Types of uranium deposits in central Zhuguang Mountains in Hunan Province,South China and their metallogenic regularity and prospecting directions

The central Zhuguang Mountains in Hunan Province is located at the junction of the three provinces,namely Hunan,Jiangxi,and Guangdong,where the famous Lujing uranium ore field lies.The uranium deposits occurring in this area are all granite-related and they can be divided into three types,namely endogranitic ones,perigranitic ones,and contact zone types.The endogranitic uranium deposits are mainly controlled by the structural alteration zones developing within granites,with fragmentation,hematitization,and alkali metasomatism as their main mineralization characteristics.The perigranitic uranium deposits are mainly produced in the carbonaceous,siliceous,and argillaceous composite layers of epimetamorphic rocks and are controlled by fractured zones formed due to interlayer compression.The contact zone type uranium deposits mainly occur in the contact parts between the granites and favorable horizons.They have developed in favorable sections where multiple sets of structures are combined and intersected.The main metallogenic regularities of uranium in the central Zhuguang Mountains are as follows.The basic conditions for the uranium mineralization in this area include the framework consisting of regional deep large faults and their associated multi-set multi-direction favorable metallogenic structures,multi-cycle and multi-stage uranium-rich rock masses,and uranium-rich folded basement.Meanwhile,the uranium deposits in this area are closely related to granites in terms of genesis and space and they are formed in different structural parts subject to the same metallization.Furthermore,based on the summary of the characteristics and regularities of uranium mineralization in this area,the controlling factors of different types of uranium deposits in the area were explored and six metallogenic target areas were predicted.All these will provide references for the exploration of uranium deposits in this area.

Metallogenic Regularity of Hydrothermal Uranium Deposits in the Migmatite of the Kangdian Axis

1 Introduction The Kangdian axis is an important polymetallic metallogenic belt in Southwest China,and it is also an area with a lot of hydrothermal uranium mineralization(Wang Hongjun,et al.,2009.The basic

China's Technologies for Exploration and Mining of Uranium Deposits Have Stepped into the World's Top Team

On June 2011, the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology, an Institute within the China National Nuclear Corporation （CNNC）, and the Department of Geology ＆ Mining CNNC carried out a project Scientific Drilling.for Deep Metallogenic Research in the Xiangshan Large Uranium Ore Field. A year later on June 21, the project, representing the first scientific drilling of China＇s uranium, was officially launched, and successfully completed on June 17, 2013. A 2818.88 m of drilling depth has broken the previous record 1200 m of exploration depth.

DECOLLEMENT STRUCTURE AND METALLOGENIC PROGNOSIS FOR BURIED URANIUM DEPOSITS OF EAST HUNAN AND ITS ADJACENT AREA,CHINA

East Hunan and its adjacent area is defined as an intraplate orogenic zone with help of new theory of geology and multi-discipline research. The evolutionary stages, deep structrue, geological feature, rotation strain and metallogeny of NW-striking transfer fault zone are also discussed. NE-trending strike-slip fault zone, as a whole, entered action during Pacific movement and underwent 3 stages: the strike-slip shear, the pull-apart extension and the’ compressive thrust. The aurthors studied macro-and microscopic features of strike-slip fault and its control of uranium mineralization at Jinguangchung deposit by means of modern structure analysis, micro-submicroscopic investigation and geophysical measurement.

The Relationship between Jurassic Coal Measures and Sandstone-type Uranium Deposits in the Northeastern Ordos Basin,China

