПЕРСОНАЛА ПЕЧНЫХ ОТДЕЛЕНИЙ. При добыче урана методом подземного скважинного выщелачивания (ПСВ) бóльшая часть рудного тела с сопутствующей радиоактивностью остается глубоко под землей, отсутствует рудная пыль и, как правило, применяются обычные меры защиты от радиации. На всех Казахстанских предприятиях при лидирующей роли АО «НАК «Казатомпром» созданы, поддерживаются и развиваются в полном соответствии с национальным законодательством Республики Казахстан системы управления охраной труда и промышленной безопасностью (СУОТ ПБ), программы обеспечения качества радиационной безопасности, а также политики в области ОТ, ТБ, ООС, обеспечения ядерной и радиационной безопасности. Работники проходят регулярное обследование на наличие загрязнения альфа-активными веществами, а для контроля гамма-облучения носят индивидуальные дозиметры. Осуществляется ежедневный контроль воздушного, пылевого и поверхностного загрязнения.
Компания Uranium One, представленная в Республике Казахстан своим филиалом UrAsia Energy Holdings Ltd., является одной из крупнейших в мире уранодобывающих компаний с глобально диверсифицированным портфелем международных активов в Казахстане, США и Танзании. 100% акций Uranium One принадлежат Государственной корпорации по атомной энергии «Росатом». В Казахстане Uranium One является крупнейшим партнером национального оператора АО «НАК «Казатомпром» и владеет 70% долей в СП «ЮГХК» (рудники Акдала и Южный Инкай), 50%-ной долей в СП «Каратау», 50%-ной долей в СП «Акбастау», 49,98%-ной долей в СП «Заречное» и 30%-ной долей участия в СП «Хорасан-U». В США Корпорация владеет 100% долей в руднике Willow Creek, а также имеет ряд разрабатываемых месторождений в бассейнах рек Powder River и Great Divide в штате Вайоминг.

Повышение результативности, качества, дешевизны, доступности и скорости выполнения геологоразведочных работ является актуальной задачей для развития и восполнения минерально-сырьевой базы Казахстана и мира в целом. Современный прогресс научных, компьютерных и программных решений, космических и авиационных технологий, открыли инновационные возможности в составлении Геологической отчётности и в методике проведения геологоразведочных работ на всех стадиях. Инновационные способы применения данных спутникового дистанционного зондирования земли и современных геоинформационных систем позволяют усовершенствовать методику составления Геологической отчётности и проектирования геологоразведочных работ с целью более качественного прогнозирования, поисков, разведки и эксплуатации пластово-инфильтрационных месторождения урана.

- by Adil A Mendygaliyev
- •
- Geology, Ore Geology, Mineral exploration, Uranium exploration

The paper maps the status of uranium in India and the legal and regulatory mechanisms to govern uranium in the country. This research analyses the Indian nuclear industry’s demand for natural uranium, its sources of supply and the legal framework that regulates the use of nuclear material in India. It has been conducted as a part of the global ‘Governing Uranium’ project, led by the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS). The project studies the governance of the production and trade of natural uranium. It has focused on the front end of the nuclear fuel
cycle. The objective of the project is to find any existing gaps in the global uranium governance and make recommendations for improving transparency, regulation and best practice in natural uranium.

- by Rajiv Nayan and +1
- •
- Global Governance, Strategic Studies, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Nuclear Weapons

Reservoir-infiltration uranium deposits («sandstone» type) today are the main active source of
uranium mineral raw materials in the world and the only one in Kazakhstan. Their main advantage in the form of
better environmental friendliness, productivity and minimum production costs creates prospects for their further
detection in various parts of the world. It is important to simplify and improve multi-stage, expensive and difficult
geological exploration works for the purpose of forecasting and searching them with affordable innovative solutions.
The available multispectral satellite imagery has opened up new opportunities for the study of uranium ore
provinces. Mapping of uranium ore provinces based on multispectral satellite imagery allows them to be compared
with certain key ore-controlling data from geological and geophysical studies. The near-surface visible nature of
geotectonic structures, climatic conditions and zonal anomalies are more easily and efficiently visualized using
modern space technologies and computer solutions. The explanation of the derived correlations with the geotectonic
and climatic conditions allows the use of multispectral images in order to simplify and improve the quality of
forecasting, prospecting and exploration of reservoir-infiltration uranium deposits. More advanced aerial and space
remote sensing methods make it possible to detect surface anomalies associated with this type of ore. The scientific
explanation of the nature of these anomalies and their role in the geological and genetic model of ore formation
creates a solid theoretical basis for improving the exploration methodology. The convergence of the results obtained,
their theoretical explanation, simplicity and convincingness of the results make it possible to make new predictions
of promising areas of reservoir-infiltration uranium regions for several of the key ore-controlling factors and use this
methodology in conjunction with other data from regional and local studies at all stages of exploration

- by Adil A Mendygaliyev
- •
- Geology, Ore Geology, Ore deposits, Uranium exploration
- by Caroline Johnson
- •
- Geology, Geometallurgy, Minerals Engineering, Uranium

В статье приведен обзор современного состояния минерально-сырьевой базы урана, отрабатываемого способом подземного скважинного выщелачивания. Озвучены актуальные проблемы и инновационные способы их решения. Предложены идеи геологоразведочных работ по развитию и восполнению минерально-сырьевой базы урана, а также перспективы извлечения попутных полезных компонентов. Обоснована важность, актуальность и целесообразность авторского мониторинга освоения разведанной минерально-сырьевой базы урана. Рассмотрены инновации в области подсчета запасов урана, позволяющие повысить достоверность результатов и их качество, а также ускорить их выполнение, обеспечить дополнительными сведениями, сделать более конфигурируемыми и минимизировать затраты.

