Migration of brines in the basement rocks of the Athabasca Basin through microfracture networks (P-Patch U deposit,Canada)

The unconformity-type uranium deposits of the Athabasca Basin (Saskatchewan, Canada) are hosted near the unconformity between a middle Proterozoic intracratonic sedimentary basin and an Archean to Paleo-Proterozoic metamorphic and plutonic basement. These deposits, which are considered to be the richest U deposits in the world, are the result of massive basinal fluid migrations in the basement rocks.This study shows that basinal brines have strongly penetrated into the basement not only through faults and major pathways but also by way of dense networks of microfractures which favoured the percolation of fluids down to considerable depths (hundred metres below the unconformity) and their chemical modification (salinity increase) by interaction with basement lithologies. These processes are one of the major causes of uranium mobility within the basement rocks and the formation of unconformity-type mineralization.Microfracture networks, which opened during the basinal brine stage (ca. 1600–1400 Ma) are interpreted as sets of mode I cracks corresponding to a specific stage of deformation and occur as fluid inclusion planes after healing. The stress field at that stage (σ₁ = N130–150 °E, subvertical) partly reopened the earlier microcrack networks (σ₁ = N80–110 °E and N130–150 °E, subvertical) issued from the Trans-Hudson Orogeny late retrograde metamorphic stage (ca. 1795–1720 Ma). The circulation of the two types of fluids (carbonic and brines) occurs thus at two distinct events (Trans-Hudson Orogeny late retrograde metamorphism for carbonic fluids and maximal burial diagenesis for brines) but the same main microfissure geometry was used by the fluids. This demonstrates the existence of a similar stress field direction acting before and after the basin formation. Moreover, the brine circulations in the basement acted in a wider volume than the clay-rich alteration halo surrounding the U-ores, generally considered as the main envelope of fluid percolation outside the fault systems. The data on the chemistry of the fluids and on the geometry of their migration at various scales emphasise the fundamental role of the basement in the chemical evolution of highly saline brines linked to unconformity-related uranium mineralization in the Athabasca Basin.     

Re-evaluation of the petrogenesis of the Proterozoic Jabiluka unconformity-related uranium deposit, Northern Territory, Australia

The world class Jabiluka unconformity-related uranium deposit in the Alligator Rivers Uranium Field, Australia, contains >163,000 tons of contained U₃O₈. Mineralization is hosted by shallow-to-steeply dipping basement rocks comprising graphitic units of chlorite–biotite–muscovite schist. These rocks are overlain by flat-lying coarse-grained sandstones belonging to the Kombolgie Subgroup. The deposit was discovered in 1971, but has never been mined. The construction of an 1,150 m decline into the upper eastern sector of the Jabiluka II deposit combined with closely spaced underground drilling in 1998 and 1999 allowed mapping and sampling from underground for the first time. Structural mapping, drill core logging and petrographic studies on polished thin sections established a detailed paragenesis that provided the framework for subsequent electron microprobe and X-ray diffraction, fluid inclusion, and O–H, U–Pb and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar isotope analysis. Uranium mineralization is structurally controlled within semi-brittle shears that are sub-conformable to the basement stratigraphy, and breccias that are developed within the hinge zone of fault-related folds adjacent to the shears. Uraninite is intimately associated with chlorite, sericite, hematite ± quartz. Electron microprobe and X-ray diffraction analysis of syn-ore illite and chlorite indicates a mineralization temperature of 200°C. Pre- and syn-ore minerals extracted from the Kombolgie Subgroup overlying the deposit and syn-ore alteration minerals in the Cahill Formation have δ¹⁸O_fluid and δD _fluid values of 4.0±3.7 and −27±17‰, respectively. These values are indistinguishable from illite separates extracted from diagenetic aquifers in the Kombolgie Subgroup up to 70 km to the south and east of the deposit and believed to be the source of the uraniferous fluid. New fluid inclusion microthermometry data reveal that the mineralising brine was saline, but not saturated. U–Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ratios of uraninite by laser-ablation ICP-MS suggest that massive uraninite first precipitated at ca. 1,680 Ma, which is coincident with the timing of brine migration out from the Kombolgie Subgroup as indicated by ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of 1,683±11 Ma from sandstone-hosted illite. Unmineralized breccias cemeted by chlorite, quartz and sericite cross-cut the mineralized breccias and are in turn cut by straight-sided, high-angle veins of drusy quartz, sulphide and dolomite. U–Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ratios combined with fluid inclusion and stable isotope data indicate that these post-ore minerals formed when mixing between two fluids occurred sometime between ca. 1,450 and 550 Ma. Distinct ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age populations occur at ca. 1,302±37, 1,191±27 and 802±57 Ma, which respectively correlate with the intrusion of the Maningkorrirr/Mudginberri phonolitic dykes and the Derim Derim Dolerite between 1,370 and 1,316 Ma, the amalgamation of Australia and Laurentia during the Grenville Orogen at ca. 1,140 Ma, and the break-up of Rodinia between 1,000 and 750 Ma.     

A Rapid In Situ Method for Determining the Ages of Uranium Oxide Minerals: Evolution of the Cigar Lake Deposit,Athabasca Basin

We present a rapid and accurate technique for making in situ U-Pb isotopic measurements of uranium oxide minerals that utilizes both electron and ion microprobes. U and Pb concentrations are determined using an electron microprobe, whereas the isotopic composition of Pb for the same area is measured using a high-resolution ion microprobe. The advantages of this approach are: mineral separation and chemical digestion are unnecessary; homogenous uranium oxide standards, which are difficult to obtain, are not required; and precise and accurate U-Pb ages on ～10 μm spots can be obtained in a matter of hours. We have applied our method to study the distribution of U-Pb ages in complexly intergrown uranium oxides from the unconformity-type Cigar Lake uranium deposit, Saskatchewan, Canada. In situ U-Pb results from early formed uraninite define a well-correlated array on concordia with upper and lower intercepts of 1467 ± 63 Ma and 443 ± 96 Ma (±lσ), respectively. The 1467 Ma age is interpreted as the minimum age of mineralization and is consistent with the age of clay-mineral alteration (～1477 Ma) and magnetization of diagenetic hematite (1650 to 1450 Ma) that is associated with these unconformity-type uranium deposits and early diagenesis of the Athabasca Basin sediments. In situ U-Pb isotopic analyses of uraninite and coffinite can document the Pb?/U heterogeneities that can occur on a scale of 15 to 30 μm, thus providing relatively accurate information regarding the timing of fluid interactions associated with the evolution of these deposits.     