Outcrop and drill hole data show that the Jurassic coal measures in the northeastern Ordos Basin are composed mainly of the Yan’an Formation and the lowstand system tract of the Zhiluo Formation, and there is a regional unconformity between them. The Dongsheng uranium deposit is associated with the Jurassic coal measures. Research data indicate that the Jurassic coal measures in the study area have a certain hydrocarbon-generating capacity, although the metamorphic grade is low （Ro=0.40%–0.58%）. In the Dongsheng region alone, the accumulative amount of generated coalbed methane （CBM） is about 2028.29 × 108 –2218.72 × 108 m3; the residual amount is about 50.92 × 108 m3, and the lost amount is about 1977 × 108 m3. Analysis of the burial history of the host rocks and the evolutionary history of the Dongsheng uranium deposit suggests that the Jurassic coal measures generated hydrocarbon mainly from Middle Jurassic to Early Crataceous, which is the main mineralization phase of the Dongsheng uranium deposit. By the Late Cretaceous, a mass of CBM dissipated due to the strong tectonic uplift, and the Dongsheng uranium deposit stepped into the preservation phase. Therefore, the low-mature hydrocarbon-containing fluid in the Jurassic coal measures not only served as a reducing agent for the formation of sandstone-type uranium deposits, but also rendered the second reduction of paleo-interlayer oxidation zone and become the primary reducing agent for ore conservation. Regional strata correlation reveals that the sandstone-type uranium reservoir at the bottom of the Zhiluo Formation is in contact with the underlying industrial coal seams in the Yan’an Formation through incision or in the form of an unconformity surface. In the Dongsheng region with poorly developed fault systems, the unconformity surface and scour surface served as the main migration pathways for low-mature hydrocarbon-containing fluid migrating to the uranium reservoir.

Multistage Enrichment of the Sawafuqi Uranium Deposit: New Insights into Sandstone-hosted Uranium Deposits in the Intramontane Basins of Tian Shan, China

Meso-Cenozoic intracontinental orogenic processes in the Tian Shan orogenic belt have significant effect on the sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in the intramontane basins and those adjacent to the orogen. The Sawafuqi uranium deposit, which is located in the South Tian Shan orogenic belt, is investigated to reveal the relationships between uranium mineralization and orogenies. Recent exploration results show that the Sawafuqi uranium deposit has tabular, stratiform, quasi-stratiform, and lens-like orebodies and various geological characteristics different from typical interlayer oxidation zone sandstone-hosted uranium deposits. Systematic studies of ore samples from the Sawafuqi uranium deposit using a variety of techniques, including thin section observation, a-track radiograph, electron microprobe and scanning electron microscope, suggest that uranium mineralization is closely related to pyrite and organic matter. Mineralization-related alterations in the host rocks are mainly silicification and argillation including kaolinite, illite （and illite-smectite mixed layer） and chlorite. Tree stages of mineralization were identified in the Sawafuqi uranium deposit： （i） uranium-bearing detritus and synsedimentary initial pre-enrichment; （ii） interlayer oxidization zone uranium mineralization; and （iii） vein-type uranium mineralization. The synsedimentary uranium pre-enrichment represents an early uranium enrichment in the Sawafuqi uranium deposit, and interlayer oxidation zone uranium mineralization formed the main orebodies, which are superimposed by the vein-type uranium mineralization. Combining the results of this study with previous studies on the Meso-Cenozoic orogenies of South Tian Shan, it is proposed that the synsedimentary uranium pre-enrichment of the Sawafuqi uranium deposit was caused by Triassic Tian Shan uplift, and the interlayer oxidation zone uranium mineralization occurred during the Eocence-Oligocene period, when tectonism was relatively quiet, whereas the vein-type uranium mineralization took place in relation to the strong orogeny of South Tian Shan since Miocene.

Tests on Application of Soil Magnetic and Integrated Gamma Ray TLD and TC Methods to the Exploration of Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits

This paper introduces the test results of the soil magnetic survey and the integrated gamma-ray TLD and TC methods for sandstone-type uranium exploration and describes the prospecting mechanism. The tests have proved that these approaches have yielded good results on classifying the sedimentary facies, defining the redox transitional zones and reflecting deep mineralization information. They may probably become new methods on searching for sandstone-type uranium deposits.

