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Uranium Resources of the Middle East Region, and Global Exploration Analogue Uranium Resources of the Middle East Uranium Resources of the Middle East Region, and Global Exploration Analogue Region, and Global Exploration Analogue Fares M. Howari, Fares M. Howari, P.C. Goodell, Abdelaty Salman, P.C. Goodell, Abdelaty Salman, Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin email: University of Texas at Austin email: [email protected]@beg.utexas.eduNuclear Material Authority, EgyptNuclear Material Authority, EgyptUniversity of Texas @ El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USAUniversity of Texas @ El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA

Evapotranspiration1,000-1,250 mm/year1,250-1,500 mm/year1,500-1,750 mm/year1,750-2,000 mm/year

Arabian Sea

Arabian Gulf

R e d S e a

Mediterranean SeaA S I A

Evapotranspiration1,000-1,250 mm/year1,250-1,500 mm/year1,500-1,750 mm/year1,750-2,000 mm/year

Arabian Sea

Arabian Gulf

R e d S e a

Mediterranean SeaA S I A

2 F. M. Howari, November 2008

Uranium Resources of the Middle East RegionUranium Resources of the Middle East RegionUranium Resources of the Middle East RegionAlthough best known for its hydrocarbon resources, oil, the Middle East together with several North African countries is potential home to uranium bearing deposits that have not been fully investigated and explored.

Thus it is important to know where presently reported uranium resources are located, and further investigate and locate additional ones.

Although best known for its hydrocarbon resources, oil, the Middle East together with several North African countries is potential home to uranium bearing deposits that have not been fully investigated and explored.

Thus it is important to know where presently reported uranium resources are located, and further investigate and locate additional ones.


The Red BookThe Red Book� The Red Book is a document published by the European Community and The International Atomic Energy Agency every two years, and it gives the official uranium resources reported by every member country, according to specified categories.

� However, scientific literature of Uranium Geology does not coincide completely with the information presented in the Red Book especially in the Middle East.

�� The Red Book is a document published The Red Book is a document published by the European Community and The by the European Community and The International Atomic Energy Agency International Atomic Energy Agency every two years, and it gives the every two years, and it gives the official uranium resources reported by official uranium resources reported by every member country, according to every member country, according to specified categories. specified categories.

�� However, scientific literature of However, scientific literature of Uranium Geology does not coincide Uranium Geology does not coincide completely with the information completely with the information presented in the Red Book especially presented in the Red Book especially in the Middle Eastin the Middle East. .


First Step!First Step!� A vast amount of information resides in reports, Master’s theses and Ph.D. dissertations in universities throughout the Middle East region. Compilation from these latter data bases is only in the beginning stages to form a background to move forward in a structured uranium exploration program. � An attempt made through 6ICGM to present the significant findings in form of maps and tables. Integration with large scale geotectonic features is still in process.

�� A vast amount of information A vast amount of information resides in reports, Masterresides in reports, Master’’s s theses and Ph.D. dissertations in theses and Ph.D. dissertations in universities throughout the Middle universities throughout the Middle East region. Compilation from East region. Compilation from these latter data bases is only in these latter data bases is only in the beginning stages to form a the beginning stages to form a background to move forward in a background to move forward in a structured uranium exploration structured uranium exploration program. program.

�� An attempt made through 6ICGM An attempt made through 6ICGM to present the significant findings to present the significant findings in form of maps and tables. in form of maps and tables. Integration with large scale Integration with large scale geotectonic features is still in geotectonic features is still in process.process.


World Distribution of Uranium Deposits (UDEPO)World Distribution of Uranium Deposits (UDEPO)

UDEPO web siteUDEPO web site�� It gives list of depositsIt gives list of deposits�� provides easy navigation and searchprovides easy navigation and search

�� gives worldwide summariesgives worldwide summaries�� this example gives the initial uranium amounts this example gives the initial uranium amounts

in the deposits by country and by deposit typein the deposits by country and by deposit typeSource, IAEA


Countries with major Identified uranium resources and countries Countries with major Identified uranium resources and countries with major nuclear powerwith major nuclear powerKnown Identified Resources: Known Identified Resources: 4.743 million tons U4.743 million tons UUndiscovered Conventional Resources (Undiscovered Conventional Resources (prognosticated+Speculativeprognosticated+Speculative) : ) : 7.07 million tons U 7.07 million tons U Undiscovered Speculative (cost range unassigned):Undiscovered Speculative (cost range unassigned): 2.98 million tons U2.98 million tons UUnconventional Resources in Rock Phosphates alone:Unconventional Resources in Rock Phosphates alone: 22 million tons U22 million tons U

4 0004 00023 (19.4%)23 (19.4%)100% from overseas sources100% from overseas sourcesUKUKNilNil19 (38%)19 (38%)100% from overseas sources100% from overseas sourcesKorea (R.O.)Korea (R.O.)