- by Adil A Mendygaliyev
- •
- Geology, Mineral exploration, Uranium, Uranium exploration

ВНЕДРЕНИЕ ЛУЧШИХ МИРОВЫХ ПРАКТИК В СИСТЕМУ ПРЕДОТВРАЩЕНИЯ ЧРЕЗВЫЧАЙНЫХ ПРОИСШЕСТВИЙ И НЕСЧАСТНЫХ СЛУЧАЕВ НА УРАНОВЫХ ПРОИЗВОДСТВАХ В КОНТУРЕ URANIUM ONE/ В Казахстане Uranium One является крупнейшим партнером национального оператора АО «НАК «Казатомпром» и владеет 70% долей в СП «ЮГХК» (рудники Акдала и Южный Инкай), 50%-ной долей в СП «Каратау», 50%-ной долей в СП «Акбастау», 49,98%-ной долей в СП «Заречное» и 30%-ной долей участия в СП «Хорасан-U».Добыча осуществляется с применением наиболее экологически безопасной технологии скважинного подземного выщелачивания. Являясь сторонником экологически чистой энергетики, Uranium One поддерживает самые высокие стандарты в сфере защиты окружающей среды, обеспечения охраны жизни и здоровья сотрудников и создания благоприятных условий труда. При добыче урана методом ПСВ бóльшая часть радиоактивности рудного тела остается глубоко под землей, отсутствует рудная пыль и применяются обычные меры защиты от радиации. Работники проходят регулярное обследование на наличие загрязнения альфа-активными веществами, а для контроля гамма-облучения носят индивидуальные дозиметры. Осуществляется повседневный контроль на воздушное, пылевое и поверхностное загрязнение.
По инициативе нашей компании введен дополнительный контроль надежности и качества работы барьеров радиационной защиты персонала печных отделений рудников Южный Инкай и Буденновское. Этот метод с регулярным отбором биологических проб, которые в кодированном виде анализируются сторонней сертифицированной государственной лабораторией (в РГП Институт ядерной физики) позволяет объективно оценить действенность систем радиационной защиты и общей культуры обращения со слабо радиоактивным материалом.
Другим примером систематической работы являются изменения в системе материального поощрения высшего руководства совместных предприятий, разработанные и совместно внедряемые АО «НАК «Казатомпром» и Uranium One.

Fran Hein edited the EMD paper for the Journal of Natural Resources Research: Unconventional [and Alternative] Energy Resources: 2017 Review. This review presents six summaries for energy resource commodities including the commonly known unconventional energy resources, and an analysis of energy economics and technology for some of these commodities. Each section was prepared by the respective commodity committee leadership of the Energy Minerals Division of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Unconventional energy resources, as defined in this report, are those energy resources that do not occur in discrete oil or gas reservoirs held within stratigraphic and/or structural traps of sedimentary basins. Included are such energy resources as coalbed methane (CBM), tight gas and liquids, shale gas and liquids, bitumen and heavy oil, coal, uranium (U), thorium (Th), and associated rare earth elements of interest to industry, and geothermal energy. Current North American and global research and development activities are summarized for each of the unconventional [and alternative] energy resource commodities in separate topical sections of this paper.

- by Michael D Campbell, P.G., P.H. and +1
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- Geothermal Energy, Coal Mining, Nuclear power, Uranium exploration

By far the biggest use for uranium is to produce
electricity - the U.S. produces almost 20% of its
electricity via nuclear power. One pound (0.45 kg)
of yellowcake (U3O8—the final product of the uranium
milling process) has the energy equivalence of
35 barrels (5.6 m3) of oil. One 7 g (0.25 oz) uranium
fuel pellet has an energy-to-electricity equivalent of
17,000 cubic feet (481.4 m3) of natural gas, 564 l (3.5
barrels) of oil, or 1,780 pounds (807.4 kg) of coal.
Today, there are some 441 nuclear power
reactors operating in 30 countries and nuclear
energy provides approximately 15% of the worlds
electricity. These 441 reactors, with combined
capacity of over 376 GW (one GWe equals one
billion watts or one thousand megawatts), require
approximately 152 million pounds U3O8
(69,000 tonnes of uranium oxide, tU).