Roles of Multisourced Fluids in the Formation of Sandstone-Hosted Uranium Deposits in the SW Songliao Basin, NE China

The sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in the SW Songliao Basin differ from typical sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in terms of the geological features of the ore-deposits,including the geometry of the orebodies,mineral assemblage and petrography.Detailed drill core and microscopic observations,scanning electron microscopy(SEM),electron microprobe analysis(EMPA),heavy mineral concentrates,and fluid inclusion studies of the Upper Cretaceous Yaojia Formation,i.e.,the uranium-bearing layer,were integrated to investigate the roles of hydrothermal fluids in the formation of these uranium deposits.We found that the kaolinite alteration is developed in the mineralized zones,but it is less common in the peripheral areas.The fluid inclusions are hydrothermal fluids with a medium-low temperature(67 to 179 ℃) and a high salinity(5.9 wt.% to 20.1 wt.%).According to the analyses,three kinds of hydrothermal fluids,i.e.,the acid fluid,the groundwater heated by the mafic magma,and the alkaline fluid rich in Ca^(2+) and CO_(3)^(2-),were identified.The fluids might have low U content,but they have participated in the formation of the uranium deposits successively.Kaolinite formed by the acid-hydrothermal fluid absorbed large amounts of uranium.Subsequently,the thermal energy from the hydrothermal fluids changed the intrastratal redox environment and increased the solubility of the uranium minerals in the fluid.The alkaline-hydrothermal fluid rich in Ca^(2+) and C0_(3)^(2-) facilitated the formation of stable Ca-U(Ⅵ)-CO_(3) complex,which led to the enrichment of soluble uranium in solution,and final precipitation as pitchblende,brannerite and Ti-bearing uranium minerals in the uranium ores.

Theoretical System of Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits in Northern China

Many theoretical results on sandstone-type uranium mineralization in northern China obtained by the uranium research team of the Tianjin Center of Geological Survey in recent years are presented.From the source sink system of uranium-producing basins,sedimentary environment of uranium-bearing rock series,ore-forming fluid information,evolution of tectonic events,basin formation and development,we redefine and classify uranium orebodies,redox zoning,and ore-controlling structural styles.We then systematically propose a theoretical system of sandstone-type uranium deposits in northern China.We conclude that sandstone-type uranium deposits in northern China are mainly found in sedimentary environments such as rivers,deltas,and alluvial fans in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic lowstand systems tract and in gray sandstone layers in the vertical redox zoning.The orebodies are controlled by the tectonic slope belt,which is in the shape of a strip on the plane,and spreads in a layer or plate on the section.Vertical(ups and downs)tectonic movement triggers large-scale phreatic flow in the basin,which is the real driving force for controlling the ore-forming fluid.The theoretical system of sandstone-type uranium deposits in northern China should be based on global tectonic movement and environmental changes and take into account factors such as basins as a unit to study mineralization background,ore concentration areas as objects to study mineralization,and the correlation between regional tectonic movement and metallogenic process as a breakthrough point to study tectonic events and metallogenic events.It should also be based on different basin types to establish metallogenic models.The innovative research results and ideas are summarized with the aim of promoting the continuous improvement of sandstone-type uranium mineralization theory in northern China.

Effects of hydrocarbon generation on fluid flow in the Ordos Basin and its relationship to uranium mineralization

The Ordos Basin of North China is not only an important uranium mineralization province, but also a major producer of oil, gas and coal in China. The genetic relationship between uranium mineralization and hydrocarbons has been recognized by a number of previous studies, but it has not been well understood in terms of the hydrodynamics of basin fluid flow. We have demonstrated in a previous study that the preferential localization of Cretaceous uranium mineralization in the upper part of the Ordos Jurassic section may have been related to the interface between an upward flowing, reducing fluid and a downward flowing, oxidizing fluid. This interface may have been controlled by the interplay between fluid overpressure related to disequilibrium sediment compaction and which drove the upward flow, and topographic relief, which drove the downward flow. In this study, we carried out numerical modeling for the contribution of oil and gas generation to the development of fluid overpressure, in addition to sedi- ment compaction and heating. Our results indicate that when hydrocarbon generation is taken into account, fluid overpressure during the Cretaceous was more than doubled in comparison with the simu- lation when hydrocarbon generation was not considered. Furthermore, fluid overpressure dissipation at the end of sedimentation slowed down relative to the no-hydrocarbon generation case. These results suggest that hydrocarbon generation may have played an important role in uranium mineralization, not only in providing reducing agents required for the mineralization, but also in contributing to the driving force to maintain the upward flow.