1 5001 50054 (30%)54 (30%)100% from overseas sources100% from overseas sourcesJapanJapan+3 000+3 00018 (32%)18 (32%)100% from overseas sources100% from overseas sourcesGermanyGermany10 80010 80059 (78%)59 (78%)100% from overseas sources100% from overseas sourcesFranceFrance1 0001 0009 (2.2%)9 (2.2%)1.3%1.3%59 72359 723China (excl. Taiwan)China (excl. Taiwan)ExistExist15 (2.8%)15 (2.8%)1.4%1.4%6464 840 840 IndiaIndiaNilNil2 (4%)2 (4%)6%6%278 700278 700BrazilBrazil

26 00026 00030 (16%)30 (16%)3.6%3.6%172 402172 402Russian Fed.Russian Fed.NilNil2 (5.9%)2 (5.9%)7%7%340 596340 596South AfricaSouth AfricaNilNil20 (~12%)20 (~12%)9.4%9.4%443 800443 800CanadaCanada

11 300 11 300 104 (20%)104 (20%)7%7%342342 000000USAUSANilNilNilNil2.5%2.5%115 526115 526UzbekistanUzbekistanNilNilNilNil5%5%225 459225 459NigerNigerNilNilNilNil6%6%282 359282 359NamibiaNamibiaNilNilNilNil17%17%816 099816 099KazakhstanKazakhstanNilNilNilNil24%24%1 143 0001 143 000AustraliaAustralia

Operating Operating Enrichment Fac.Enrichment Fac.(Million SWU)(Million SWU)

No. of Operating No. of Operating NPPsNPPs(% Electricity)(% Electricity)

Uranium ResourcesUranium ResourcesTons Tons ‘‘UU’’ (Percentage(Percentage

of world)of world)CountryCountry

Some global examples from the Red BookSome global examples from the Red Book

The price of uranium was The price of uranium was approximately $10.75 per approximately $10.75 per pound in early 2003. By pound in early 2003. By mid 2006, the price had mid 2006, the price had risen to approximately risen to approximately $45.00 per pound. In early $45.00 per pound. In early 2007 the price approached 2007 the price approached $100.00 per pound.$100.00 per pound.


Australia24%

Russian Federation4%

Uzbekistan2%

Kazakhstan17%

Niger5%

Namibia6%

Brazil6%

USA7%

Canada9%

Identified Uranium Distribution in the World

Uranium Production(total 41.360 tU in 2005)

Canada28%

Australia22%Kazakhstan

10%

Niger8%

Other9%

USA2%

Russian Federation

8%

Namibia7%

Uzbekistan6%

Uranium Production(total 41.360 tU in 2005)

Canada28%

Australia22%Kazakhstan

10%

Niger8%

Other9%

USA2%

Russian Federation

8%

Namibia7%

Uzbekistan6%

Identified (RAR+Inferred) Uranium Resources below $130 /kgU (total=4 935 600 t in 2005)

Australia24%

Kazakhstan17%

Canada9%

USA7%

Namibia6%

Russian Federation

4%

Uzbekistan2%

Niger5%

Brazil6%

Other20%

Identified (RAR+Inferred) Uranium Resources below $130 /kgU (total=4 935 600 t in 2005)

Australia24%

Kazakhstan17%

Canada9%

USA7%

Namibia6%

Russian Federation

4%

Uzbekistan2%

Niger5%

Brazil6%

Other20%


Expenditure for Uranium ExplorationExpenditure for Uranium ExplorationUranium Exploration Expenditures

(Ref: Draft RedBook 2005)

0

50

100

150

200

250

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005Year

Expe

nditu

re (M

illion

USD

) Non-DomesticDomestic

Percentage of Uranium Production by Major Mining Methods(Ref: Draft RedBook 2005)

05

101520253035404550

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005Year

Perce

ntage

(%)

Open-PitUndergroundISL

These trends are traceable These trends are traceable worldwide and it will worldwide and it will continue to grow.continue to grow.