In that article I try to understand a scheme of trafficking from North Korea to China that had been organized by a then-North Korean state employee. That former state employee claimed to had smuggled several types of items and goods, including uranium ore and tungsten, to China's Far East before escaping to South Korea. For understanding that person's scheme, by help of my doctoral project's main interpreter in 2015 I personally interviewed that former participant of that illicit cross-border trade. That person's scheme had not worked without corruption, particularly by priorly paying bribes to North Korean security personnel. The article is included in the conference proceedings of the Kriminologische Gesellschaft. It is available for free. Please see pp. 304 - 312 of the 2018-published conference proceedings of the 2017-annual conference of the German Criminological Society Kriminologische Gesellschaft e.V. by using the following link: http://www.krimg.de/drupal/files/9783942865944.pdf

Uranium is a naturally-occurring radioactive element that is used mainly to generate nuclear power to produce relatively cheap electricity. Several developing countries have strived to acquire and utilize nuclear technology, as well as own the needed uranium raw materials. Although uranium can be found in trace amounts almost everywhere on the Earth's surface, economically recoverable concentrations as ore deposits are limited to a few geological environments. Out of more than 20 countries that mine uranium ore worldwide, only five countries account for over half of world's annual production, and 75% of such production is derived from sediment hosted and unconformity related deposits. Since the 1970s, Nigeria has aspired to find viable uranium deposits within its borders, particularly after vast deposits of uranium were discovered in the neighbouring country of Niger Republic in the 1960s. Despite Nigeria's supposed uranium mineralization potential, only a few occurrences have been discovered, none of which are economically viable. The known uranium occurrences are classified into four types based on their geological setting and mode of occurrence: (i) magmatic dissemination in peralkaline granites; (ii) epigenetic fissure-filling veins in granites/rhyolites; (iii) sandstone hosted; and (iv) phosphorite uranium. The sandstone hosted occurrences are of two subtypes; tectono-lithologic and stratiform. A conceptual framework is proposed utilizing several criteria to develop an exploration model that is focused on targets with substantive mineralization potential. Based on this model, it seems only the stratiform sandstone type uranium is considered as having any future exploration potential in Nigeria. Fortunately, the country is endowed with several Cretaceous riftogenic sedimentary basins, such as the Gongola Basin, Yola Basin, Borno Basin, Lower Benue Trough and Mamfe Embayment that contain several hundred meters thick basal arkosic sandstones and conglomerates of fluvial to deltaic origin and formed in rapidly subsiding depocenters overlying crystalline basement rocks. The formation of sandstone uranium deposits is often dependent, among other factors, on the nature, abundance and the reactivity of the uranium reducing agents which include organic materials, biogenic H2S and hydrocarbons. Several areas that have potential sources for uranium and the conducive environment to precipitate and preserve uranium within the stratigraphic sequence are proposed as potential exploration targets.

- by Moses OLADE
- •
- Uranium exploration, Uranium Geology
- by Michael Sheridan and +1
- •
- Economic Geology, Uranium exploration, Hydrothermal Ore Deposits

Mr. Campbell and Dr. Conca provided one of the 10 summaries for energy resource commodities on uranium, thorium, and rare earths (pp. 450-458). Other experts provided sections on geothermal, coal and unconventional energy resources, and on an analysis of energy economics and technology, all prepared by
committees of the Energy Minerals Division of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Unconventional energy resources, as used in this report, are those energy resources
that do not occur in discrete oil or gas reservoirs held in structural or stratigraphic traps in sedimentary basins. Such resources include coal-bed methane, oil shale, uranium and thorium
deposits and associated rare-earth elements of industrial interest, geothermal, gas shale and liquids, tight gas sands, gas hydrates, and bitumen and heavy oil. Current U.S. and global
research and development activities are summarized for each unconventional energy resource commodity in the topical sections of this report, followed by analysis of unconventional
energy economics and technology.

Mr. Campbell provided the section on uranium, thorium, and rare earths (pp. 62-79) in this 10 section review of energy resources. Immediately after the Fukushima tsunami
disaster in 2011, nuclear power seemed doomed,
again. Japan shut down all 54 of its reactors. Germany,
Switzerland, and other countries announced
grand plans to phase out nuclear completely and the
price of U plummeted by more than 40%. But today,
a shift back toward nuclear energy is underway. New
reactors are in planning and more are beginning
construction in the U.S. and around the world. Major
export economies in Europe and Asia have energy-
intensive industries that cannot eliminate
nuclear power plants on a whim. Research shows
that nuclear power is gaining popularity in both
governments and the general public around the
world. Although the U spot price has been languishing
in the low $40 range for some time, it is
apparent to many that U is on the critical tipping
point toward higher prices