Dual Control of Depositional Facies on Uranium Mineralization in Coal-bearing Series： Examples from the Tuanyushan Area of the Northern Qaidam Basin, NW China

The uranium deposits in the Tuanyushan area of northern Qaidam Basin commonly occur in coal-bearing series. To decipher the U-enrichment mechanism and controlling factors in this area, a database of 72 drill cores, including 56 well-logs and 3 sampling wells, was examined for sedimentology and geochemistry in relation to uranium concentrations. The results show that coal-bearing series can influence uranium mineralization from two aspects, i.e., spatial distribution and dynamic control. Five types of uranium-bearing rocks are recognized, mainly occurring in the braided river and braided delta sedimentary facies, among which sandstones near the coals are the most important. The lithological associations of sandstone-type uranium deposits can be classified into three subtypes, termed as U-coal type, coal-U-coal type, and coal-U type, respectively. The coal and fine siliciclastic rocks in the coal- bearing series confined the U-rich fluid flow and uranium accumulation in the sandstone near them. Thus, the coal-bearing series can provide good accommodations for uranium mineralization. Coals and organic matters in the coal-bearing series may have served as reducing agents and absorbing barriers. Methane is deemed to be the main acidolysis hydrocarbon in the U-bearing beds, which shows a positive correlation with U-content in the sandstones in the coal-bearing series. Additionally, the 613C in the carbonate cements of the U-bearing sandstones indicates that the organic matters, associated with the coal around the sandstones, were involved in the carbonation, one important component of alteration in the Tuanyushan area. Recognition of the dual control of coal-bearing series on the uranium mineralization is significant for the development of coal circular economy, environmental protection during coal utilization and the security of national rare metal resources.

New Evidence for Genesis of the Zoige Carbonate-Siliceous-Pelitic Rock Type Uranium Deposit in Southern Qinling:Discovery and Significance of the 64 Ma Intrusions

The carbonaceous-siliceous-argillitic rock type uranium deposit in the Zoige area is located in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, and has gained much attention of many geologists and ore deposit experts due to its scale, high grade and abundant associated ores. Because of the insufficient reliable dating of intrusive rocks, the relationship between mineralization and the magmatic activities is still unknown. In order to study this key scientific issue and the ore-forming processes of the Zoige uranium ore field, the LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of magmatic rocks was obtained：64.08±0.59 Ma for the granite-prophyry and ~200 Ma for the dolerite. U-Pb dating results of uraninite from the Zoige uranium ore field are mainly concentrated on ~90 Ma and ~60 Ma. According to LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon dating, the ages for the dolerite, porphyry granite and granodiorite are 200 Ma, 64.08 Ma approximately and 226.5-200.88 Ma, respectively. This indicates that the mineralization has close relationship with activities of the intermediate-acidic magma. The ages of the granite porphyry are consistent with those uraninite U-Pb dating results achieved by previous studies, which reflects the magmatic and ore-forming event during the later Yanshanian. Based on the data from previous researches, the ore bodies in the Zoige uranium ore field can be divided into two categories：the single uranium type and the uranium with polymetal mineralization type. The former formed at late Cretaceous（about 90 Ma）, while the latter, closely related to the granite porphyry, formed at early Paleogene（about 60 Ma）. And apart from ore forming elemental uranium, the latter is often associated with polymetallic elements, such as molybdenum, nickel, zinc, etc.

Outline of Uranium Resources Characteristics and Metallogenetic Regularity in China

Uranium,as one of twenty-six kinds of important minerals in China,is strategic resource and energy mineral,which has been thoroughly investigated in the project of National Potential Evaluation of Uranium Resource.During the implementation of this project,the authors summarized the metallogenic regularity of uranium resource in China systematically,through the researches of geological characteristics of uranium resource,uranium deposits type（genetic and prediction type）,temporal and spatial distribution,and metallogenic series.Based on the investigation of present situation and progress in uranium exploration,this paper proposes the uranium deposits in China should be divided into 4 classes,9 types,21 subtypes in genetic,and 50 types in prediction;suggests to divide China into 29 uranium metallogenic belts and 20 uranium prospective area,and constructs 20uranium-polymetallic metallogenic series,through summarizing temporal and spatial distribution characteristics and metallogenic regularity of uranium deposits in China.The above research is beneficial to the comprehensive understanding of regional uranium metallogenic regularity,and will direct the uranium exploration in the future.

