Constraints of the uranium mineralization process in the Dingshan area of the Junggar basin, Northwest China: indications from mineralogical and geochemical evidence
摘要
Sandstone-type uranium deposits are among the most significant uranium deposits in the world. Uranium mineralization has been discovered in the Dingshan area of the Junggar Basin, which is anticipated to become a new uranium ore region. The Sr, Sr/Ba, Rb/Sr, Sr/Cu, V/Cr indicate that the Wulunguhe Formation is an oxidation and freshwater deposit in an arid and torrid environment, and the lack of reducing substances is a significant factor limiting uranium mineralization. The REE, Cr/Zr, Co/Th-La/Sc, La/Th-Hf indicate that the provenance of the Wulunguhe Formation is a mixture of Silurian Devonian granite and diorite in the Altai area, under a continental island arc setting associated with the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. The uranium mineralization process in the Dingshan area can be divided into three stages: firstly, in the sedimentary stage, there is pre-enrichment of uranium during transportation and sedimentation. Secondly, in the post-sedimentary stage, carboniferous oil and gas invaded the Wulunguhe Formation along active faults, increasing the reduction capacity of the strata. Thirdly, in the mineralization stage, uranium and oxygen-containing water in the denuded area are infiltrated along the strata, activated, and superimposed with pre-enriched uranium. The infiltrated uranium along the strata migrates together with pre-enriched uranium and is adsorbed and reduced in the oil and gas reduction zone, ultimately forming the uranium deposit.