The Ranger uranium deposit,northern Australia: Timing constraints,regional and ore-related alteration,and genetic implications for unconformity-related mineralisation

The Ranger 1 unconformity-related uranium deposit in the Northern Territory of Australia is one of the world's largest uranium deposits and has ranked in the top two Australian producers of uranium in recent years. Mineralisation at the Ranger, Jabiluka and other major unconformity-related deposits in the Alligator Rivers Uranium Field (ARUF) occurs in Paleoproterozoic metamorphic basement rocks immediately beneath the unconformity with the Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic McArthur Basin.The sites of uranium mineralisation and associated alteration at the Ranger 1 deposit (Number 3 orebody) were fundamentally controlled by reactivated shear zones that were initiated during the regional Nimbuwah tectonothermal event. The timing of shearing at medium metamorphic grade was constrained by ion microprobe U–Pb dating of zircons in two pegmatites, one weakly foliated (1867.0 ± 3.5 Ma) and another that is unfoliated and cuts the shear fabric (1862.8 ± 3.4 Ma). The younger age of ~ 1863 Ma represents the minimum age of D1 shearing during the Nimbuwah event at the Ranger 1 deposit (Number 3 orebody). Titanite within veins of amphibole-plagioclase-apatite yielded an ion microprobe U–Pb age of 1845.4 ± 4.2 Ma, which represents a previously unrecognised hydrothermal event in the ARUF. Based on previous data, retrograde hydrothermal alteration during D2 reactivation of D1 shear zones is interpreted to have occurred at ~ 1800 Ma during the regional Shoobridge tectonothermal event.Detailed paragenetic observations supported by whole-rock geochemical data from the Ranger 1 deposit (Number 3 orebody) reveal a sequence of post-D2 hydrothermal events, as follows. (1) Intense magnesium-rich chlorite alteration and brecciation, focussed within schists of the Upper Mine Sequence in the Cahill Formation. (2) Silicification of Lower Mine Sequence carbonate rock units and overlying schist units, comprising quartz ± Mg-foitite (tourmaline) ± muscovite ± pyrite ± marcasite, and rare uraninite (early U1). (3) Formation of main stage uranium ore and heterolithic breccias including clasts of olivine–phyric dolerite, with breccia matrix composed of uraninite (U1), Mg-chlorite ± Mg-foitite and minor pyrite and chalcopyrite. (4) A second generation of uraninite (U2) veinlets with disordered graphitic carbon and quartz of hydrothermal origin. (5) Late-stage veinlets of massive uraninite (U3). As inferred in a previous study and confirmed herein, olivine–phyric dolerite dykes at Ranger are mineralised and chloritised, and are geochemically similar to the regional Oenpelli Dolerite. A maximum age for uranium mineralisation at the Ranger 1 deposit is therefore set by the age of the Oenpelli Dolerite (~ 1723 Ma).In-situ ion microprobe U–Pb analysis of texturally oldest U1 uraninite yielded a discordia array with a ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U-²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U upper intercept age of 1688 ± 46 Ma. The oldest individual ion microprobe ²⁰⁷Pb–²⁰⁶Pb age is 1684 ± 7 Ma whereas the oldest age determined by in-situ electron microprobe chemical dating of U1 uraninite is ~ 1646 Ma. Another sample containing both U1 and U2 uraninite yielded discordant data with a ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U–²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U upper intercept age of 1421 ± 68 Ma. When the ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ages are considered the data are suggestive of U2 uraninite formation and possible resetting of the U1 age between ~ 1420 Ma and ~ 1040 Ma. All ion microprobe analyses of U1 and U2 uraninite indicate variable and possibly repeated lead loss. In contrast ion microprobe U–Pb dating of the third generation of uraninite (U3) yielded several near-concordant analyses and a ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U–²⁰⁷Pb/²³⁵U upper intercept age of 474 ± 6 Ma. This age is supported by electron microprobe chemical ages of U3 uraninite between 515 Ma and 385 Ma.The new results constrain the timing of initial uranium mineralisation at the Ranger 1 deposit (Number 3 orebody) to the period ~ 1720 Ma to ~ 1680 Ma, which just overlaps with a previous U–Pb age of 1737 ± 20 Ma for uraninite-rich whole-rock samples. Our results are consistent with individual laser-ICPMS ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb and chemical ages of uraninite as old as 1690–1680 Ma reported from other deposits and prospects in the ARUF.Whole-rock geochemical data in this study of the Ranger 1 deposit (Number 3 orebody) and in other studies in the ARUF demonstrate that zones of intense chloritisation associated with uranium mineralisation experienced large metasomatic gains of Mg, U, Co, Ni, Cu and S and losses of Si, Na, Ca, Sr, Ba, K, Rb, Y and the light REE. More broadly in the ARUF, a regionally extensive illite–hematite ± kaolinite-bearing ‘paleoregolith’ zone in basement beneath the McArthur Basin exhibits depletion of about half of its uranium as well as major losses in Na, Sr, Pb, Ba and minor losses of Mg. These features together with new petrographic observations suggest this zone is a regional sub-McArthur Basin alteration zone produced by interaction with diagenetic or hydrothermal fluids of primary basinal origin, rather than representing a low-temperature paleo-weathering zone before the deposition of the McArthur Basin, as previously suggested.Based on these results and a synthesis of previous work, a new multi-stage model is proposed for the Ranger 1 ore-forming mineral system that may apply to other major unconformity-related uranium deposits in the ARUF and which may be used for targeting new deposits in the region. As in most recent models, oxidised diagenetic brines within the McArthur Basin are envisaged as crucial in mobilising uranium. However, a different architecture of fluid flow is proposed involving the sub-unconformity regional basement alteration zone as a preferential source of leached uranium. Possibly driven by convection during regional magmatism at ~ 1725–1705 Ma, oxidised basinal brines were drawn downwards and laterally through fault networks and fractures in the regional sub-unconformity alteration zone, leaching uranium from hematite-altered basement rocks. Simultaneously within deeper and lateral parts of the hydrothermal system, Mg-metasomatism produced chloritic alteration and brines with increased acidity and silica content (from the desilicification of the basement rock), analogous to processes described in sub-seafloor hydrothermal systems. Silicification occurred locally (e.g., Ranger deposit) within upflow zones of convective systems due to decreases in temperature and/or pressure of the brines and/or CO₂ generation during carbonate dissolution. Interruptions to convection during transient regional extensional or strike-slip tectonic events resulted in generalised lateral and downwards flow of fluids from the McArthur Basin through deepened zones of sub-unconformity alteration, transferring leached uranium into reactivated shear zones within the basement. The main stage of uraninite precipitation at the Ranger deposit and elsewhere in the ARUF is proposed to have occurred between ~ 1720 Ma and ~ 1680 Ma as a result of reduction of oxidised and evolved basin-derived ore fluids during reaction with pre-existing Fe^2 +-bearing minerals and/or mixing of the ore fluids with basement-reacted silica-rich brines.A second, volumetrically minor but locally high-grade, stage of uraninite mineralisation was associated with hydrothermal disordered carbon and quartz of presently unknown origin. Available data suggest formation between ~ 1420 Ma and ~ 1040 Ma. Almost a billion years later at ~ 475 Ma, fluids capable of mobilising uranium again resulted in uraninite (U3) deposition as sparse veinlets in the Ranger deposit, representing the first documentation of uranium mineralisation of this age in the region.     

