Geochemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Uranium and Thorium Deposits
Closed for Proposals
Project Type
Coordinated Research ProjectProject Code
T11007
CRP
2006
Approved Date
05.09.2014Project Status
ClosedStart Date
21.04.2015Expected End Date
20.10.2018Completed Date
24.04.2019Participating Countries
KenyaDescription
With increased need for uninterrupted, long-term and sustainable supply of uranium, it has become important to look into augmenting the resource base, and making the mining and extraction more efficient and environmentally friendly. This requires a deeper understanding of the genesis of uranium and thorium deposits under various geological environments with complex mineralization processes through analysis of the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of each deposit. Such information will be helpful in guiding further exploration and optimization of extraction and production, and in effective environmental management. The proposed CRP will look into complete geochemical and mineralogical characterization of uranium and thorium deposits, including production of high precision data on major, minor and trace elements; stable and radioactive isotopes; identification of major uranium, thorium and other ore minerals; and fluid inclusion studies. The outputs are expected to enrich the IAEA databases on uranium and thorium — World Distribution of Uranium Deposits (UDEPO) and World Thorium Deposits and Resources (ThDEPO) — and help understand the global distribution of uranium and thorium resources in a consistent manner and thus provide valuable inputs for their sustainable development.
Objectives
Geochemical assay and mineralogical study of ore samples from all major geologic types in major uranium and thorium provinces and energy basins to aid understanding of the genesis of the mineralization leading to higher success rates in exploration, optimization of production, and effective environmental management. The CRP will pay special attention on identification of all the valuable economic commodities and multi-elemental associations in uranium and thorium ore samples, which can lead to the comprehensive extraction of all critical materials?along with uranium and thorium and make the operations sustainable. ?Stable and radioactive isotope studies will aid geo-forensic ‘fingerprinting’ of the uranium and thorium resources.?
Specific Objectives
Geochemical assay, isotopic analysis and mineralogical studies of mineralised samples from major geologic types from important uranium and thorium provinces and energy basins. This will lead to better understanding of the genesis of uranium and thorium deposits and geochemical and mineralogical constraints on mineralization process.
Beneficiation studies for uranium deposits (i.e. Egypt and Argentina)
Development of analytical techniques for trace element analysis
Geochemical characterization of uranium and thorium deposits
Geochronology of select deposits
Mineralogical studies of uranium and ore minerals
Rare earth element?characteristics of uranium deposits
Impact
New geochemical and mineralogical data from the research conducted under this CRP has resulted in a better understanding of the genesis of uranium and thorium mineralization, improved the evaluation of uranium and thorium resources, and in some cases will have implications for processing and production of these resources. Several collaborations were developed among countries involved in the CRP (Argentina, Canada, China, France, Madagascar, Ukraine and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela), and one country not directly involved in the CRP (the United States of America), and collaborations were also developed amongst institutions within the countries. Twenty-eight publications (including abstracts) and two manuscripts are under preparation. Eight graduate degrees (PhD and MSc) were reported in association with CRP activities.
Relevance
New geochemical and mineralogical data from the research conducted under this CRP has resulted in a better understanding of the genesis of uranium and thorium mineralization, improved the evaluation of uranium and thorium resources, and in some cases will have implications for processing and production of these resources.
CRP Publications
Argentina/National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA)
Meeting Paper
2016
Bello C., Lopez L., Ferreyra P., Uranium potential assessment of Argentina using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Proceedings of the XI Argentine Congress of Economic Geology, Salta, Argentina, 7-9 September 2016.
Ukraine/M.P. Semenenko Institute of geochemistry, mineralogy and ore formation
Abstract
2019
Mykhalchenko I.I., Shumlyanskyy L.V., Soesoo A., Correlation of uranium with lanthanides in Th-U-bearing albitites of the Novooleksiivla occurrence. In: Abstract volume of the conference dedicated to the 50-th anniversary of the M.P. Semenenko Institute of geochemistry, mineralogy and ore formation (Kyiv, 2019). V.1, P. 86-87. (In Ukrainian)
Ukraine/M.P. Semenenko Institute of geochemistry, mineralogy and ore formation
Extended abstract
2019
Shumlyanskyy L.V., Z.Y. Li., The source of metasomatic fluids for U-bearing albitites of the Central Ukrainian Uranium Province according to the data about Sr and Nd isotope compositions. In: Abstract volume of the XXII conference on isotope geochemistry dedicated to the Academician A.P. Vinogradov, Moscow. (In Russian).
Ukraine/M.P. Semenenko Institute of geochemistry, mineralogy and ore formation
Extended Abstract
2016
Mykhalchenko I.I., Shumlyanskyy L.V., Soesoo A., Rare earth elements in Th-U-bearing albitites of the Novooleksiivka occurrence, the Ukrainian shield. In abstract volume of the X international conference (Kryvyi Rih national University, 24-26 November 2016), p. 34-39.
