Iron in uranium deposits

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This application is for support of collaborative research for a duration of three years between Queen's University and Cameco Corp. to investigate the role that iron plays in forming uranium deposits and the viability of using the oxidation state of iron (Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio) in clay minerals and whole-rock samples as an exploration tool. The central premise is that iron reduces uranium to form the deposit so that the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio will vary as a function of proximity to uranium mineralization. The test-case will be the McArthur River deposit in the Athabasca Basin, the world's largest high-grade uranium deposit, and samples will be collected from both proximal and distal areas around the deposit. The purpose of the project will be to investigate possible vectors to uranium mineralization and estimate the feasibility of Fe oxidation state as an indirect exploration tool, both in isolation and in conjunction with other geochemical parameters. The ultimate goal is to develop novel geochemical tools for unconformity-related uranium exploration, with the techniques and protocols developed applicable to other deposits in the Athabasca Basin and to other types of uranium deposits, thereby benefitting industry. This research will involve one MSc student, one Post-Doctoral Fellow and one faculty member at Queen's University, along with staff geologists at Cameco Corp. The knowledge generated will be disseminated by written and oral communications with Cameco Corp and through publications in the scientific literature.