Geochemical signatures of uranium oxides in the Lufilian belt: From unconformity-related to syn-metamorphic uranium deposits during the Pan-African orogenic cycle

The Pan-African Lufilian belt (Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo) is known for its world-class copper and cobalt deposits. In addition, the Lufilian Copperbelt hosts several uranium occurrences concentrated within deformed siliciclastic rocks of the basal Neoproterozoic Katanga Supergroup. We report LA-ICPMS and EMP analyses of the rare earth element (REE) and yttrium (Y) abundances (designated as the REY signatures) of uranium oxides from two uranium mineralizing events of the Lufilian belt previously dated at 652 ± 8 Ma and 530 ± 6 Ma by the U–Pb method on uraninite. Uranium oxides dated at ca. 650 Ma from the External fold-and-thrust belt are characterized by (i) bell shape REE patterns centered on middle REE (MREE), (ii) positive europium (Eu) anomalies and (iii) relatively low Y contents. In contrast, uranium oxides dated at ca. 530 Ma from the Domes region are characterized by (i) REE patterns but with a less pronounced light REE (LREE) fractionation, (ii) negative Eu anomalies and (iii) higher Y contents. Moreover, the External fold-and-thrust belt also contains uranium mineralization dated at ca. 530 Ma having the same characteristics as the ca. 530 Ma uranium oxides from the Domes region (a moderately fractionated REE pattern and a negative Eu anomaly).As REY signatures are known to reflect mineralizing processes, the distinct geochemical signatures of the two uranium oxide generations (ca. 650 Ma and ca. 530 Ma) provide meaningful information about the uranium cycle during the Pan-African orogeny. Compared to the REY signatures of the known worldwide uranium deposit types, the REY signature of uranium oxides dated at ca. 650 Ma of the External fold-and-thrust belt is similar to the REE patterns from unconformity-related U deposits (Athabasca in Canada and Kombolgie in Australia). Uranium oxides of the Domes region and some of the External fold-and-thrust belt display similar characteristics to syn-metamorphic U deposit (Mistamisk in Canada). Accordingly, we propose that the two stages of uranium oxide crystallizations within the Lufilian belt, at ca. 650 and ca. 530 Ma, occurred under distinct physico-chemical conditions. The first stage, at ca. 650 Ma, may be related to late diagenesis hydrothermal processes, at the basement/cover interface, with the circulation of highly saline basinal brines linked to evaporites of the Roan Group. This Pan-African unconformity-related uranium deposit is the youngest of this type described to date. The second stage may be connected to metamorphic fluid circulations, at about 530 Ma, during the Lufilian orogeny in the Domes region and also in the External fold-and-thrust belt.     

Chemical and Sr isotopic characterization of North America uranium ores: Nuclear forensic applications

This study reports major, minor, and trace element data and Sr isotope ratios for 11 uranium ore (uraninite, UO_2+x) samples and one processed uranium ore concentrate (UOC) from various U.S. deposits. The uraninite investigated represent ores formed via different modes of mineralization (e.g., high- and low-temperature) and within various geological contexts, which include magmatic pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, sandstone-hosted, and roll front deposits. In situ trace element data obtained by laser ablation-ICP-MS and bulk sample Sr isotopic ratios for uraninite samples investigated here indicate distinct signatures that are highly dependent on the mode of mineralization and host rock geology. Relative to their high-temperature counterparts, low-temperature uranium ores record high U/Th ratios (>1000), low total rare earth element (REE) abundances (<1 wt%), high contents (>300 ppm) of first row transition metals (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni), and radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (>0.7200). Comparison of chondrite normalized REE patterns between uraninite and corresponding processed UOC from the same locality indicates identical patterns at different absolute concentrations. This result ultimately confirms the importance of establishing geochemical signatures of raw, uranium ore materials for attribution purposes in the forensic analysis of intercepted nuclear materials.     