1. Unconformity1. Unconformity--related deposits related deposits 2. Sandstone deposits 2. Sandstone deposits 3. Quartz3. Quartz--pebble conglomerate pebble conglomerate

deposits deposits 4. Vein deposits 4. Vein deposits 5. 5. BrecciaBreccia complex depositscomplex deposits(Olympic Dam type) (Olympic Dam type)

6. Intrusive deposits 6. Intrusive deposits (granite type)(granite type)

7. 7. PhosphoritePhosphorite deposits deposits

8. Collapse 8. Collapse brecciabreccia pipe deposits pipe deposits (north Arizona)(north Arizona)

9. Volcanic deposits9. Volcanic deposits10.Surficial deposits (10.Surficial deposits (calcretecalcrete))11.Metasomatite deposits 11.Metasomatite deposits 12.Metamorphic deposits 12.Metamorphic deposits 13.Lignite 13.Lignite 14.Black shale deposits 14.Black shale deposits 15.Other types of deposits 15.Other types of deposits

The International Atomic Energy Agency assigns the uranium deposThe International Atomic Energy Agency assigns the uranium deposits its according to their geological settings to 15 main categories of according to their geological settings to 15 main categories of deposit types deposit types arranged according to their approximate economic significance [arranged according to their approximate economic significance [IAEA, 2004]:IAEA, 2004]:

10 F. M. Howari, November 20084040100100TOTALTOTAL

0.50.5Others**Others**

Deposits in Florida and in Deposits in Florida and in Morocco and Jordan (not in Morocco and Jordan (not in operation)operation)00PhosphoritePhosphorite

Orphan in USA (Depleted)Orphan in USA (Depleted)00Collapse Collapse brecciabreccia

Yeelirrie in Australia (not in Yeelirrie in Australia (not in operation)operation)00SurficialSurficial

RoessingRoessing in Namibiain Namibia33<1<1IntrusiveIntrusive

RoznaRozna in Czech Republic,in Czech Republic,JadugudaJaduguda in Indiain India661.61.6VeinVein

Witwatersrand district in South Witwatersrand district in South AfricaAfrica111.81.8

Quartz pebble Quartz pebble conglomerateconglomerate

StreltsovskoyeStreltsovskoye in Russiain Russia228.08.0VolcanicVolcanic

Olympic Dam in AustraliaOlympic Dam in Australia119.09.0

Hematite Hematite brecciabrecciacomplexcomplex

MichurinskoyeMichurinskoye in Ukrainein Ukraine3310.210.2MetasomaticMetasomatic

DalmatovskoyeDalmatovskoye in Russia,in Russia,ArlitArlit and and AkoutaAkouta in Niger, in Niger, 202028.628.6SandstoneSandstone

Cigar Lake, McArthur River in Cigar Lake, McArthur River in Canada,Canada,Ranger, Ranger, JabilukaJabiluka in Australiain Australia4439.339.3UnconformityUnconformity--relatedrelated

Typical Example DepositTypical Example DepositNo. of No. of Production Production CentersCenters

% of 2004 % of 2004 ProductionProduction

Type of DepositType of Deposit

2004 Uranium Production by Deposit Type2004 Uranium Production by Deposit Type


Potential occurrences of Uranium in the Middle EastPotential occurrences of Uranium in the Middle EastPotential occurrences of Uranium in the Middle East

Several exploration models are available but not applied or testSeveral exploration models are available but not applied or tested in the Middle East. ed in the Middle East.

11--Models of origin and guides for exploration include Pena Blanca,Models of origin and guides for exploration include Pena Blanca, Mexico, and Mexico, and Ben Lomond, Australia, mineral Ben Lomond, Australia, mineral districts. districts. 22-- Models of origin and guides for exploration include Yeelirrie, Models of origin and guides for exploration include Yeelirrie, Western Australia and Langer Heinrich in Namibia (e.g. Western Australia and Langer Heinrich in Namibia (e.g. S3 and S4 are adjacent and related).S3 and S4 are adjacent and related).33--Model for the Model for the sabkhahsabkhah (playa) (playa) calcretecalcrete mineralization is the Lake Way U deposit in Western Australiamineralization is the Lake Way U deposit in Western Australia..