Argentina/National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA)
Extended abstract
2018
Lopez L., Uranium resources and perspectives for nuclear supply in Argentina. IAEA International Symposium on Uranium Raw Material for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Exploration, Mining, Production, Supply and Demand, Economics and Environmental Issues (URAM-2018). Vienna, Austria, 2018. Book of abstracts and extended abstracts: 242-246.
Ghana/University of Ghana (UG) and Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)
Paper under preparation
In progress
Dampare, S.B. Asiedu, D.K., Agbetsoamedo, J.E., Aidoo, F., Hanson, J., Blay, S.S. Uranium Potential of Black Shales from the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous Takoradi Shale Formation, Sekondian Group, Ghana. Manuscript under preparation
Argentina/National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA)
Extended abstract
2018
Alvarez J., Lopez L., Parra F., Bello C., Anzil P., Salvatore M., Scarlatta L., Ferreyra P., Miyno S., Felkai E., Hanly A., Cuney M., Mercadier J., Lira R., New studies of uranium deposits related to granites in Argentina. IAEA International Symposium on Uranium Raw Material for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Exploration, Mining, Production, Supply and Demand, Economics and Environmental Issues (URAM-2018). Vienna, Austria, 2018. Book of abstracts and extended abstracts: 35-38.
Argentina/National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA)
Meeting Paper
2016
Ceballos E., Zelaya A., Molina Castillo J.,Hydrothermal alteration, structure and metallogenesis in the Central Sector of the Franca uranium mine (Catamarca). Proceedings of the XI Argentine Congress of Economic Geology, Salta, Argentina, 7-9 September 2016.
Argentina/National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA)
Extended abstract
2015
Lira R., Parra F., Bardelli F., Galliski M., Scarlatta L., Amazonite from miarolitic NYF-pegmatites and primary accessory minerals of the A-type La Chichilla granite, Sierra de Velasco, La Rioja Province, Argentina. Proceedings of the 7th International Symposium on Granitic Pegmatites, PEG 2015 Ksiaz, Poland.
Kenya/University of Nairobi
Paper
2018
Kaniu M. I. and Angeyo H. K. Occurrence and Multivariate Exploratory Analysis of the Natural Radioactivity Anomaly in the South Coastal Region of Kenya. Radiation Physics and Chemistry (2018) 146: 34-41.
China/East China University of Technology
Paper
2019
Wang, K.-X., Yu, C.-D., Yan, J., Liu, X.-D., Liu, W.-H., Pan, J.-Y., Petrogenesis of Early Silurian granitoids in the Longshoushan area and their implications for the extensional environment of the North Qilian Orogenic Belt, China. Lithos 342-343, 152-174.
Kenya/University of Nairobi
Paper
2018
Rapid In Situ Gamma-Ray Spectrometric Assessment of the Mrima-Kiruku High Background Radiation Anomaly Complex of Kenya. J. of Environmental Radioactivity (2018) 188:47-57.
Ukraine/M.P. Semenenko Institute of geochemistry, mineralogy and ore formation
Extended Abstact
2017
Mykhalchenko I.I., Shumlyanskyy L.V., Soesoo A., Correlation of thorium with lanthanides in Th-U-bearing albitites of the Novooleksiivla occurrence. In abstract volume of the XIII Ukrainian conference (Kryvyi Rih national University, 22-24 March, 2017), p. 22-28. (In Ukrainian)
Kenya/University of Nairobi
Conference presentation
2017
Wabwile J. M., Angeyo H. K. and Dehayem-Massop A. Quantitative Raman Microspectrometry of Uranium in Individual Aerosols over a Model Nuclear Atmosphere. Colloquium Spectroscopic International XL, 11-16 June 2017, Pisa, Italy (Oral).
Kenya/University of Nairobi
2017
Conference Poster
Kaniu, M. I., Darby I. G. and Angeyo K. H. In-Situ Gamma-Ray Spectrometric Assessment of the Radiation Anomaly Associated with Kenya's South Coast Paved Road and Adjoining Environs. 7th International Symposium on IN SItu NUclear MEtrology as a tool for radioecology –INSINUME 2017, 24–28 April 2017, Ohrid, Macedonia (Poster).
Austria/IAEA
Abstract/Conference poster
2018
Summary poster of CRP project. Contributions from all CSIs edited by project officer A. Hanly.IAEA Coordinated Research Project on Geochemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Uranium and Thorium Deposits. Uranium Raw Material for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Exploration, Mining, Production, Supply and Demand, Economics and Environment issues, Vienna, Austria. 25 - 29 June.