Mineral chemistry and oxygen isotopic analyses of uraninite,pitchblende and uranium alteration minerals from the Cigar Lake deposit,Saskatchewan, Canada

The Cigar Lake unconformity-type U deposit is one of the largest and highest grade U deposits in the Proterozoic Athabasca Basin, northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Cigar Lake has recently been the focus of an international, 3-a, collaborative program in which this U deposit was studied as a natural analogue for a spent nuclear fuel repository. The deposit is located near the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin, 430 m below the surface, at the intersection between Hudsonian-age faults and the unconformity between Athabasca group sandstones and Aphebian metasediments. Three stages of U mineralization have been identified based on cross-cutting relationships and textures observed in thin section and back-scattered electron (BSE) images, O isotope data and chemical compositions. All stages of U mineralization have been variably altered to Ca-rich, U-hydrate minerals or uranyl oxide hydrate minerals and coffinite.UPb chemical ages of the 3 stages of U mineralization from Cigar Lake coincide with the 3 major fluid events that precipitated clay and silicate minerals at 1500 Ma, 950 Ma, and 300 Ma, throughout the entire Athabasca Basin. Stage 1 and 2 uraninite and pitchblende have the lowest δ¹⁸O values that range from −30.1 ‰ to −15.2‰; whereas, stage 3 uraninite has δ¹⁸O values ranging from −10.0‰ to −3.4‰. Uranyl oxide hydrate minerals have δ¹⁸O values that range from −11.3‰ to −8.2‰; whereas, uranyl minerals have much higher δ¹⁸O values. Based on UPb chemical ages,δ¹⁸O values, and petrographic relationships of U alteration minerals associated with primary U mineralization, the Cigar Lake U ore is similar to U ore from other unconformity-type U deposits in the Athabasca Basin. Therefore, the Cigar Lake ore deposit, although surrounded by clay and sandstone barriers, has been effected by the same fluid events that have altered other unconformity-type U deposits in the Athabasca Basin.The 3 stages of ore formation and associated alteration minerals permit the detailed study of fluids responsible for U deposition and alteration. This information provides the necessary context for the evaluation of the Cigar Lake deposit as a “natural analogue” for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel in underground vaults in rocks of the Canadian Shield.     

Mesoproterozoic rift sedimentation,fluid events and uranium prospectivity in the Cariewerloo Basin,Gawler Craton,South Australia

The Cariewerloo Basin formed in the Mesoproterozoic following assembly of the Gawler Craton, South Australia, and was filled by arenaceous redbeds of the Pandurra Formation. While previous regional-scale work reveals a basin with similar size and sedimentary fill to the Proterozoic Athabasca and Kombolgie basins that host unconformity-related uranium deposits, few details of the Cariewerloo Basin are known. In this study, stratigraphy, petrography, lithogeochemistry, stable isotope geochemistry and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology are integrated to clarify the depositional history of the Pandurra Formation, and to assess fluid events in the basin that could be linked to the formation of uranium deposits. In the study area, the Pandurra Formation was deposited in two eastward-thickening packages that terminate at faulted basement uplifts, interpreted as half-grabens that formed in a continental rift system as the eastern Gawler Craton underwent extension. Deposition occurred between 1575 Ma (latest Hiltaba Suite age) and ca 1490 Ma, the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of diagenetic illite in the basal Pandurra. Diagenesis involving fluids having δ¹⁸O and δ²H values between –2.1 and 3.6‰, and between –66 and –8‰, respectively, occurred at around 150°C. Protracted diagenesis preferentially occurred in the upper Pandurra Formation based on petrography and Pearce Element Ratios that show complete replacement of detrital lithic and feldspathic grains by diagenetic phyllosilicates, and younger ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages between ca 1330 and 1200 Ma that record fluid events later into basin history. Conversely, the basal Pandurra Formation shows better preservation of detrital grains, and older ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages around 1450 Ma that suggest these strata became closed to fluid flow earlier in basin history. Although, based on O-isotope ratios, fluid–rock interaction did not occur in the Cariewerloo Basin to the same extent as that in the Athabasca or Kombolgie basins, it is possible that a uranium deposit formed where the upper Pandurra Formation was in contact with metasedimentary basement units outside the present basin margins.     

粤北石角围花岗岩型铀矿床沥青铀矿LA-ICP-MS原位U-Pb定年研究

石角围花岗岩型铀矿床位于粤北下庄铀矿田东部,沥青铀矿是矿床的主要矿石矿物,也是厘定成矿年龄的理想对象。前人采用同位素稀释法(ID-TIMS)和电子探针U-Th-totalPb化学定年法获得的成矿年龄为38～138Ma,但前人年龄变化范围大,可靠性有待考究,难以有效约束矿床的成矿时代。本文利用LA-ICP-MS原位微区分析技术,对石角围矿床矿石中沥青铀矿开展了原位U-Pb定年。研究表明:沥青铀矿的206Pb/238U年龄为52. 46～56. 89Ma,加权平均年龄为54. 68±0. 53Ma(MSWD=1. 19,n=18)。本次沥青铀矿原位U-Pb定年与前人相比更好地避免了矿物包裹体、后期次生变化、显微裂隙等因素的影响,获得的沥青铀矿原位U-Pb同位素年龄代表矿床的成矿年龄。本研究获得的石角围矿床成矿年龄(～55Ma)与华南花岗岩型铀矿床主成矿期(～50Ma)相一致,指示石角围矿床铀成矿作用与华南岩石圈局部伸展作用下的断裂构造活动密切相关。     

电子探针化学测年在攀枝花大田晶质铀矿中的应用及其意义

晶质铀矿和沥青铀矿是热液铀矿床的主要工业铀矿物,在研究热液铀矿床成因及成矿规律方面具有重要的意义。攀枝花大田地区是我国混合岩型热液铀矿分布区,已发现粗粒特富铀矿滚石(铀含量10%)及较富基岩矿石(铀含量为0.1%~2%),主要铀矿物为晶质铀矿,对两种晶质铀矿成分及形成时代的研究对该区混合岩型热液铀矿成矿规律研究具有重要的价值。本文通过对大田地区滚石中的晶质铀矿和基岩矿石中的晶质铀矿进行矿物学及电子探针分析,研究了晶质铀矿的成分及形成时代。结果表明:(1)大田地区滚石和基岩矿石中的晶质铀矿除铅之外化学成分较为相似,两类矿石晶质铀矿中UO_2含量为77.36%~84.04%,ThO_2含量为0.98%~5.59%,PbO含量为1.79%~8.8%,其中滚石晶质铀矿中的铅含量低于基岩晶质铀矿,钍含量高于基岩晶质铀矿;(2)电子探针化学定年结果表明,基岩矿石晶质铀矿的形成时代为774.9~785.5 Ma,滚石晶质铀矿的形成时代为783.7 Ma,与传统同位素测年结果(775~777.6 Ma)非常一致,一方面说明滚石晶质铀矿和基岩晶质铀矿为同一时代的产物,另一方面说明电子探针原位测年方法是可靠的;(3)在后期的热液蚀变中,晶质铀矿先后发生了硅化、碳酸盐化及赤铁矿化,蚀变发生的时间分别为730.6Ma、699.8 Ma和664.0 Ma。此结论对研究攀枝花大田地区热液铀矿成矿时代及成矿作用过程提供了依据。     

