Geology and development of Marquez, New Mexico, uranium deposit

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Mem. - N.M. Bur. Mines Miner. Resour.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6385109

Livingston, Jr, B A

Uranium deposition in the Marquez, New Mexico, area occurs almost exclusively in the lower Westwater Canyon Member of the Morrison Formation (Jurassic). The average aggregate thickness of the Westwater Canyon is 295 ft (90 m), but it ranges from a minimum of 239 ft (73 m) to a maximum of 328 ft (100 m). A K shale separates the upper and lower Westwater Canyon sandstone boundaries. The lower Westwater Canyon sandstone development is more pronounced in an east-southeast direction parallel with the strike of the orebody(ies). Three distinct ore zones were deposited in peneconcordant elongate patterns. The upper zone occupies a stratigraphic interval just below the K shale, and two lower zones lie above and below the K/sub 1/ shale. Coffinite and uraninite predominate as the stable uranium species; other extrinsic elements were added during the mineralization process. Humates undoubtedly exerted major control on formation of the uranium. Ferrous iron pervades both within and outside the deposit, whereas ferric iron, although limited in quantity, is confined principally to the orebody(ies). The lower K/sub 1/ shale, parameters of permeability, and recurrence of meanders along the paleochannels also seem to influence enrichment. Surface drilling is continuing, a vertical mine shaft to approximately 2,100 ft (640 m) is nearing completion, and a mill is being constructed on the property.

• Research Organization: Bokum Resources Corp., Santa Fe, NM
• OSTI ID: 6385109
• Report Number(s): CONF-7905120-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Mem. - N.M. Bur. Mines Miner. Resour.; (United States) Journal Volume: 38
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
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