The uranium-radium (U-Ra) equilibrium coefficient is a significant correction parameter for the resource and reserve estimation of in situ leached (ISL) sandstone uranium deposits, directly influencing the accuracy and scientificity of such estimations. Employing a high-purity germanium gamma-ray spectrometer, this study determined the U and Ra contents of 1 431 samples from the Manglai uranium deposit in the Erlian Basin, yielding U-Ra equilibrium coefficients for these samples. Statistical analyses were performed on the U-Ra equilibrium coefficients in terms of frequency distribution, U content, grain size, lithology, and spatial distribution, to explore the primary factors influencing the changes in U-Ra equilibrium coefficients and their implications. The results indicate that the Manglai uranium deposit showed a U-Ra equilibrium coefficient of 0.85, suggesting that the deposit is significantly richer in U. The U-Ra equilibrium coefficient was negatively correlated with U's concent and grade. Additionally, the U-Ra equilibrium coefficient exhibited distinct vertical zoning within ore bodies. Within uranium-mineralized sand bodies, the most favorable grain sizes were observed in sandy conglomerates, coarse- and fine-grained sandstones. The presence of grayish-black and dark black mudstones contributed to uranium enrichment and mineralization in adjacent mineralized sand bodies. The block I-1 in the southern main ore body exhibits significant uranium enrichment potential and the highest U enrichment degree. The uranium deposit is overall richer in U, with almost no Ra-richer zones, indicating that the uranium deposit experienced minimal oxidative transformation after its formation. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the subsequent construction arrangement of in situ leaching at the Manglai uranium deposit while contributing to a deeper understanding of the deposit's mineralization regularity.
Liu B, Yang J X, Qin Y W, et al. Research on the ore-controlling genetic facies of the sandstone type uranium deposits in the paleovalley of Saihan formation of the Erlian Basin[J]. Geology and Exploration, 2016, 52(6):1037-1047.
Qi T J, Li X D, Liu X, et al. Geochemical characteristics of the host sandstone of the Manglai uranium deposit in the Erlian Basin[J]. Uranium Geology, 2020, 36 (5):362-372.
Yang C G. Petrogeochemical characteristics and genesis of Manglai uranium deposit in Erlian Basin[D]. Fuzhou: East China Institute of Technology, 2021.
Li Y, Zhang K, Pan H S, et al. Study on characteristics of uranium-radium equilibrium coefficient in Barenzhalage 801 mine,Inner Mongolia[J]. World Nuclear Geoscience, 2018, 35(3):150-153,179.
Xia Y, Zhou K K, Wu H, et al. Study on U-Ra equilibrium coefficient of sandstone type uranium deposits in Tuantian,Longchuanjiang Basin[J]. World Nuclear Geoscience, 2018, 35(2):92-97.
Miao R C. Characteristics and geological significance of the uranium radium equilibrium coefficient in the upper section of the Xishanyao Formation in the Kuisgar area of the IIi Basin[J]. Journal of Donghua University of Technology:Natural Science Edition, 2022, 45 (4):390-400.
Xia Y L, Xiu Q Y, Han J, et al. Study on U-Ra equilibrium coefficient of the in situ leaching sandstonetype uranium deposits:A case study of Qianjiadian uranium deposit[J]. Uranium Geology, 2013, 29(2):93-98.
Feng Z B, Nie F J, Xia F, et al. Discussion on the shapes and their genesis of ore body in sandstone-type uranium deposits[J]. Uranium Geology, 2021, 37(6):981-990.
Wang W, Wu Z Q, Xiong P, et al. Vertical distribution patterns of the U,Ra and U-Ra equilibrium coefficient for sandstone uranium ores based on the Kriging method:An example from the Manglai uranium deposit in Erlian Basin[J]. Geology and Exploration, 2024, 60(2):236-243.
[11]
李运祓, 赵元洪, 童纯涵, 等. 放射性勘探方法[M]. 北京: 原子能出版社,1978.
[11]
Li Y F, Zhao Y H, Tong C H, et al. Radioactive exploration methods[M]. Beijing: Atomic Energy Press,1978.
Li Q, Huang B F. Study on the algorithm of uranium radium equilibrium coefficient[J]. Journal of Henan Polytechnic University:Natural Science, 2010, 29(S1):28-30,36.
Li J A, Zhou W. Research on the calculation of uranium and radium equilibrium coefficient and its characteristics in the north belt of Shihongtan uranium deposit[J]. Uranium Geology, 2013, 29(5):296-300.
[16]
黄建国, 杨亚新. 砂岩型铀矿铀镭及镭氡平衡系数研究[D]. 南昌: 东华理工大学, 2017.
[16]
Huang J G, Yang Y X. Research on the equilibrium coefficients of uranium radium and radium radon in sandstone type uranium deposits[D]. Nanchang: Donghua University of Technology, 2017.
State Administration of Science,Technology and Industry for National Defense. EJ/T 1094—2018 Determination regulations for uranium radium equilibrium coefficient[S]. Beijing: Institute of Nuclear Industry Standardization, 2018.
Huang Q F, Xiong P, Ren X P, et al. Geological report on exploration of Manglai uranium deposit in Bayanwula uranium deposit,Sunite Left Banner,Inner Mongolia[R]. Geologic Party No.208,CNNC, 2018.
[19]
熊攀. 二连盆地芒来铀矿床镭氡平衡系数研究[J]. 铀矿冶, 2024, 43(1):12-19.
[19]
Xiong P. Study on the radon balance coefficient of Manglai uranium deposit in the Erlian Basin[J]. Uranium Mining and Metallurgy, 2024, 43 (1):12-19.
[20]
尹明, 李家熙. 岩石矿物分析[M] .4版. 北京: 地质出版社, 2011.
[20]
Yin M, Li J X. Rock mineral analysis[M]. 4th ed. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 2011.
Chen S, Wang H F, Liu B, et al. Research on uranium-radium balance coefficient of tamusu uranium deposit in Bayingebi Basin and its geological significance[J]. Journal of East China University of Technology:Natural Science, 2022, 45(4):355-362.
Xiong P, Wu J Z, Huang Q F, et al. The significance of mudstone interlayers in uranium mineralization in the Bayannula uranium deposit[C]// Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Chinese Nuclear Society (5),2017.
Jiang Z, Han X Z, Hu H, et al. U-Ra equilibrium characteristics,influencing factors,and geological significance of the Enge Riyin sandstone type uranium deposit in the Erlian Basin[J]. Coal Geology of China, 2022, 34 (10):37-43.
Liu G A, Qiao P, Kang S H, et al. Study on the relationship between heterogeneity of sand bodies and uranium mineralization in the Manglai deposit of the Erlian Basin[J]. Uranium Geology, 2020, 36 (5):373-381.