Mineral exploration conducted during the summers of the latter 1970s and early 1980s by personnel of United Resources International (URI) on behalf of the Omega Energy Corporation confirmed the existence of mineralized zones containing anomalous uranium, thorium, and rare earths, and other metals in the Kachauik area and in the Death Valley area of the Eastern Seward Peninsula of Alaska. According to the policy announced by the senior author, this paper is based on data from the field work conducted by the senior author and associated URI personnel some 40 years ago and the work continues today. The geological mapping, sampling, and resulting analytical data, considered in the light of the detection limits, precision and accuracy of the analytical methods available at that time, remain relevant to mineral exploration today. Substantial work has been conducted on the metamict mineral referred to as allanite, and on the regional geology and geophysics over the past 40 years. This new information has also been incorporated in this paper. Field reconnaissance and sampling, and petrographic, chemical, XRD, microprobe, cathodoluminescence and metallurgical analyses conducted in the late 1970s indicate that the mineralized zones occur within a composite alkaline intrusive complex related to, but separate from, the Darby pluton of the Darby Mountains area. The areas sampled contain uranium that has been leaching into the groundwater. The rocks sampled also contain thorium and rare-earth elements associated with allanite and common accessory minerals. The major zone of mineralization examined appears to be related to prominent phonolite dikes that occur along its margin in monzonitic country rock. Metasomatic introduction of uranium, thorium, and rare earths related to dike intrusion is postulated as the mechanism of metallogenesis. Areas with associated faulting and favorable host rocks, e.g., contact metamorphosed rock within fractured carbonate and graphitic rocks, as well as other favorable rock types, occur in the immediate area. Of the total uranium contained in the whole-rock allanite-rich samples, approximately 88% is in one or more leachable mineral phases. Uranium present in one or more of the mineral phases is concentrated in the < 3.3% specific gravity fraction of the sampled examined. Approximately 85 to 90% by weight of the total uranium present in the rock occurs in this fraction, which averages approximately 0.15% c U 3 O 8. Uranium occupies lattice or inter-lattice positions within hornblende and feldspar and/or can also be present in separate uranium-bearing phases as minute inclusions within essential, varietal, and accessory minerals. The remainder of the uranium is present in the greater-than 3.3% specific gravity fraction, which also includes abundant allanite, the accessory minerals zircon, apatite, monazite, sphene, and other heavy minerals, such as siderite, barite, and magnetite. As a group, the heavy fraction contains approximately 10 to 15% by weight of the total uranium present in the whole rock.

Abstr act Var ious geochemical processes within the aquifer and anthropogenic activities in the area influence the spatial and tempor al var iations of sur face and groundwater quality. The pr esent study on seasonal var iati on and i nfluence of ur ani um mi ner al i sed zones i n gr oundwater quality ar ound K oppunur u based on monthly sampling fr om Febr uar y 2010 to Januar y 2011 indicates pr esence of 2–3388 ppb U and show or der of abundance of maj or cations as Na + >Ca 2+ >K + >M g 2+ while that of anions as HCO 3 – >Cl – >SO 4 2– >CO 3 2–. M ixed Ca–M g–Cl and Ca–HCO 3 ar e the dominant gr oundwater types in this ar ea. M ar ginal decr ease in Eh and cor r esponding incr ease in pH is quite appar ent dur ing post-M onsoon season. Na and SO 4 exhibit pr ogr essively decr easing tr end fr om pr e-to post-M onsoon season whi le r el ativel y hi gher content of CO 3 dur i ng post-M onsoon season suggests dissolution of calcar eous lithounits of Nar j i For mation by gr oundwater. High TDS, its linear ity with conductivity and str ong positive cor r elation among Na, K , Cl, SO 4 and TDS for all seasons ar e mainly due to low annual r ainfall/gr oundwater r echar ge and dominance of evapotr anspir ation process. Pr incipal Component Analysis (PCA) and Gibbs r atio plot suggest r ock–water inter action as maj or contr ibutor to the salinity and var iation in water chemistr y. M aj or ity of groundwater samples indicate negative Chloroalkaline indices (CAI) suggesting cation–anion exchange r eactions, wher ein M g and Ca fr om water ar e exchanged with Na and K available in silt/clay layer s of Banganapalle For mation. Based on BI S and WHO pr escr ibed limits, studied gr oundwater has limited suitability for human consumption on the grounds of moder ate to high har dness, salinity and TDS. However, the concentr ation of toxic element such as F is well within the desir ed limits, except one sample (upto 2.1ppm), while four samples show higher U content thr oughout the year as compar ed to the per missible limits of 30 ppb. Similar ly, pr edominance of low to medium SAR with medium to high conductivity categor izes the studied gr oundwater as suitable for ir r igation pur pose. K eywor ds: Groundwater geochemistr y, Ur anium, Pr incipal Component Analysis (PCA), Sodium Absor ption Ratio (SAR), Chloroalkaline I ndex (CAI), Water potability, Guntur. Groundwater geochemistry is primarily controlled by the aquifer lithology, rock–water chemical interacti on processes and cl imati c factors l i ke evaporati on, preci pi tati on, and evapotranspiration, which vary with changing seasons. Secondary controls, like interaction with disintegrated products of rock weathering, presence of sulphide species, tailings and mine dumps may l ead to the acidi fi cati on of the

