Method for determining a hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect

Abstract

The application relates to a method for analyzing a geological body by means of physical and chemical properties of the geological body, and particularly relates to a method for determining a hydrothermal uranium ore prospective area, which comprises the following steps: determining a first region in an exploration area, the first region being a region in which at least one element group corresponding to an abnormal region is distributed; determining a second region in the exploration area, the second region being a region in which a metallogenic siliceous vein is located; determining a third region in the exploration area, the third region being a region in which the content of uranium in surface rock in the exploration area is greater than a preset value, and a marker in the surface rock simultaneously exists rigid deformation and plastic deformation; and determining the hydrothermal uranium ore prospective area based on one or more of the first region, the second region and the third region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a method for analyzing geological bodies by utilizing their physical and chemical properties, and specifically to a method for identifying potential hydrothermal uranium deposits. Background Technology

[0002] Identifying potential uranium deposits is a crucial step in uranium exploration. Accurate and comprehensive identification of these deposits can improve exploration efficiency and prevent missed or incorrect deposits. However, methods for identifying hydrothermal uranium deposits provided in existing technologies are often not accurate or comprehensive enough. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, this application is made in order to provide a method for determining hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect areas that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0004] This application provides a method for determining potential areas of hydrothermal uranium deposits, comprising: determining a first region in an exploration area, the first region being a region containing anomaly zones corresponding to at least one element group, the element groups including a first element group, a second element group, a third element group, and a fourth element group, the first element group including uranium and thorium, the second element group including one or more incompatible elements of the same genus as uranium, the third element group including one or more chalcophile elements, and the fourth element group including one or more volatile elements; an anomaly zone being a region where the content of at least one element in the element group is higher than a corresponding anomaly threshold, the anomaly threshold being determined based on the content distribution of the corresponding element in the exploration area; determining a second region in the exploration area, the second region being the region where mineralized siliceous veins are located; determining a third region in the exploration area, the third region being a region where the uranium content in the surface rocks of the exploration area is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface rocks simultaneously exhibit rigid deformation and plastic deformation; and determining potential areas of hydrothermal uranium deposits based on one or more of the first region, the second region, and the third region.

[0005] The method for determining hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect areas according to the embodiments of this application can determine hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect areas more accurately and comprehensively. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method for determining hydrothermal uranium deposit prospect areas according to an embodiment of this application;

[0007] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the marker structure for the first-order deformation strength according to an embodiment of this application;

[0008] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the marker structure for secondary deformation strength according to an embodiment of this application;

[0009] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of a marker structure for three levels of deformation strength according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0010] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only one embodiment of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0011] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Where the terms "first," "second," etc., are used throughout the text, they are used only to distinguish similar objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance, order of precedence, or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. It should be understood that the data in the descriptions of "first," "second," etc., can be interchanged where appropriate. Where "and / or" appears throughout the text, it means that it includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B.

[0012] The embodiments of this application provide a method for determining potential hydrothermal uranium deposits, referring to... Figure 1 ,include:

[0013] Step S102: Determine the first area in the exploration area.

[0014] Step S104: Determine the second area within the exploration area.

[0015] Step S106: Determine the third area in the exploration area.

[0016] Step S108: Determine hydrothermal uranium prospective areas in one or more of the first, second, and third regions.

[0017] In this embodiment, the exploration area can be any area selected by a person skilled in the art according to any suitable method that requires hydrothermal uranium exploration. The exploration area may have a certain geological work foundation. For example, there may be discovered hydrothermal uranium ore bodies in the exploration area. In this case, the method provided in this application can be used to identify hydrothermal uranium prospective areas in areas of the exploration area where no further geological work has been carried out, thereby guiding the next step of geological work.

[0018] The first region in step S102 refers to the region where at least one group of elements is distributed with anomaly regions. The distribution of uranium ore usually causes anomalies in the content of some indicator elements, and the anomaly regions of these elements usually form superposition fields. The first region determined in this application is the region where the anomaly regions of these elements are distributed. The first region can indicate the presence of uranium ore to a certain extent.

[0019] To more accurately determine the first region, this application proposes four different element groups, each containing one or more elements. Elements within the same element group have similar or identical properties, but the properties of different element groups are not the same. These element groups can all be enriched in ore-forming fluids. Furthermore, due to the different properties of these element groups, post-depositional processes in uranium deposits typically do not affect all element groups. Therefore, determining the first region by comprehensively considering the elemental content of these element groups yields a high degree of accuracy.

[0020] The first element group is the ore-forming element group, which mainly includes uranium, a characteristic enrichment element in the formation of hydrothermal uranium deposits. In some embodiments, the first element group may consist only of uranium. In some embodiments, the first element group may also include thorium, as there is a certain correlation between thorium and uranium content, and therefore it can also be considered a characteristic enrichment element in the formation of hydrothermal uranium deposits.

[0021] The second element group includes incompatible elements of one or more ore-forming elements (mainly uranium and thorium). Incompatible elements refer to certain trace elements that tend to accumulate in the liquid phase during mineral crystallization in magma or hydrothermal fluids. Due to their low concentration, they cannot form independent minerals. Limited by their ionic radius, charge, and chemical bonds, they are difficult to enter the crystal structure of rock-forming minerals, but are relatively enriched in residual magma or hydrothermal fluids. Incompatible elements of uranium refer to incompatible elements that accumulate along with uranium during mineralization. Common incompatible elements of uranium include, but are not limited to, lithium, cesium, rubidium, and niobium.

