Anomaly characteristics in gamma-ray spectra and their relationship with uranium mineralization for target layers in carbonaceous-siliceous-argillaceous rock-hosted uranium deposits in Shitai area, Anhui Province, China
ZHOU Qian1,2(), LIU Chen-Chen1,2, YANG Biao1,2, FANG Xiang-Yu1,2, ZHOU Zhong-Ping1,2
1. Anhui Nuclear Exploration Technology Central Institute, Wuhu 241002, China 2. Radiological Resources and Environmental Engineering Research Center, Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration of Anhui Province, Wuhu 241002, China
The Shitai area in southern Anhui Province, China is located in the eastern part of the Xiushui-Ningguo carbonaceous-siliceous-argillaceous rock-hosted uranium metallogenic belt. The frequent activity of fault structures in this area contributes to great uranium mineralization potential. To explore the uranium resource potential in the Shitai area, this study conducted 1∶50 000 ground-based gamma-ray spectrometry. Accordingly, this study extracted metallogenic information using traditional statistical methods and difference analysis of uranium content, followed by the analysis of the distribution characteristics of radioactive elements. Then, this study analyzed the radioactive anomalies in the four members of the Hetang Formation based on the spectra and geological profiles. The analytical results revealed that the highest uranium content occurs in the first member of the Hetang Formation. By combining field geological surveys and microscopic petrographic analyses, this study further investigated the geological characteristics of the first member, as well as their potential relationships with uranium mineralization. The results indicate that the Hetang Formation serves as the primary uranium source in the Shitai area, with its first member identified as the main ore-bearing layer. This member is rich in ore-forming materials including organic matter, clay minerals, and pyrite, creating favorable conditions for uranium enrichment. The in-depth research on the target layer will provide technical guidance for exploring the same type of uranium deposits in this area.
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