Ghana/University of Ghana (UG) and Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)
Paper under preparation
In progress
Agbetsoamedo, J.E., Aidoo, F., Hanson, J., Blay, S.S., Asiedu, D.K., Dampare, S.B. Geochemical characteristics of the Takoradi black shale formation from the Sekondian Group, southernwestern Ghana: implications for palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate. Manuscript under preparation
Ghana/University of Ghana (UG) and Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)
Abstract
2018
Dampare, S.B., Asiedu, D.K., Agbetsoamedo, J.E., Aidoo, F., Hanson, J., Blay, S.S (2018). Geochemical and mineralogical studies of uranium potential of the late Devonian to early Carboniferous Takoradi Black Shale, Sekondian Group, Ghana. International Symposium on Uranium Raw Material for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Exploration, Mining, Production, Supply and Demand, Economics and Environmental Issues (URAM-2018), 25–29 June 2018, Vienna, Austria.
Argentina/National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA)
Meeting Paper
2016
De la Hoz G., Supergenic mineralization of Las Termas uranium deposit, Fiambala Ranges, Catamarca. Proceedings of the XI Argentine Congress of Economic Geology, Salta, Argentina, 7-9 September 2016.
Argentina/National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA)
Meeting paper
2016
Molina Castillo J., Zelaya A., Gorustovich S., Guidi F., Alteration belts in the Center - South Sector of the Franca uranium mine (Catamarca). Proceedings of the XI Argentine Congress of Economic Geology, Salta, Argentina, 7-9 September 2016.
Ukraine/M.P. Semenenko Institute of geochemistry, mineralogy and ore formation
Extended Abstract
2018
Shumlyanskyy L., Sr-Nd-Pb isotope systematics of U-bearing albitites of the Central Ukrainian Uranium Province: implication for the source of metasomatizing fluids URAM2018 meeting abstract volume, p. 387-392.
Argentina/National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA)
Extended abstract
2017
Anzil P., Salvatore M., Parra F., Scarlatta L., Miyno S., Bello F., Análisis textural y química mineral de la mineralización de uranio Alipan, Sierra de Velasco, La Rioja. Implicancias sobre la edad de la mineralización (Textural analysis and chemical composition of the Alipan uranium mineralization, Sierra de Velasco, La Rioja, Argentina. Implications about the age of mineralization). XX Congreso Geológico Argentino, ST 4: 2-4 p, Tucuman, Argentina.
Kenya/University of Nairobi
Conference Poster
2018
M.J. Wabwile. K.H. Angeyo and A. Dehayem-Massop. Characterization of Uranium Bearing Aerosols Utilizing Drop Coating Deposition Based Peak Free Raman Microspectrometry Combined with Multivariate Curve Resolution. 26th International Conference on Raman Spectroscopy. August 26 - 31 2018, Jeju, Korea (Poster).
Ukraine/M.P. Semenenko Institute of geochemistry, mineralogy and ore formation
Abstract
2019
Shumlyanskyy L.V., Mykhalchenko I.I., Isotope composition of Sr, Nd and Pb in albitites of the Central Ukrainian Uranium province. In: Abstract volume of the conference dedicated to the 50-th anniversary of the M.P. Semenenko Institute of geochemistry, mineralogy and ore formation (Kyiv, 2019). V.1, P. 124-125. (In Ukrainian)
Ghana/University of Ghana (UG) and Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC)
Abstract
2016
Agbetsoamedo, J.E., Asiedu, D.K., Dampare, S.B. & Kwayisi, D (2016). Geochemistry and uranium potential of black shales from the late Devonian to early Carboniferous Takoradi Shale Formation, Sekondian Group, Ghana. 26th Colloquium of African Geology (CAG26) and the 16th Congress of the Geological Society of Africa (GSAf), 23–27 November 2016, Ibadan, Nigeria., Abstracts Volume, p.78
Kenya/University of Nairobi
Conference Poster
2017
Bhatt B., Angeyo H. K. and Dehayem-Massop A. Rapid Nuclear Forensics Analysis via Machine Learning Enabled LIBS. International Conference on Women in Physics, July16 – July20, 2017 Birmingham, United Kingdom (Poster).
China/East China University of Technology
Paper
2020
Wensheng, L., Weimin, Q., Liming, W., Zhiming, D., Uranium Mineralogical and Chemical Features of the Na-Metasomatic Type Uranium Deposit in the Longshoushan Metallogenic Belt, Northwestern China.
Argentina/National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA)
Extended abstract
2017
Ceballos E., Zelaya A., Gorustovich S., Estudios complementarios de alteración hidrotermal en el depósito de uranio Mina Franca, provincia de Catamarca, Argentina (Complementary studies of hydrothermal alteration in the Mina Franca uranium deposit, Catamarca province, Argentina). XX Congreso Geológico Argentino, ST 4: 16-19 p, Tucuman, Argentina
China/Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy (BRICEM)
Paper
2020
Proceedings of the 28th International Conference on Nuclear Engineering. Title: Synergetic oxidation in AlkaliNE In-situ Leaching Uranium-A preliminary case study
Kenya/University of Nairobi
Paper
2018
Bhatt B., Angeyo K. H. and Dehayem-Massop A. LIBS Development Methodology for Forensic Nuclear Materials Analysis and Attribution. Analytical Methods (2018)10: 791-798.