Late Permian–Triassic metallogeny in the Chinese Altay Orogen: Constraints from mica 40Ar/39Ar dating on ore deposits

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) constitutes the largest Phanerozoic accretionary orogen on Earth. It extends over 5000 km and hosting numerous metal deposits. The Chinese Altay Orogen, an important element of the CAOB, hosts abundant Devonian (ca. 410–370 Ma) deposits. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of seven mica separates from the representative samples syngenetic with orogenic-type mineralization is summarized to record a poorly studied Permian to Triassic metallogenic episode in the Chinese Altay Orogen. The Kelan and Maizi basins in the Chinese Altay Orogen, which likely represent an arc accretionary complex, contain a series of polymetallic lode deposits hosted in low-grade metamorphic volcano–sedimentary rocks. Two muscovite and five biotite separates were obtained from the ore-forming veins paragenetically associated with Au-bearing polymetallic sulfides in the Keketale Pb–Zn, Wulasigou Cu, Tiemurt Pb–Zn, Dadonggou Pb–Zn and Sarekuobu Au deposits. These separates yielded ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar plateau ages ranging from 260 Ma to 205 Ma. Integration of these results with other published geological and geochronological data indicates that the Au–Cu–Pb–Zn mineralization post-dated the final CAOB assembly, with fluid movement and mineralization possibly driven by regional metamorphism and deformation. It is herein proposed for a metallogenic model that the metamorphic fluid migration following final assembly of the CAOB results into the formation of the deposits.     

Geochemical,isotopic, and geochronlologic constraints on the formation of the Eagle Point basement-hosted uranium deposit,Athabasca Basin,Saskatchewan, Canada and recent remobilization of primary uraninite in secondary structures

The Athabasca Basin hosts many world-class unconformity-related uranium deposits. Recently, uranium reserves for the Eagle Point basement-hosted deposit have increased with the discovery of new mineralized zones within secondary structures. A paragenetic study of Eagle Point reveals the presence of three temporally distinct alteration stages: a pre-Athabasca alteration, a main alteration and mineralization comprised of three substages, and a post-main alteration and mineralization stage that culminated in remobilization of uraninite from primary to secondary structures. The pre-Athabasca alteration stage consists of minor amounts of clinochlore, followed by dolomite and calcite alteration in the hanging wall of major fault zones and kaolinitization of plagioclase and K-feldspar caused by surface weathering. The main alteration and uranium mineralization stage is related to three temporally distinct substages, all of which were produced by isotopically similar fluids. A major early alteration substage characterized by muscovite alteration and by precipitation Ca–Sr–LREE-rich aluminum phosphate-sulfate minerals, both from basinal fluids at temperatures around 240°C prior to 1,600 Ma. The mineralization substage involved uraninite and hematite precipitated in primary structures. The late alteration substage consists of dravite, uranophane-beta veins, calcite veins, and sudoite alteration from Mg–Ca-rich chemically modified basinal fluids with temperatures around 180°C. The post-main alteration and mineralization stage is characterized by remobilization of main stage uraninite from primary to secondary structures at a minimum age of ca. 535 Ma. U–Pb resetting events recorded on primary and remobilized uraninites are coincident with fluid flow induced by distal orogenies, remobilizing radiogenic Pb to a distance of at least 225 m above the mineralized zones.     

Magmatic and hydrothermal behavior of uranium in syntectonic leucogranites: The uranium mineralization associated with the Hercynian Guérande granite (Armorican Massif,France)

Most of the hydrothermal uranium (U) deposits from the European Hercynian belt (EHB) are spatially associated with Carboniferous peraluminous leucogranites. In the southern part of the Armorican Massif (French part of the EHB), the Guérande peraluminous leucogranite was emplaced in an extensional deformation zone at ca. 310 Ma and is spatially associated with several U deposits and occurrences. The apical zone of the intrusion is structurally located below the Pen Ar Ran U deposit, a perigranitic vein-type deposit where mineralization occurs at the contact between black shales and Ordovician acid metavolcanics. In the Métairie-Neuve intragranitic deposit, uranium oxide-quartz veins crosscut the granite and a metasedimentary enclave.Airborne radiometric data and published trace element analyses on the Guérande leucogranite suggest significant uranium leaching at the apical zone of the intrusion. The primary U enrichment in the apical zone of the granite likely occurred during both fractional crystallization and the interaction with magmatic fluids. The low Th/U values (< 2) measured on the Guérande leucogranite likely favored the crystallization of magmatic uranium oxides. The oxygen isotope compositions of the Guérande leucogranite (δ¹⁸O_{whole rock} = 9.7–11.6‰ for deformed samples and δ¹⁸O_{whole rock} = 12.2–13.6‰ for other samples) indicate that the deformed facies of the apical zone underwent sub-solidus alteration at depth with oxidizing meteoric fluids. Fluid inclusion analyses on a quartz comb from a uranium oxide-quartz vein of the Pen Ar Ran deposit show evidence of low-salinity fluids (1–6 wt.% NaCl eq.), in good agreement with the contribution of meteoric fluids. Fluid trapping temperatures in the range of 250–350 °C suggest an elevated geothermal gradient, probably related to regional extension and the occurrence of magmatic activity in the environment close to the deposit at the time of its formation. U-Pb dating on uranium oxides from the Pen Ar Ran and Métairie-Neuve deposits reveals three different mineralizing events. The first event at 296.6 ± 2.6 Ma (Pen Ar Ran) is sub-synchronous with hydrothermal circulations and the emplacement of late leucogranitic dykes in the Guérande leucogranite. The two last mineralizing events occur at 286.6 ± 1.0 Ma (Métairie-Neuve) and 274.6 ± 0.9 Ma (Pen Ar Ran), respectively. Backscattered uranium oxide imaging combined with major elements and REE geochemistry suggest similar conditions of mineralization during the two Pen Ar Ran mineralizing events at ca. 300 Ma and ca. 275 Ma, arguing for different hydrothermal circulation phases in the granite and deposits. Apatite fission track dating reveals that the Guérande granite was still at depth and above 120 °C when these mineralizing events occurred, in agreement with the results obtained on fluid inclusions at Pen Ar Ran.Based on this comprehensive data set, we propose that the Guérande leucogranite is the main source for uranium in the Pen Ar Ran and Métairie-Neuve deposits. Sub-solidus alteration via surface-derived low-salinity oxidizing fluids likely promoted uranium leaching from magmatic uranium oxides within the leucogranite. The leached out uranium may then have been precipitated in the reducing environment represented by the surrounding black shales or graphitic quartzites. As similar mineralizing events occurred subsequently until ca. 275 Ma, meteoric oxidizing fluids likely percolated during the time when the Guérande leucogranite was still at depth. The age of the U mineralizing events in the Guérande region (300–275 Ma) is consistent with that obtained on other U deposits in the EHB and could suggest a similar mineralization condition, with long-term upper to middle crustal infiltration of meteoric fluids likely to have mobilized U from fertile peraluminous leucogranites during the Late Carboniferous to Permian crustal extension events.     

