Geologic report on the San Rafael Swell Drilling Project, San Rafael Swell, Utah

Technical Report · Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:6022976

Bluhm, C T; Rundle, J G

Twenty-two holes totaling 34,874 feet (10,629.6 meters) were rotary and core drilled on the northern and western flanks of the San Rafael Swell to test fluvial-lacustrine sequences of the Morrison Formation and the lower part of the Chinle Formation. The objective of the project was to obtain subsurface data so that improved uranium resource estimates could be determined for the area. Although the Brushy Basin and the Salt Wash Members of the Morrison Formation are not considered favorable in this area for the occurrence of significant uranium deposits, uranium minerals were encountered in several of the holes. Some spotty or very low-grade mineralization was also encountered in the White Star Trunk area. The lower part of the Chinle Formation is considered to be favorable for potentially significant uranium deposits along the west flank of the San Rafael Swell. One hole (SR-202) east of Ferron, Utah, intersected uranium, silver, molybdenum, and copper mineralization. More exploratory drilling in the vicinity of this hole is recommended. As a result of the study of many geochemical analyses and a careful determination of the lithology shown by drilling, a sabkha environment is suggested for the concentration of uranium, zinc, iron, lead, copper, silver, and perhaps other elements in parts of the Moody Canyon Member of the Moenkopi Formation.

• Research Organization: Bendix Field Engineering Corp., Grand Junction, CO (USA). Grand Junction Operations
• DOE Contract Number: AC13-76GJ01664
• OSTI ID: 6022976
• Report Number(s): GJBX-78-81; ON: DE82000317
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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