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

Journal Article · · Applied Geochemistry
 [1];  [2]; ORCiD logo [2];  [2];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN (United States); Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
  2. Univ. of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN (United States)
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This study reports major, minor, and trace element data and Sr isotope ratios for 11 uranium ore (uraninite, UO2+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. Lastly, 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.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
AC52-07NA27344
OSTI ID:
1331456
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL--702080
Journal Information:
Applied Geochemistry, Journal Name: Applied Geochemistry Journal Issue: C Vol. 74; ISSN 0883-2927
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (5)

Determination of lead isotope ratios in uranium mine products in South Africa by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry journal December 2017
Characterization of uraninite using a FIB–SEM approach and its implications for LA–ICP–MS analyses journal October 2018
A novel nuclear forensic tool involving deposit type normalized rare earth element signatures journal July 2017
Multivariate Analysis Based on Geochemical, Isotopic, and Mineralogical Compositions of Uranium-Rich Samples journal September 2019
Geochronology and Geochemistry of Uraninite and Coffinite: Insights into Ore-Forming Process in the Pegmatite-Hosted Uraniferous Province, North Qinling, Central China journal September 2019

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07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
58 GEOSCIENCES
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