These books have covered global uranium supply, but little to noThese books have covered global uranium supply, but little to no information on information on the Middle East! the Middle East!


�Geologically speaking the Middle East could have several distinct types of uranium deposits; these could include unconformity related, sandstone hosted, paleoplacer, phosphate calcrete and pegmatite.

However, by far the most important type of economic uranium deposit in the Middle East is yet to be determined.

�Geologically speaking the Middle East could have several distinct types of uranium deposits; these could include unconformity related, sandstone hosted, paleoplacer, phosphate calcrete and pegmatite.

However, by far the most important type of economic uranium deposit in the Middle East is yet to be determined.

Uranium in the Middle EastUranium in the Middle East


Uranium in the Middle EastUranium in the Middle East

� The Middle East could be considered to house some 20 billion tons of phosphate resources, which, at 20% P2O5 as an average, would contain 4 billion tons P2O5. Most of the Middle East phosphates contain uranium to some extent. The uranium occurs mainly as a replacement element in the structure of fluorapatite and francolite phosphate minerals.

�� The Middle East could be considered to house some 20 billion tonThe Middle East could be considered to house some 20 billion tons of s of phosphate resources, which, at 20% P2O5 as an average, would conphosphate resources, which, at 20% P2O5 as an average, would contain 4 tain 4 billion tons P2O5. Most of the Middle East phosphates contain urbillion tons P2O5. Most of the Middle East phosphates contain uranium to anium to some extent. The uranium occurs mainly as a replacement element some extent. The uranium occurs mainly as a replacement element in the in the structure of structure of fluorapatitefluorapatite and and francolitefrancolite phosphate minerals.phosphate minerals.

Resources of phosphate of Late Cretaceous Resources of phosphate of Late Cretaceous and Paleocene age in the Middle East, and Paleocene age in the Middle East, defined as Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, defined as Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Palestine and Syria, Palestine and IsraelIsrael have been have been estimated at about 15.7 billion tons estimated at about 15.7 billion tons containing about 3.4 billion tons of P2O5. containing about 3.4 billion tons of P2O5. The inclusion of Egypt would add about 3 The inclusion of Egypt would add about 3 and 0.6 billion tons of phosphate and P2O5 and 0.6 billion tons of phosphate and P2O5 respectivelyrespectively..


� The concentration of uranium varies from country to country and deposit to deposit. For scoping purposes, taking an average U content of 60-120 ppm, the Middle East phosphate resources would contain 1.2 million tons of uranium.

� Uranium extraction requires the conversion of phosphate to phosphoric acid followed by solvent extraction. Thus, recovery of uranium from phosphates is essentially dependent on installed phosphoric acid production capacity and what fraction of that capacity is subject to extraction of uranium.

� The concentration of uranium varies from country to country and deposit to deposit. For scoping purposes, taking an average U content of 60-120 ppm, the Middle East phosphate resources would contain 1.2 million tons of uranium.

� Uranium extraction requires the conversion of phosphate to phosphoric acid followed by solvent extraction. Thus, recovery of uranium from phosphates is essentially dependent on installed phosphoric acid production capacity and what fraction of that capacity is subject to extraction of uranium.

Uranium in the Middle East, PhosphateUranium in the Middle East, Phosphate


� The Pan African granites (about 600-500 Ma) are one of the most favorable environments to host vein type uranium deposits. This case is very clear in Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other countries as well.

� The uranium mineralizations are hosted in these granites within some favorable structures as faults and fractures. The uranium minerals are mainly secondary (mainly uranophane) and occasionally some pitchblende and uraninites are present. They are associated with sulphide as pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite and molybdenite.

� The Pan African granites (about 600-500 Ma) are one of the most favorable environments to host vein type uranium deposits. This case is very clear in Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and other countries as well.

� The uranium mineralizations are hosted in these granites within some favorable structures as faults and fractures. The uranium minerals are mainly secondary (mainly uranophane) and occasionally some pitchblende and uraninites are present. They are associated with sulphide as pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite and molybdenite.

