Exploration geochemistry for deep uranium deposits

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This study will focus on refining geochemical exploration techniques for the detection of deep unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Canada. Techniques arising from recent studies of geochemical indicators at the surface from deep deposits will be combined with new techniques to explore in two highly prospective areas in northern Saskatchewan, the Outer Ring and Johannsen Lake areas. The groups at Queen's and Uravan Minerals have identified specific element associations and isotopic compositions in trees and clay minerals from soils that originate from unconformity-related uranium deposits at depths of 450m. These results form a base from which to build addition geochemical exploration techniques in real-world areas where exploration has been minimal. These new techniques will include in-depth characterization of tree-rings and C-horizon clay minerals to understand where in these media the mobile elements from the deposit reside and understand the process of element migration better by using concentrations coupled with isotopic compositions of H, Li, B, C, N, Zn, Pb and U. The purpose of this research is to understand the processes by which elements move in the near surface environment, to evaluate the most probable location of undercover uranium deposits in these two areas based on geochemical responses using tree-cores and clay minerals from C-horizon soils, and to understand how these two media register geochemical anomalies from deposits at depth and from anthropogenic inputs in remote areas. The benefits to Canadian industry are new exploration tools and strategies for undercover deposits that could be added at a time of increasing demand for uranium. The benefits to Queen's researchers and students are the possibility to conduct research in previously understudied areas, the use and development of novel analytical techniques involving isotope tracing, and involvement in a real-world exploration program.