Uraniferous paleoplacers of the Mesoarchean Mahagiri Quartzite,Singhbhum craton,India: Depositional controls,nature and source of > 3.0 Ga detrital uraninites

The quartz-pebble conglomerate (QPC)-hosted detrital uranium mineralization is unique in character in terms of their restricted distribution before 2.2 Ga atmosphere during pre-Great Oxidation Event (pre-GOE). Such QPC paleoplacer deposits over the world are good targets for moderate to high tonnage and low grade uranium deposits and more importantly for their gold content. The Mahagiri Quartzite, dated c. 3.02 Ga for their youngest detrital zircon population, is developed unconformably over the Mesoarchean Singhbhum Granite (3.44 Ga to 3.1 Ga). The Mahagiri Quartzite includes a conglomerate-pebbly sandstone dominated subaerial alluvial fan to coastal braided plain sequence in the lower parts and shallow marine mature quartz arenite in the upper parts. The alluvial fan-braided plain deposits in the lower parts host a number of pyritiferous and uraniferous conglomerate and pebbly sandstone beds. The uraninite grains are rounded to subrounded in outline suggesting mechanical transport and detrital origin. Together with detrital pyrite and uraninite constitute the example of > 3.0 Ga paleoplacer closely comparable to the Witwatersrand Au–U deposits. EPMA and SEM-EDS studies suggest that the uraninite grains are rich in Th (> 4 wt.%), S and REE-Y. Chemical formula calculations from EPMA analyses suggest uraninite grains belong to two populations with different oxidation states as revealed from Y/REE and cation U^4 +: U^6 + [apfu] ratios. The U contents of the detrital uraninite grains from Mahagiri are significantly lower than that of the ideal stoichiometric composition of UO₂. This is mainly due to higher amount of heterovalent cationic substitution by Th, REE, Y, Pb, and Ca in Mahagiri QPC uraninite structures, and partial alteration and metamictization of uraninites. Alteration due to metamictization resulted in elevated concentration of Si, Al, P, and Ca in more altered and metamict uraninite grains. The REE pattern is typically flat with comparable LREE–HREE concentration. The high Th content flat REE-pattern suggests that the uraninitere presents high temperature phases (> 350 °C) and are magmatic in origin. The Mahagiri detrital uraninite grains suggest existence of highly felsic and K-rich (richer than TTG) granodiorite–granite–monzogranite suites (GGM) of rocks older than 3.1 Ga in the Singhbhum craton.     

Porphyry Cu-Mo-(Au) mineralization: the age and relationship with igneous rock complexes of the Borgulikan ore field (upper-Amur region)

The Borgulikan ore field is localized in the west of the Umlekan-Ogodzha volcanoplutonic belt made up of various igneous (upper-Amur granite-granodiorite (140–134 Ma), Burunda monzodiorite-granodiorite (130–127 Ma), and Taldan andesite (127–123 Ma)) and superposed (Early Cretaceous Gal’ka trachybasalt-rhyolite (119–115 Ma) and Late Cretaceous trachybasalt-trachyandesite (97–94 Ma)) complexes. ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of porphyry intrusions breaking through the Taldan volcanic complex and associated with Cu-Mo-(Au) mineralization yielded the following ages: early (dark) “pre-ore” quartz monzodiorite porphyrites — 125.8±0.7 Ma (groundmass) and 125.2±1.8 Ma (biotite phenocrysts); late (cream) “syn-ore” quartz monzodiorite porphyrites — 122.6±0.7 Ma (biotite phenocrysts). In age and many geochemical features the quartz monzodiorite porphyrites are close to the Taldan complex volcanics. Both of these rocks seem to belong to the same volcanoplutonic association.     

Chemical factors controlling the solubility of uraninite and their significance in the genesis of unconformity-related uranium deposits

A quantitative evaluation of the solubility of uraninite (UO₂) in aqueous solutions under hydrothermal conditions was made using previously reported thermodynamic data, so as to inquire into the controlling factors for Canadian unconformity-type ore mineralization as observed in the Athabasca uranium field. The results of solubility calculations suggest that uranyl carbonate complexes, such as UO₂CO ₃ ^o , UO₂(CO₃) ₂ ^2- and UO₂(CO₃) ₃ ^4- , predominate under relatively oxidizing and slightly acidic-alkaline conditions and that the uranyl chloride complex, UO₂Cl⁺ is dominant under acidic conditions. These features are predicted at temperatures up to 200 °C over reasonable ranges of CO₂ pressure (Pco₂) and salinity. Consequently, the physico-chemical parameters, such as oxygen activity (ao₂), and pH are regarded as the most important factors controlling uraninite solubility. Judging from the paragenetic sequences observed in most unconformity-type uranium deposits in the Athabasca district, appreciable decreases in the above variables are postulated to have occurred in the stage of principal uranium deposition. Such changes would be due to fluid-mixing phenomenon accompanied by the diagenetic-hydrothermal activity (Hoeve and Quirt 1987).     