Uranium in the Middle East, Pan African graniteUranium in the Middle East, Pan African granite


� The gangues minerals are mainly iron and manganese oxides and fluorite. The most correlated alteration features with this gangue are hematitization, silicification with black silica veins, carbonetization and presence of fluorite.� The gangues minerals are mainly iron and manganese oxides and fluorite. The most correlated alteration features with this gangue are hematitization, silicification with black silica veins, carbonetization and presence of fluorite.

�It is observed also the presence of intra-cratonic basins within many basement rocks exposures. Often these basins are filled with late Proterozoic molasses type sediments as Hammamat series in Egypt and can form important uranium traps according to their geochemical and geological characteristics.

Uranium in the Middle East, Gangue minerals, Cratonic, Intracratonic basinsUranium in the Middle East, Gangue minerals, Cratonic, Intracratonic basins


��

The presence of intra-cratonic basins filled with Paleozoic sequences; the lower horizons of these sequences are potential for hosting uranium resources. This was noticed in Libya (Morzokbasin) and in Egypt as (Wadi El Kharite basin).

Uranium in the Middle East, Pan African graniteUranium in the Middle East, Pan African granite


Selected examplesSelected examples

UNKNOWNUNKNOWNUnknownPhosphoriteRusefaUNKNOWNUNKNOWNUnknownPhosphoriteEshidia

UNKNOWNUNKNOWNUnknownPhosphoriteAl-HassaUNKNOWNUNKNOWNUnknownPhosphoriteAl-AbiadInitial Grade(%)Initial Resource (t U)Dep. StatusDep. TypeDep. Name

JordanJordan19801980-- aerial radiometric survey of the entire aerial radiometric survey of the entire countrycountry19881988--1992: target area evaluation 1992: target area evaluation 1982, l989, l997: phosphate evaluation, were 1982, l989, l997: phosphate evaluation, were close to extraction plant constructionclose to extraction plant construction

Hundreds of Anomalies and potential haveHundreds of Anomalies and potential haveIdentified across the Middle East. Examples Identified across the Middle East. Examples are given from Jordan, are given from Jordan, SaudiaSaudia, Egypt, , Egypt, LibiyaLibiya,,and Syria. and Syria. MorocoMoroco, Algeria and Yemen have , Algeria and Yemen have also been investigated. also been investigated.


J1: Deposit type: Precambrian basementJ1: Deposit type: Precambrian basementJ2: Deposit type: Paleozoic (Ordovician) J2: Deposit type: Paleozoic (Ordovician)

sandstonessandstonesJ3: Deposit type: phosphate (general) in J3: Deposit type: phosphate (general) in

south and southeast, south and southeast,

Central general geological character: Central general geological character: 1)1) CretaceousCretaceous--Paleocene sediments, Paleocene sediments, 2)2) Pleistocene sediment in central Pleistocene sediment in central

locations expected to have locations expected to have locality/deposit names: locality/deposit names: EshidiaEshidia (25 50 (25 50 ppmppm); Al); Al--HassaHassa, Al, Al--AbiadAbiad 6060--80 80 ppmppm. .

Resources: 70,000 t U, phosphateResources: 70,000 t U, phosphatebyproduct categorybyproduct category

JORDANJORDAN

New: calcretecalcrete of central Jordan~50 of central Jordan~50 ppmppm (?); (?);


ALGERIAALGERIA� Tassili, Tahaggart, Eglab, Ougarta, Tamart, Timouzeline, Timgaouine, Abankor, El-Bema, Ait-Oklan, Abankor, Tinef, Tesnou, Pharusian

� A1: exist in southern Hoggar (north of A2) it belongs to Upper Proterozoic unconformity & basal conglomerates

� A2: exist in continental sandstone and found in Tassilisouth of the Hoggar. General geological character: Tin-Seririne basin, Tassilian sedimentary cover above the Proterozoic unconformity (A1). Specific locality/deposit names: Tahaggart deposit, southern Tassili; also Eglab, Ougarta Tamart-N-Iblis, Timouzeline, � A3: it can be found in vein and granitic shear zone. Deposit located in southwestern Hoggar, western Hoggar. Generalgeological character: veins in faults in granite batholiths; specific locality/deposit names: Timgaouine, Abankor, El-Bema, Ait-Oklan; occurrences at Abankor, Tinef, and Tesnou. � A4: found in western Hoggar; the specific locality/deposit names is Pharusian chain