- by RAHUL BANERJEE
- •
- Hydrogeochemistry, Uranium exploration

Parasia and adjoining areas expose Betul–Chhindwara crystalline complex, which falls in Central India Tectonic Zone (CITZ). It consists of volcano-sedimentary supracrustal assemblages, which are affected by post-tectonic mafic-ultramafic and granitic intrusives. The granitoids are profusely traversed by ENE–WSW, E–W to ESE–WNW trending fractures sympathetic to Son–Narmada mega lineament, which are occupied by quartz/quartzofeldspathic veins and cherty cataclasites. Higher radioelemental abundances are indicated by both, the granitoids (7–120ppm U3O8, 18–310ppm ThO2; n=16) and cherty cataclasites (54–3100 ppm U3O8, <50 ppm ThO2; n=97). Bulk rock compositions of granitoids have shown high total alkalis (upto 10.43%) with dominance of potash over sodium and significant enrichment of U, Th, Nb, Ta, Zr and REE relative to normal granites while cherty cataclasites have indicated high abundance of CaO, P2O5 and U. Granitoids have exhibited typical characteristics of silica and alumina saturated calc-alkaline rocks of anorogenic, post-collisional settings and classified as A-type granites. These highly evolved granitoids were probably generated by fractional crystallisation and progressive differentiation of crustal derived magma with some contribution from upper mantle sources. Evolutionary studies of cherty cataclasite show their derivation probably from residual liquid differentiates of tholeiitic basaltic magma, which segregates into dilatational veins at the time of basement reactivation. Uranium mineralisation in cherty cataclasites is mainly associated with fluorapatite and collophane as corroborated by sympathetic relationship of U with CaO and P2O5. Highly evolved HHP-granitoids (4.79–44.02μWm-3; av. 13.353μWm-3) together with radioactive cherty cataclasites can form a potential fertile source for uranium mineralisation in overlying Gondwana sediments.

- by RAHUL BANERJEE
- •
- Geochemistry, Granite and Associated Mineralization, Uranium, Uranium exploration

The features and similarities in the geology of paleovalley-related uranium mineralizing systems in Australia and China can be used to refine strategies for exploration. Paleovalley-related uranium resources include sandstone-, lignite-and calcrete-style deposits that are developed within the host sediments deposited in paleovalleys. The paleovalleys incise either crystalline bedrock or older sedimentary rocks, and uranium was deposited and concentrated by the influx of oxidized/reduced groundwaters flowing in aquifers within the paleovalley fill. The critical features of paleovalley-related uranium deposits include sediment and uranium sources, geological setting, depositional environment, age and relative timing of mineralization, aquifer characteristics, availability and distribution of reductants, and preservation potential of the uranium mineral system. This set of information provides a basis to establish the uranium mineralization model, which can then be used to assist with generating targets for uranium exploration and prospectivity analysis of a region. With respect to Sino-Australian examples, paleovalley-related uranium deposits form mostly around the margins of sedimentary basins and the mineralization is commonly hosted within channel fills contained within paleovalleys developed upon, or proximal to, Precambrian crystalline rocks that contain primary uranium sources. The deposits that have been well studied show remarkably similar factors that controlled the formation of paleovalley-related uranium deposits. Basement/bedrocks with above-background (2.8 ppm U) levels of uranium (10–100 ppm) that are linked to, and/or, incised by paleovalleys are associated with these deposits and are the inferred source of the uranium. In these regions, extensive fluvial systems developed particularly during Mesozoic and Cenozoic times, uranium from the bedrock was first dispersed into the sediments, and then concentrated to form deposits through successive chemical remobilization, precipitation and concentration. The deposits formed in continental or marginal marine environments, and commonly are associated with reduced lithologies, containing pyrite and dispersed organic matter and/or seams of lignite, or show evidence of infiltrated hydrocarbons. The mineralization is developed where oxidizing fluids (carrying dissolved U) reacted with reductants in the sediments. Geological, geophysical and geo-chemical features of the paleovalleys and related uranium deposits are used to construct models to understand host sediment distribution, fluid flow and ore genesis that can assist exploration for paleovalley-hosted uranium deposits. Precise geometric definition of the basin margin and paleovalley architecture is important in identifying exploration targets and improving the effectiveness of drilling. Refinements in remote sensing, geophysical and data processing techniques, in combination with sedi-mentological and depositional interpretations, provide an efficient approach for outlining the principal drainage patterns and channel dimensions. To help reduce risk, an exploration strategy should combine these technologies with a detailed understanding of the physicochemical parameters controlling uranium mobilization, precipitation and preservation.

- by John L Keeling
- •
- Uranium, Uranium exploration, Paleovalley

Igabi aerogravity dataset was interpreted to delineate litho-structural architectures that could favour the exploitation of potential economic minerals. The distribution of the gravity anomalies over the area ranged from-67.77 to-53.34 mGal. The upward continued bouguer anomaly maps at distance 500 m, 1 km, 2 km, 3 km, and 4 km revealed the variations of anomalous bodies with general regional trends in NW-SE, E-W, and NE-SW directions. The superimposed analytic signal indicated low amplitude signals for migmatites, schists, less dense felsic rocks (porphyritic granites) and fractures, while areas of high amplitude signals correlated with biotite granitic and gneissic rocks because of the denser mafic minerals in them. The second vertical derivative and tilt derivative maps revealed the anomaly patterns of shallow basement rocks and near circular closures anomalies that are associated with fractures within the granitic rocks. Spectral analysis suggested depth to gravity sources ranging between 0.3 km and 0.67 km for shallow, 0.90 km and 0.97 km for intermediate and 1.5 km to 1.86 km for deep sources, while Euler solution depths ranged from <1392.3 m to >2059 m. The results, therefore, suggested intense deformation of the basement rocks with tectonic framework suitable for mineralisation. ARTICLE HISTORY