Origin and Superposition Metallogenic Model of the Sandstone-type Uranium Deposit in the Northeastern Ordos Basin,China

This paper deals with the metallogenic model of the sandstone type uranium deposit in the northeastern Ordos Basin from aspects of uranium source, migration and deposition. A superposition metallogenic model has been established due to complex uranium mineralization processes with superposition of oil-gas reduction and thermal reformation.

The Discovery of Natural Native Uranium and Its Significance

This study analyzed the composition and uranium valence of pitchblendes sampled from the hydrothermal Guidong and Zhuguang uranium deposits of the middle Nanling metallogenic belt, Southern China using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS）.A revolutionary discovery is that the uranium not only exists in the forms of tetravalent and hexavalent uranium oxides, but also occurs in the form of native uranium.This is the first discovery of the existence of native uranium in nature.It greatly helps to reveal the origin of hydrothermal mineralization of uranium, and also has great significance for studying the thermal energy, formation and evolution of the earth.

Uranium Provinces in China

Three uranium provinces are recognized in China, the Southeast China uranium province, the Northeast China-Inner Mongolia uranium province and the Northwest China (Xinjiang) uranium province. The latter two promise good potential for uranium resources and are major exploration target areas in recent years. There are two major types of uranium deposits: the Phanerozoic hydrothermal type (vein type) and the Meso-Cenozoic sandstone type in different proportions in the three uranium provinces. The most important reason or prerequisite for the formation of these uranium provinces is that Precambrian uranium-enriched old basement or its broken parts (median massifs) exists or once existed in these regions, and underwent strong tectonomagmatic activation during Phanerozoic time. Uranium was mobilized from the old basement and migrated upwards to the upper structural level together with the acidic magma originating from anatexis and the primary fluids, which were then mixed with meteoric water and resulted in the formation of Phanerozoic hydrothermal uranium deposits under extensional tectonic environments. Erosion of uraniferous rocks and pre-existing uranium deposits during the Meso-Cenozoic brought about the removal of uranium into young sedimentary basins. When those basins were uplifted and slightly deformed by later tectonic activity, roll-type uranium deposits were formed as a result of redox in permeable sandstone strata.

Evolution of Tectonic Uplift, Hydrocarbon Migration, and Uranium Mineralization in the NW Junggar Basin： An Apatite Fission-Track Thermochronology Study

The Mesozoic–Cenozoic tectonic movement largely controls the northwest region of the Junggar Basin（NWJB）, which is a significant area for the exploration of petroleum and sandstone-type uranium deposits in China. This work collected six samples from this sedimentary basin and surrounding mountains to conduct apatite fission track（AFT） dating, and utilized the dating results for thermochronological modeling to reconstruct the uplift history of the NWJB and its response to hydrocarbon migration and uranium mineralization. The results indicate that a single continuous uplift event has occurred since the Early Cretaceous, showing spatiotemporal variation in the uplift and exhumation patterns throughout the NWJB. Uplift and exhumation initiated in the northwest and then proceeded to the southeast, suggesting that the fault system induced a post spread-thrust nappe into the basin during the Late Yanshanian. Modeling results indicate that the NWJB mountains have undergone three distinct stages of rapid cooling： Early Cretaceous（ca. 140–115 Ma）, Late Cretaceous（ca. 80–60 Ma）, and Miocene–present（since ca. 20 Ma）. These three stages regionally correspond to the LhasaEurasian collision during the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous（ca. 140–125 Ma）, the Lhasa-Gandise collision during the Late Cretaceous（ca. 80–70 Ma）, and a remote response to the India-Asian collision since ca. 55 Ma, respectively. These tectonic events also resulted in several regional unconformities between the J3/K1, K2/E, and E/N, and three large-scale hydrocarbon injection events in the Piedmont Thrust Belt（PTB）. Particularly, the hydrocarbon charge event during the Early Cretaceous resulted in the initial inundation and protection of paleo-uranium ore bodies that were formed during the Middle–Late Jurassic. The uplift and denudation of the PTB was extremely slow from 40 Ma onward due to a slight influence from the Himalayan orogeny. However, the uplift of the PTB was faster after the Miocene, which led to re-uplift and exposure at the surface during the Quaternary, resulting in its oxidation and the formation of small uranium ore bodies.