�� Tassili, Tahaggart, Eglab, Ougarta, Tamart, Timouzeline, Tassili, Tahaggart, Eglab, Ougarta, Tamart, Timouzeline, Timgaouine, Abankor, ElTimgaouine, Abankor, El--Bema, AitBema, Ait--Oklan, Abankor, Tinef, Oklan, Abankor, Tinef, Tesnou, PharusianTesnou, Pharusian

�� A1: A1: exist in southern exist in southern HoggarHoggar (north of A2) it belongs to Upper (north of A2) it belongs to Upper ProterozoicProterozoic unconformity & basal conglomeratesunconformity & basal conglomerates

�� A2: exist in continental sandstone and found in A2: exist in continental sandstone and found in TassiliTassilisouth of the south of the HoggarHoggar. . General geological character: TinGeneral geological character: Tin--SeririneSeririne basin, basin, TassilianTassilian sedimentary cover above the sedimentary cover above the ProterozoicProterozoic unconformity (A1). Specific locality/deposit unconformity (A1). Specific locality/deposit names: names: TahaggartTahaggart deposit, southern deposit, southern TassiliTassili; also ; also EglabEglab, , OugartaOugarta TamartTamart--NN--IblisIblis, , TimouzelineTimouzeline, ,

�� A3: it can be found in vein and granitic shear zone. Deposit A3: it can be found in vein and granitic shear zone. Deposit located in southwestern Hoggar, western Hoggar. Glocated in southwestern Hoggar, western Hoggar. Generaleneralgeological character: veins in faults in granite batholiths; geological character: veins in faults in granite batholiths; specific locality/deposit names: specific locality/deposit names: TimgaouineTimgaouine, , AbankorAbankor, El, El--Bema, Bema, AitAit--OklanOklan; occurrences at ; occurrences at AbankorAbankor, , TinefTinef, and , and TesnouTesnou. .

�� A4: A4: found in western Hoggar; found in western Hoggar; the specific locality/deposit the specific locality/deposit names is names is PharusianPharusian chainchain


SAUDIASAUDIA

S4, deposit type: sabka, general geographic region: Sabkhah ad Dumathah, general geological character: lake beds, specific locality/deposit names: locations: Sabkhah ad Dumathah (23 35’N; 40 25’E) S5, deposit type: phosphate, general geographic region: general geological character: Phosphate beds in the Turayf basin contain U.

S4, deposit type: S4, deposit type: sabkasabka, general geographic region: , general geographic region: SabkhahSabkhah ad ad DumathahDumathah, , general geological character: lake beds, specific locality/deposgeneral geological character: lake beds, specific locality/deposit names: locations: it names: locations: SabkhahSabkhah ad ad DumathahDumathah (23 35(23 35’’N; 40 25N; 40 25’’E) E) S5, deposit type: phosphate, general geographic region: generalS5, deposit type: phosphate, general geographic region: general geological geological character: Phosphate beds in the character: Phosphate beds in the TurayfTurayf basin contain U.basin contain U.

SAUDIA: SAUDIA: ArAr RawdahRawdah, Al , Al HanakiyahHanakiyah; ; HulayfahHulayfah, , JabalJabal AsfarAsfarShwelilShwelil, , TabukTabuk, ad , ad DumathahDumathah, , TurayfTurayf

S1, exist in volcanic type in north central, and consist of S1, exist in volcanic type in north central, and consist of Precambrian Precambrian felsicfelsic volcanicsvolcanics, calderas, Umm , calderas, Umm MishtMishtformation of the formation of the ShammarShammar group.group.

S2 deposit type: sandstone in S2 deposit type: sandstone in TabukTabuk basin, black basin, black shalesshaleshave high U, and adjacent sandstones are prospective have high U, and adjacent sandstones are prospective targets. Specific locality/deposit names: locations: targets. Specific locality/deposit names: locations: TabukTabukbasin (28 30basin (28 30’’N; 36 20N; 36 20’’E).E).