- by Adedibu Sunny Akingboye and +1
- •
- Structural Geology, Potential Fields Geophysics, Tectonophysics, Mineral exploration

Southeastern part of Vindhyan–Mahakoshal basin developed along Son–Narmada mega rift zone exposes Palaeoproterozoic Mahakoshal and Meso- to Neo-proterozoic Vindhyan Supergroup of rocks over Chhotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex (CGGC). Both Mahakoshals and Vindhyans are affected by nearly 30 km long and 1 to 3 km wide ENE-WSW trending fault/shear zone, sympathetic to Son–Narmada mega lineament, extending from Tarka in the east to Baharia in the west in parts of Sidhi district, M.P. A number of surface radioactivity anomalies (22–540 ppmU3O8, <5 ppm ThO2; n=17) have been recorded in ferruginous breccia, phyllite and limestone in the vicinity of this fault/shear zone, where higher water radon content (14–9690 radon counts/50 sec.; n=156) also forms three anomalous clusters. The lithogeochemical sampling (n=162) in grid pattern across this fault/shear zone has indicated wide variation in trace element contents in different lithounits viz., V (5–873 ppm), Cr (22–3625 ppm), Co (6–246 ppm), Ni (5–702 ppm), Cu (<5–1548 ppm), Zn (<5–2201 ppm), Nb (<5–338ppm) and Zr (<5–4030ppm). Anomalous trace element values are mainly recorded in ferruginous breccia and phyllites/carbon phyllites. Integration of geological, geochemical and water radon data sets have indicated that anomalous trace element and radon concentrations are following the shear/breccia zone trends and forming two parallel bands. Presence of favourable factors such as highly fertile Neoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic basement-cum-provenance, episodic mafic and acid magmatism and basement reactivation generated channel-ways for hydrothermal activity have ultimately led to remobilisation and concentration of uranium and other trace elements at suitable locales viz. fracture/shear zones.

- by Eric E Hiatt and +2
- •
- Geochemistry, Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Geochronology

Uranium mineralization occurs in Palaeoproterozoic metasediments of the Aravalli Supergroup in the Umra area, Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India. The host rocks for mineralization were deposited in a shallow marine shelf type environment over an Archaean basement gneiss, the Banded Gneissic Complex. A reducing environment at the depositional site, associated with large-scale biogenic activity, was responsible for precipitation of uranium bearing minerals. Our structural analysis shows that the rocks of the mineralized area have been involved in four phases of deformation. The carbonaceous phyllite unit near Umra shows a ‘mirror-image’ pattern, resulting from the superposition of upright F2 folds with NE–SW striking axial planes over early (F1) isoclinal folds. The exploration block is located on one limb of the regional F2 fold.

- by Mrinal Kanti Roy
- •
- Geology, Uranium exploration
- by Eric E Hiatt and +1
- •
- Sedimentology, Sequence Stratigraphy, Diagenesis, Hydraulic and Hydrology

Spatial and temporal variations in chemistry of groundwater are primarily governed by hydrogeochemical processes within the aquifer and other anthropogenic activities. Chemical analyses of groundwater samples from areas under active exploration for uranium in central and western parts of Singhbhum Shear Zone (SSZ) have indicated low uranium (<1-9 ppb). The general order of dominance of the major cations are Ca 2+ > Na + > Mg 2+ > K + while that for anions are HCO3-> Cl-> SO4 2-> CO3 2-. Groundwater of these areas is categorized as HCO3 dominant, mixed Ca-Mg-Cl type pointing towards its meteoric nature. Gibbs ratio plot suggests rock-water interaction as major contributor to the salinity and variation in water chemistry. Low conductivity (Av. 0.4) and its linearity with major cations-anions can be attributed to adequate rainfall, thereby groundwater recharge in the area. Efficient groundwater recharge allows less residence time for water within the aquifer and limited cation-anion reaction to form complex with uranium. Near neutral pH level (Av. 7.4) and weak acidic nature (HCO3-> Cl-+ SO4 2-) of groundwater has restricted uranium solubility. In terms of salinity, hardness and uranium, the quality of the groundwater of the study area, is comparable to BIS and WHO prescribed limits. Further, predominance of low to medium SAR with medium to high conductivity categorizes the groundwater suitable for irrigation.

- by Shekhar Gupta
- •
- Uranium exploration
- by Caroline Johnson and +1
- •
- Geology, Geochemistry, Geometallurgy, Minerals Engineering