Elemental Geochemistry of the Interlayer Oxidation Zonein the Shihongtan Sandstone Type Uranium Deposit, Xinjiang

According to the oxidation intensity of ore-hosting sandstone, the interlayer oxidation zone of the Shihongtan sandstone-type uranium deposit in the Turpan-Hami basin can be divided into 4 geochemical subzones, namely, intenselyoxidized, weakly-oxidized, redox and unoxidized primary subzones. The elemental geochemical characteristics of the four subzones have been studied in detail, and the results show that U, together with other elements such as Re, Mo, Se, Sr, S, REE, Corganic etc., is enriched in the redox subzone. Re and U have similar geochemical properties in the reductionoxidation process. The geochemical properties of Mo and Se are similar to those of U in the reduction condition, but different from those of U in the oxidation condition. It is proposed that the ore-hosting layers can provide a curtain mount of uranium for uranium mineralization.

Biomineralization of Uranium: A Simulated Experiment and Its Significance

A simulated experimental reduction of and the synthesis of uraninite by a sulfate-reducing bacteria, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans DSM 642, are first reported. The simulated physicochemical experimental conditions were: 35°C, pH=7.0-7.4, corresponding to the environments of formation of the sandstone-hosted interlayer oxidation-zone type uranium deposits in Xinjiang, NW China. Uraninite was formed on the surface of the host bacteria after a one-week's incubation. Therefore, sulfate-reducing bacteria, which existed extensively in Jurassic sandstone-producing environments, might have participated in the biomineralization of this uranium deposit. There is an important difference in the order- disorder of the crystalline structure between the uraninite produced by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and naturally occurring uraninite. Long time and slow precipitation and growth of uraninite in the geological environment might have resulted in larger uraninite crystals, with uraninite nanocrystals arranged in order, whereas the experimentally produced uraninite is composed of unordered uraninite nanocrystals which, in contrast, result from the short time span of formation and rapid precipitation and growth of uraninite. The discovery has important implications for understanding genetic significance in mineralogy, and also indicates that in-situ bioremediation of U-contaminated environments and use of biotechnology in the treatment of radioactive liquid waste is being contemplated.

Genesis of green sandstone/mudstone from Middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation in the Dongsheng Uranium Orefield, Ordos Basin and its enlightenment for uranium mineralization

The middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation in the Dongsheng is comprised of a big set of green sandstone/mudstone with most of uranium orebodies occurring in close proximity to its footwall.By synthesizing field observations,region analysis,data collected from previous coal and uranium borehole,a regional north-south geological profile across the entire orefield is conducted.Experiments on sandstone/mudstone including rock mineral identification,clastic micromorphology and element geochemistry were carried out.Information from the geological profile indicates that green sandstone/mudstone is widely present in a stable horizon with clear boundaries to the country rock.Microscopic observations and geochemical data on sandstone/mudstone exhibit similar mineral composition with almost identical slightly flat,minor Eu enriched,Ce depleted chondrite-normalized REE patterns.Furthermore,the green clay membrane of the clasts has a complex composition containing chlorite/smectite,green smectite,chlorite,and green kaolinite,with elements including Fe,Mg,Si,and Al.These above results indicate that the green sandstone/mudstone underwent resemble sedimentary diagenetic processes as the country rock without transformation by large-scale regional fluid,while the existence of Fe2+-rich membrane is the main factor to the green sandstone/mudstone.Further concentration of the pre-enrichment uranium during diagenetic process led to the final formation for uranium deposits.The above studies are conducive to enrich the metallogenic mechanism of sandstone type uranium deposits and could provide certain reference for uranium exploration and deployment.