S3 deposit type: S3 deposit type: calcretecalcrete; ; HulayfahHulayfah belong carbonate belong carbonate evaporiteevaporite faciesfacies have between 10 and 350 have between 10 and 350 ppmppm U;U;


Potential occurrences of Uranium in the Middle East e.g Egypt and Saudi ArabiaPotential occurrences of Uranium in the Middle East e.g Egypt and Saudi Arabia““Igneous & MetamorphicIgneous & Metamorphic--related Veinrelated Vein--types types deposits consist of U mineralization in lenses or deposits consist of U mineralization in lenses or sheets or disseminations filling joints, fissures, sheets or disseminations filling joints, fissures, fractures and fractures and stockworksstockworks in postin post--accretionaryaccretionarystructures which include north trending structures which include north trending shortening zones and northwest trending strikeshortening zones and northwest trending strike--slip faults e.g. Najd fault system. The deposits are slip faults e.g. Najd fault system. The deposits are commonly spatially related to commonly spatially related to peraluminousperaluminousgranites especially at their contact with host rocks granites especially at their contact with host rocks of siltstones and of siltstones and greywackesgreywackes””


Some opinions suggest that convective circulating fluids (mixture of meteoric and connate waters), heated in response to intensive tectonism, leached U from the host metasediments and transported it as uranyl-carbonate complexes to the marginal zone of the granite plutons. Precipitation occurred in either dilation fractures with excess silica and gangue minerals (vein mineralization) or as vesicular, vuggy episyenite bodies (disseminated mineralization). Some occurrences of these types have been reported from Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Some opinions suggest that convective circulating fluids (mixture of meteoric and connate waters), heated in response to intensive tectonism, leached U from the host metasediments and transported it as uranyl-carbonate complexes to the marginal zone of the granite plutons. Precipitation occurred in either dilation fractures with excess silica and gangue minerals (vein mineralization) or as vesicular, vuggy episyenite bodies (disseminated mineralization). Some occurrences of these types have been reported from Egypt and Saudi Arabia.


EGYPTEGYPT

Corroded PitchblendeZoned Pitchblende

8

400 800200 600 1000

20

40

60

80

Mo

H2SO4 Conc. (kg/t)Leac

hing E

f ficien

cy, %

Time (hrs)

Mo

888

400 800200 600 1000

20

40

60

80

H2SO4 Conc. (kg/t)Leac

hing E

f ficien

cy, %

Time (hrs)

U U

After Tarek I, NMA


Abu Rusheid Shear Zone

Precipitation of Precipitation of secondary Usecondary U--minerals minerals along walls of joints along walls of joints and fracturesand fractures

After Hashad, NMA


Purification o phosphoric acid in Syria

Distribution of uranium in Distribution of uranium in phosphoritephosphorite by fission by fission tracks methodtracks method..

AA-- Hard Hard phosphoritephosphorite: different : different phosphaticphosphatic elements with coated grain (bone) elements with coated grain (bone) in natural lightin natural light-- KhneifissKhneifiss..BB-- Same sample in ASame sample in A-- fission track study:fission track study:-- Matrix free of uranium.Matrix free of uranium.-- Uranium is always related to Uranium is always related to phosphaticphosphatic grain.grain.-- The coated grain, uranium in the nucleus is less than in the coThe coated grain, uranium in the nucleus is less than in the cortex . rtex . CC-- Uncoated Uncoated phosphaticphosphatic graingrain--pigmented at the cortex by organic matterpigmented at the cortex by organic matter--natural lightnatural light--Morocco Morocco phosphoritephosphoriteDD-- The same sample in CThe same sample in C--fission track study: The pigmented cortex is more fission track study: The pigmented cortex is more richer in uranium (363 richer in uranium (363 ppmppm), than non pigmented internal part of the grain (2, ), than non pigmented internal part of the grain (2, 82 82 ppmppm).).

After Othman I, (Syria's Atomic Energy Commission ) 2006,After Othman I, (Syria's Atomic Energy Commission ) 2006,


�Conclusion: There are lots of potentials for development of Uranium Resource exploration programs in the Middle East.

�Recommendation: Utilization of petroleum drill data for oil exploration (Gamma ray Logs!)

��Conclusion:Conclusion: There are lots of potentials for There are lots of potentials for development of Uranium Resource exploration development of Uranium Resource exploration programs in the Middle East.programs in the Middle East.

��RecommendationRecommendation: Utilization of petroleum drill data : Utilization of petroleum drill data for oil exploration (Gamma ray Logs!)for oil exploration (Gamma ray Logs!)

uranium resources of the middle east region, and global ...kenanaonline.com/files/0110/110955/07...

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