The Banganapalle Formation is the lowermost member of the Neoproterozoic Kurnool Group, which is underlain by the Neoarchaean biotite granite in the western part of the Palnad sub-basin of the Cuddapah Basin. The Banganapalle sediments are represented by 10–173m thick sequence of basal conglomerate/grit and quartzites, with shale intercalations in the Koppunuru– Chenchu colony area, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh. Significant uranium occurrences (up to 0.035% U 3 O 8 ; <0.005% ThO 2) hosted by the Banganapalle quartzite have been delineated in the area south of the Chenchu colony, which indicates disequilibrium of uranium in favour of the parent (U 3 O 8 (β/γ) : U 3 O 8 (Rae) = 1.05–1.39). The mineralised zones follow the NNW–SSE trending major structural grain of the area signifying their fracture controlled nature. Uranium mainly occurs as fine veinlets of pitchblende within chlorite, as globular patches of urano-organic complex in intergranular spaces, and in adsorbed state in clay, chlorite and iron oxides in the host rock, suggesting epigenetic nature of mineralization. These mineralised siliciclastic rocks show major quartz clast-supported texture, siliceous cement, minor clay/chlorite matrix and negligible lithic fragments, and exhibit high textural and chemical maturity. Based on petromineralogical and geochemical characters, these are classified as quartz arenite. Discriminant function analysis using major oxides indicates distinct quartzose sedimentary provenance, which is further substantiated by the presence of older siliciclastic rocks of the Cuddapah Supergroup to the west and north of the present study area. Furthermore, basement granitoids of adjoining areas have also contributed silica dominant clastic sediments to the system.

- by RAHUL BANERJEE and +3
- •
- Geochemistry, Sedimentology, Petrology and Geochemistry, Uranium exploration

Hydrogeochemical technique, an important tool in uranium exploration program, has been successfully utilised to delineate potential target zones in Baramkela–Saria–Ambabhona area, Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh exposing Mesoproterozoic sediments of Chandrapur and Raipur Groups (Chhattisgarh Supergroup) deposited over Neoarchaean to Palaeoproterozoic crystalline basement complex in predominantly soil covered area. Hydrogeochemical data of 139 groundwater samples has indicated <1–92ppb U, 0.12–2.63mmhos/cm conductivity, <1–200ppm SO4, 36–475ppm HCO3, 3–549ppm Cl, while pH ranges from 6.4 to 9.1. Other elements such as Na, K, Ca and Mg analysed upto 210ppm, 99ppm, 229ppm and 98ppm, respectively. Based on BIS and WHO prescribed limits, studied groundwater is moderately good for potability and irrigation purposes. Besides, statistical evaluation of processed U data has indicated 9 anomalous values above threshold whereas U/Conductivity ratio exhibits 11 anomalies after neutralization of effect of total dissolved salts (TDS). This has resulted in delineation of a distinct NE–SW trending anomalous uranium zone confined within calcareous shale of Gunderdehi Formation (Raipur Group) along Khorigaon–Bilaigarh tract coinciding with NE–SW trending lineament thereby suggesting its important role in mobilization and concentration of uranium.

- by RAHUL BANERJEE
- •
- Groundwater, Water Pollution, Hydrogeochemistry, Uranium exploration
- by Eric E Hiatt
- •
- Geology, Sedimentology, Hydrology, Sequence Stratigraphy

В статье рассмотрены проблемы слабого уровня развития и восполнения минерально-сырьевой базы урана Казахстана на фоне её интенсивного истощения, актуальность мониторинга её состояния и бережливости её отработки, решение по усовершенствованию методики её подсчёта. Освещён оптимистичный прогноз актуальности попутного извлечения благородных и редких металлов, а также огромных запасов цветных металлов.
The article deals with the problems of weak level of development and replenishment of the mineral resource base of uranium in Kazakhstan against the background of its intensive depletion, the relevance of monitoring its condition and the thrift of its development, the decision to improve the methodology of its calculation. The optimistic forecast of relevance of associated extraction of precious and rare metals, as well as huge reserves of non-ferrous metals is highlighted.
Мақалада уранның минералды-шикізат базасының игерілуінің әлсіз деңгейі мен оның қарқынды түрде кемуі жағдайында толықтыру, оның жай-күйін бақылау және оны игеру қарқыны, оны есептеу әдістемесін жақсарту туралы мәселелер талқыланады. Бағалы және сирек кездесетін металдарды, сондай-ақ түсті металдардың үлкен қорларын өндірудің маңыздылығы жөнінде оптимистік болжам жасалды.

- by Adil A Mendygaliyev
- •
- Geology, Mineral exploration, Uranium, Uranium exploration

Abstract: New occurrences of uranium mineralisation have been discovered in quartzite and siltstone/shale units of the
Gulcheru Quartzite Formation in the area to the north of E-W trending ldupulapaya fault around ldupulapaya,
·--- tvfa.layafamma Bhav!, Tipparajupalle and Cheruvula Bodu. Mineralisation occurs in the form of lensoid bodies of
Sm x 0.5 m to SO m x 1.5 m and is traced intermittently over an extent of 2000 m. Physical assay result of rock samples
(n=66) has indicated values from O.Ql I% tol .769% eUp8
, 0.017% to 1.868% U30 8 and <0.01 % Th02. Samples (n=21)
also analysed higher concentration of Cu (<25 ppm to 3202 ppm), Mo (<25 ppm to 472 ppm), Pb (<25 ppm to
2015 ppm), V (<25 ppm to 1010 ppm), Ag (<0.25 ppm to 3.92 ppm) and Au (<0.25 ppm to 1.40 ppm). Uranium
minerals identified are uranophane, autunite, uraninite, pitchblende and U-Ti complex in association with pyrite,
chalcopyrite, specular haematite and limonite. The above findings have opened up new potential target areas to look
for uranium in the southwestern margin of Cuddapah basin.

