Favourable geological environments for uranium mineralization, Peninsular Malaysia

An appraisal of the 1977–1978 regional reconnaissance geochemical data obtained under the Central Belt Project indicated that the Boundary Range Granite, the Senting Granite, and the Benom Igneous Complex appear to constitute favourable uranium exploration targets. Results of the airborne survey subsequently flown within the Project area in 1980 showed high radiometric responses over these and other granitoids. Recent follow-up of a multi-element geochemical anomaly over the Boundary Range Granite has resulted in the discovery of some uraninite-bearing boulders and an abnormally radioactive ironstained quartz vein containing uranium-bearing rhabdophane and florencite. Yet another potential target appears to be the Main Range Granite. Although not within the Project area, it has the distinction of hosting the first recorded uranium occurrence in Peninsular Malaysia.Contrary to earlier belief, the importance of the continental Mesozoic Tembeling and Gagau Groups as possible uranium hosts has been reduced, judging from the poor airborne radiometric response and the overall low geochemical results. On the other hand the Tertiary basins, not previously accorded attention, should be assessed.