In-situ SIMS uraninite U–Pb dating and genesis of the Xianshi granite-hosted uranium deposit,South China

The southeastern part of the Nanling metallogenic province, China is host to numerous granite-hosted vein-type hydrothermal uranium deposits. The geology and geochemistry of these deposits have been extensively studied. However, accurate and precise ages for the uranium mineralization are scarce because the uranium minerals in these deposits are usually fine grained, and may have formed in several stages. Therefore, the ages previously obtained by the bulk dating techniques are possibly a mixed age.The Xianshi uranium deposit, located in the southeastern part of the Guidong granite complex, is a major uranium deposit in South China. The uranium mineralization from this deposit is mainly fine grained uraninite in quartz or calcite veins which are spatially associated with the Cretaceous mantle-derived mafic dykes. Micro-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses indicate that the dominant uranium mineral occurs as a rare form of uraninite (U₃O₇). Three distinct generations of uranium minerals have been identified based on petrographic and field relations. Stage 1 uraninite has the lowest UO₂ and highest PbO contents whereas Stage 3 uraninite has the highest UO₂ and lowest PbO contents.Uraninite from the Xianshi deposit was dated using an in-situ SIMS U–Pb dating technique. The results show three distinct age groups: 135 ± 4 Ma, 113 ± 2 Ma and 104 ± 2 Ma, which are in excellent agreement with the ages of three episodes of mantle-derived mafic dykes. Therefore, the Xianshi uranium deposit has experienced at least three hydrothermal events that are responsible for the deposition of uranium ores, which are genetically related to the emplacement of three sets of mafic dykes.     

The Proterozoic,albitite-hosted,Valhalla uranium deposit,Queensland, Australia: a description of the alteration assemblage associated with uranium mineralisation in diamond drill hole V39

The Valhalla uranium deposit, located 40 km north of Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia, is an albitite-hosted, Mesoproterozoic U deposit similar to albitite-hosted uranium deposits in the Ukraine, Sweden, Brazil and Guyana. Uranium mineralisation is hosted by a thick package of interbedded fine-grained sandstones, arkoses and gritty siltstones that are bound by metabasalts belonging to the ca. 1,780 Ma Eastern Creek Volcanics in the Western Succession of the Mount Isa basin. Alteration associated with U mineralisation can be divided into an early, main and late stage. The early stage is dominated by laminated and intensely altered rock comprising albite, reibeckite, calcite, (titano)magnetite ± brannerite. The main stage of mineralisation is dominated by brecciated and intensely altered rocks that comprise laminated and intensely altered rock cemented by brannerite, apatite, (uranoan)-zircon, uraninite, anatase, albite, reibeckite, calcite and hematite. The late stage of mineralisation comprises uraninite, red hematite, dolomite, calcite, chlorite, quartz and Pb-, Fe-, Cu-sulfides. Brannerite has U–Pb and Pb–Pb ages that indicate formation between 1,555 and 1,510 Ma, with significant Pb loss evident at ca. 1,200 Ma, coincident with the assemblage of Rodinia. The oldest ages of the brannerite overlap with ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of 1,533 ± 9 Ma and 1,551 ± 7 Ma from early and main-stage reibeckite and are interpreted to represent the timing of formation of the deposit. These ages coincide with the timing of peak metamorphism in the Mount Isa area during the Isan Orogeny. Lithogeochemical assessment of whole rock data that includes mineralised and unmineralised samples from the greater Mount Isa district reveals that mineralisation involved the removal of K, Ba and Si and the addition of Na, Ca, U, V, Zr, P, Sr, F and Y. U/Th ratios indicate that the ore-forming fluid was oxidised, whereas the crystal chemistry of apatite and reibeckite within the ore zone suggests that F⁻ and were important ore-transporting complexes. δ¹⁸O values of co-existing calcite and reibeckite indicate that mineralisation occurred between 340 and 380°C and involved a fluid having δ¹⁸O_fluid values between 6.5 and 8.6‰. Reibeckite δD values reveal that the ore fluid had a δD_fluid value between −98 and −54‰. The mineral assemblages associated with early and main stages of alteration, plus δ¹⁸O_fluid and δD_fluid values, and timing of the U mineralisation are all very similar to those associated with Na–Ca alteration in the Eastern Succession of the Mount Isa basin, where a magmatic fluid is favoured for this style of alteration. However, isotopic data from Valhalla is also consistent with that from the nearby Mount Isa Cu deposit where a basinal brine is proposed for the transport of metals to the deposit. Based on the evidence to hand, the source fluids could have been derived from either or both the metasediments that underlie the Eastern Creek Volcanics or magmatism that is manifest in the Mount Isa area as small pegmatite dykes that intruded during the Isan Orogeny.     

Isotope geochronology,geochemistry, and mineral chemistry of the U-bearing and barren granites from the Zhuguangshan complex,South China: Implications for petrogenesis and uranium mineralization

The Zhuguangshan complex carries some of the most important granite-hosted uranium deposits in South China. Here we investigate the Changjiang and Jiufeng granites which represent typical U-bearing and barren granites in the complex, using zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry, Sr-Nd isotopic and zircon Hf isotopic data, and mineral chemistry, to constrain the petrogenesis and uranium mineralization. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating shows that both the Changjiang and Jiufeng granites were emplaced ca. 160 Ma. These rocks show high silica, weakly to strongly peraluminous compositions, enrichment in Rb, Th, and U, and depletion in Ba, Nb, Sr, P, and Ti. These features coupled with the high initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, negative εNd(t) values and εHf(t) values, and the Paleoproterozoic two stage model ages of these two granites suggest that the two granites belong to S-type granites, and the parental magmas of the two granites were derived from the Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks. However, the granitoids show different mineralogical characteristics. The biotite in the Changjiang granite belongs to siderophyllite, marking higher degree of chloritization, whereas the biotite in the Jiufeng granite is ferribiotite, characterized by only slight chloritization. Compared with the Jiufeng granite, the biotite in the Changjiang granite has lower crystallization temperature and oxygen fugacity, but higher F content, and the uraninite has higher UO₂ content but lower ThO₂ content, and stronger corrosion. The chemical ages of uraninites from both granites are (within error) consistent with the zircon U-Pb ages and are considered to represent the emplacement ages of granites. Chemical ages of pitchblende in the Changjiang granite yield 118 ± 8 Ma, 87 ± 4 Ma, and 68 ± 6 Ma, representing multiple episodes of hydrothermal events that are responsible for the precipitation of U ores in the Changjiang uranium ore field. Our study suggests that the degree of magma differentiation and physicochemical conditions of the magmatic-hydrothermal system are the key factors that control the different U contents of these two granites. The mineralogical characteristics of uraninite and biotite can be used to distinguish between U-bearing and barren granites, and serve as a potential tool for prospecting granite-hosted uranium deposits.     