- by Ashutosh Dwivedi and +1
- •
- Uranium exploration

Unconformity related uranium mineralisation occurs in Banganapalle Formation of Palnad Sub-basin, Cuddapah Basin. Several evidences of hydrothermal activity exist in both basement granite and the cover sediments in Koppunuru and Rallavagu Tanda (R.V. Tanda) uranium prospects of Palnad Sub-basin. Profuse development of fracture ﬁlled veins consisting of epidote–quartz, chlorite–quartz and quartz is observed at various depths above and below unconformity. Fluid–rock interaction during the formation of these veins has resulted in the alteration of feldspars and maﬁc minerals of granite and arkosic quartzite into a mineral assemblage consisting of various proportion of illite, chlorite, muscovite and pyrite, with the intensity of alterations being highest near to the unconformity. Pyrite is often associated with illite dominant alteration zone. We infer that circulation of basinal brine through basement granite and cover sediments was responsible for mobilising uranium from granite and its precipitation at favourable locations in cover sediments. Increase in pH of ore ﬂuid due to illitisation and chloritisation of wallrock together with availability of carbonaceous matter and pyrite as reductant have controlled the localisation of uranium mineralisation in Banganapalle Formation.

- by Tresa Thomas and +2
- •
- Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, Ore Geology, fluid Inclusions
- by Eric E Hiatt and +1
- •
- Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Basin analysis, Uranium exploration
- by Eric E Hiatt and +1
- •
- Geochemistry, Sedimentology, Sequence Stratigraphy, Basin analysis

Radon emanometry (close circuit technique), an important tool for rapid evaluation of uranium potential in soil covered areas, was tested in three blocks in Beharchuwa–Bokarda–Labed area, Janjgir–Champa and Korba districts, Chhattisgarh to check the continuity of mineralisation in unconformity-related setup. Results have indicated radon values ranging from 3 to 1089 counts/50 sec. in studied blocks. A total of 8, 31 and 70 anomalies above threshold were delineated in block ‘a’ (262 counts/50 sec.), ‘b’ (270 counts/50 sec.) and ‘c’ (303 counts/50 sec.), respectively. Radon contour maps of block ‘a’, ‘b’ and ‘c’ have indicated E–W and NNE–SSW; WNW–ESE, NE–SW and N–S; and NW–SE, ENE–WSW and N–S trends, respectively, suggesting sub-surface fracture trends as well as uranium mineralized body in the vicinity. Radiometric assay results of soil samples collected from auger holes (block ‘a’: 2–7 ppm U3O8, 11–31 ppm ThO2, U/Th– 0.11 to 0.61; block ‘b’: 2–25 ppm U3O8, 9–54 ppm ThO2, U/Th– 0.07 to 1.19) have also indicated mineralisation potential of the area. This is further substantiated by ground checking along anomalous radon trends of block ‘b’, where uranium mineralisation (0.015–0.053% U3O8) was delineated along the unconformity contact in Pirhadehi Pahar area.

At the beginning of the industrial atomic age, launched by President Dwight Eisenhower's speech on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy (“Atoms for Peace”, addressed to the United Nations General Assembly, New York, 8 December 1953), and after the birth of the first atomic agencies in France (Commissariat a l'Énergie Atomique, 1945) and the United States (the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, 1946), the Comitato Nazionale per le Ricerche Nucleari (National Committee for Nuclear Research–CNRN) was also established in Italy (1952). The new institution, in 1960 became a self-governing organization with a modified name, Comitato Nazionale per l'Energia Nucleare (National Committee for Nuclear Energy–CNEN). Its mission was to promote and develop Italian research in nuclear science and technology. Mining and mineral exploration were among the early activities that the National Committee undertook beginning in 1954, when the Divisione Geomineraria (Geology and Mining Division) was established. A regional-scale geochemical and geophysical prospecting survey for U-Th bearing ores involved different Italian regions both in northern and in southern Italy. Geological surveys, for instance, were systematically carried out in the Alps beginning in 1954. They were run by three main teams of geologists. The paper aims to analyze the key factors that contributed to fostering the emergence of a new field of research about uranium and nuclear geology in Italy during the years immediately after WWII.

Here is what was covered during Mr. Campbell's presentation :  Gold and other Commodities on Properties in Queensland, Australia  Phosphate and Potash Properties in Queensland Australia  Uranium Properties in South Australia and Texas... more

Here is what was covered during Mr. Campbell's presentation
:
 Gold and other Commodities on Properties in Queensland, Australia
 Phosphate and Potash Properties in Queensland Australia
 Uranium Properties in South Australia and Texas
 Gold Properties in North Vietnam
 Uranium, Thorium, and Rare Earth Property in Alaska

- by Eric E Hiatt and +1
- •
- Geology, Sedimentology, Sequence Stratigraphy, Diagenesis
- by Bill Boberg
- •
- Geology, Mineral exploration, Uranium exploration
- by Eric E Hiatt and +1
- •
- Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Geochronology, Basin analysis
- by Eric E Hiatt and +1
- •
- Geology, Sedimentology, Diagenesis, Hydraulic and Hydrology