uranium deposits. geography of u deposits – usa states with mineable resources states currently...
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Geography of major U Deposits – USATRANSCRIPT
Uranium Deposits
Geography of U Deposits – USAStates with mineable resources
States currently producing U3O8
Geography of major U Deposits – USA
North Dakota’s Uranium Deposits
Sedimentary Host Rocks
• Sandstones and Arkoses– Porous– Permeable– Lower pH than incoming water
• Coal and lignite beds– Also have low pH compared to inflowing water
Sedimentary-hosted Uranium Deposits
• Very high tonnage but lower grade (compared to unconformity type)
• U transported by ground water
• U deposited as water encounters a reducing environment (organic matter or gas, sulfide minerals)
• Drop in pH results in precipitation of U minerals in pore spaces.
Prerequisites for a Sedimentary-hosted Uranium deposit
1) Source of U2) Coarse sands with good porosity and
permeability3) Ground water flow (naturally oxygenated) –
ideally channelized, high rate of flow4) Reduction zone – heavy minerals, decaying
organic matter
Uranium Deposit host RocksWasatch Formation - PRB
Fort Union Formation - PRB
Wind River Formation, Puddle Springs Member – Gas Hills
Wind River FormationShirley Basin
Battle Spring FormationGreat Divide Basin