Metallogenesis of the Carajás Mineral Province, Southern Amazon Craton, Brazil: Varying styles of Archean through Paleoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic base- and precious-metal mineralisation

The Itacaiúnas Belt of the highly mineralised Carajás Mineral Province comprises ca. 2.75 Ga volcanic rocks overlain by sedimentary sequences of ca. 2.68 Ga age, that represent an intracratonic basin rather than a greenstone belt. Rocks are generally at low strain and low metamorphic grade, but are often highly deformed and at amphibolite facies grade adjacent to the Cinzento Strike Slip System. The Province has been long recognised for its giant enriched iron and manganese deposits, but over the past 20 years has been increasingly acknowledged as one of the most important Cu–Au and Au–PGE provinces globally, with deposits extending along an approximately 150 km long WNW-trending zone about 60 km wide centred on the Carajás Fault. The larger deposits (approx. 200–1000 Mt @ 0.95–1.4% Cu and 0.3–0.85 g/t Au) are classic Fe-oxide Cu–Au deposits that include Salobo, Igarapé Bahia–Alemão, Cristalino and Sossego. They are largely hosted in the lower volcanic sequences and basement gneisses as pipe- or ring-like mineralised, generally breccia bodies that are strongly Fe- and LREE-enriched, commonly with anomalous Co and U, and quartz- and sulfur-deficient. Iron oxides and Fe-rich carbonates and/or silicates are invariably present. Rhenium–Os dating of molybdenite at Salobo and SHRIMP Pb–Pb dating of hydrothermal monazite at Igarapé-Bahia indicate ages of ca. 2.57 Ga for mineralisation, indistinguishable from ages of poorly-exposed Archean alkalic and A-type intrusions in the Itacaiúnas Belt, strongly implicating a deep magmatic connection.A group of smaller, commonly supergene-enriched Cu–Au deposits (generally < 50 Mt @ < 2% Cu and < 1 g/t Au in hypogene ore), with enrichment in granitophile elements such as W, Sn and Bi, spatially overlap the Archean Fe-oxide Cu–Au deposits. These include the Breves, Águas Claras, Gameleira and Estrela deposits which are largely hosted by the upper sedimentary sequence as greisen-to ring-like or stockwork bodies. They generally lack abundant Fe-oxides, are quartz-bearing and contain more S-rich Cu–Fe sulfides than the Fe-oxide Cu–Au deposits, although Cento e Dezoito (118) appears to be a transitional type of deposit. Precise Pb–Pb in hydrothermal phosphate dating of the Breves and Cento e Dezoito deposits indicate ages of 1872 ± 7 Ma and 1868 ± 7 Ma, respectively, indistinguishable from Pb–Pb ages of zircons from adjacent A-type granites and associated dykes which range from 1874 ± 2 Ma to 1883 ± 2 Ma, with 1878 ± 8 Ma the age of intrusions at Breves. An unpublished Ar/Ar age for hydrothermal biotite at Estrela is indistinguishable, and a Sm–Nd isochron age for Gameleira is also similar, although somewhat younger. The geochronological data, combined with geological constraints and ore-element associations, strongly implicate a magmatic connection for these deposits.The highly anomalous, hydrothermal Serra Pelada Au–PGE deposit lies at the north-eastern edge of the Province within the same fault corridor as the Archean and Paleoproterozoic Cu–Au deposits, and like the Cu–Au deposits is LREE enriched. It appears to have formed from highly oxidising ore fluids that were neutralised by dolomites and reduced by carbonaceous shales in the upper sedimentary succession within the hinge of a reclined synform. The imprecise Pb–Pb in hydrothermal phosphate age of 1861 ± 45 Ma, combined with an Ar/Ar age of hydrothermal biotite of 1882 ± 3 Ma, are indistinguishable from a Pb–Pb in zircon age of 1883 ± 2 Ma for the adjacent Cigano A-type granite and indistinguishable from the age of the Paleoproterozoic Cu–Au deposits. Again a magmatic connection is indicated, particularly as there is no other credible heat or fluid source at that time.Finally, there is minor Au–(Cu) mineralisation associated with the Formiga Granite whose age is probably ca. 600 Ma, although there is little new zircon growth during crystallisation of the granite. This granite is probably related to the adjacent Neoproterozoic (900–600 Ma) Araguaia Fold Belt, formed as part of the Brasiliano Orogeny.Thus, there are two major and one minor period of Cu–Au mineralisation in the Carajás Mineral Province. The two major events display strong REE enrichment and strongly enhanced LREE. There is a trend from strongly Fe-rich, low-SiO₂ and low-S deposits to quartz-bearing and more S-rich systems with time. There cannot be significant connate or basinal fluid (commonly invoked in the genesis of Fe-oxide Cu–Au deposits) involved as all host rocks were metamorphosed well before mineralisation: some host rocks are at mid- to high-amphibolite facies. The two major periods of mineralisation correspond to two periods of alkalic to A-type magmatism at ca. 2.57 Ga and ca. 1.88 Ga, and a magmatic association is compelling.The giant to world-class late Archean Fe-oxide Cu–Au deposits show the least obvious association with deep-seated alkaline bodies as shown at Palabora, South Africa, and implied at Olympic Dam, South Australia. The smaller Paleoproterozoic Cu–Au–W–Sn–Bi deposits and Au–PGE deposit show a more obvious relationship to more fractionated A-type granites, and the Neoproterozoic Au–(Cu) deposit to crustally-derived magmas. The available data suggest that magmas and ore fluids were derived from long-lived metasomatised lithosphere and lower crust beneath the eastern margin of the Amazon Craton in a tectonic setting similar to that of other large Precambrian Fe-oxide Cu–Au deposits.