[0022] The third element group includes one or more chalcophiles. Common chalcophiles include, but are not limited to, molybdenum, copper, lead, zinc, bismuth, and antimony. These chalcophiles can reflect the reducing characteristics of the ore-forming fluids, and they will also be co-enriched with uranium during the mineralization process.

[0023] The fourth element group includes one or more volatile elements. Volatile matter refers to the easily volatile components contained in magma (easily volatile when heated in the absence of air). The volatile matter content in magma has a certain influence on magma crystallization and mineralization. Common volatile elements may include, but are not limited to, fluorine and sulfur.

[0024] The properties of the four element groups have been described above, and some elements that conform to these properties have been listed. In the specific implementation process, those skilled in the art can determine the specific elements included in each element group based on the actual situation in the exploration area. For example, they can refer to the existing geophysical and geochemical exploration results, exploration data, and geological data in the exploration area to select from the elements listed above, or select from other elements that conform to the properties described above. At the same time, those skilled in the art can also determine the number of elements included in each element group from the perspectives of exploration efficiency, exploration cost, and accuracy requirements. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0025] An abnormal area refers to a region where the content of at least one element in a corresponding element group is higher than the corresponding abnormal threshold. Specifically, if the content of at least one element in an element group is higher than the abnormal threshold corresponding to that element in a region, then the region can be considered an abnormal area corresponding to that element group. The abnormal threshold here can be determined based on the content distribution of the element in the exploration area. The specific determination method can refer to the element abnormal value determination method in related technologies. The relevant sections below will also describe in detail the methods for determining the abnormal threshold used in some embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0026] In step S104, it is necessary to determine the second region, which refers to the area where ore-forming siliceous veins are distributed. The distribution of hydrothermal uranium deposits is closely related to siliceous veins. Although the spatial distribution range of hydrothermal uranium ore bodies is relatively small, the distribution range of siliceous veins associated with hydrothermal uranium ore formation is often several times or even tens of times larger than the size of the hydrothermal uranium ore body. Therefore, this application proposes to determine the second region where the ore-forming siliceous veins are located to guide the subsequent determination of hydrothermal uranium prospective areas.

[0027] In step S108, it is necessary to determine the third region. The third region refers to the region where the uranium content in the surface rocks is greater than the preset value, and the markers in the surface rocks exhibit both rigid deformation and plastic deformation. The markers here include quartz, feldspar, mica, etc.

[0028] This application proposes that the deformation characteristics of the markers are a derivative phenomenon of macroscopic structure, which can not only reveal the macroscopic structure-controlled rock and mineralization, but also reveal the mineralization and diagenesis mechanisms such as the activation, migration, and accumulation of uranium.

[0029] Specifically, this application proposes that rigid deformation in the marker is deformation that occurs under stress, which can reveal the existence of fracture structures at that location from a microscopic perspective. Rigid deformation can include deformations such as cracking, breaking, fragmentation, and spalling of the marker's structure under stress. Plastic deformation in the marker is deformation that occurs further under the modification of thermal fluids based on rigid deformation, which can reveal the activity of thermal fluids from a microscopic perspective. Plastic deformation can include changes in light absorption, structural changes, and the emergence of new structures in the marker.

[0030] If both rigid and plastic deformation are observed in the markers of the surface rocks, it indicates the presence of fracture structures and magmatic activity, as well as the development of hydrothermal fluids, which is conducive to the formation of hydrothermal uranium deposits. However, if only rigid deformation is observed in the markers, it means that although fracture structures exist, there is no development of magma or hydrothermal fluids, which is not conducive to the formation of hydrothermal uranium deposits.

[0031] Understandably, the first, second, and third regions identified above can all indicate the distribution of hydrothermal uranium deposits, and each of the three regions indicates the distribution of uranium deposits from different perspectives. Therefore, in step S108, the prospective hydrothermal uranium deposit area can be determined based on one or more of the first, second, and third regions. That is, the prospective hydrothermal uranium deposit area is determined by combining the above three regions, thereby ensuring the accuracy and comprehensiveness of determining the prospective hydrothermal uranium deposit area.

[0032] In some embodiments, a region containing at least one of the first, second, and third regions can be defined as a hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area; that is, the union of the three regions can be defined as the hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area, which will make the defined hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area more comprehensive. In some embodiments, the overlapping region of the first, second, and third regions can be defined as the hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area; that is, the intersection of the three regions can be defined as the hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area, which will make the defined hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area more accurate.

[0033] The following describes several methods that can be used to determine the first region.

[0034] In some embodiments, anomaly zones corresponding to each element group can be first identified within the exploration area. Those skilled in the art can set up sampling points within the exploration area, analyze the elemental content of the collected samples, determine the distribution of each element within the exploration area, and thus identify the anomaly zones corresponding to each element group. Those skilled in the art can refer to relevant rock chemical analysis standards to analyze the elemental content of the collected samples, and different analytical methods can be selected for different elements. For example, for trace elements, such as those in the second element group, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) can be used for determination; for major elements, such as some chalcophile elements in the third element group, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy can be used for determination. There are no limitations on this approach.

[0035] Anomaly zones for each element group can be identified using elemental distribution maps. For example, if an element group contains only one element, the anomaly zone in its distribution map can be directly considered the anomaly zone for that element group. If an element group contains multiple elements, their distribution maps can be overlaid to obtain the anomaly zones. As an example, during the overlay of distribution maps, for easier identification, one element can be selected as the primary element, represented by a gray block, while other elements can be represented using contour lines of different colors. Only the contour lines corresponding to the anomaly threshold can be displayed. The anomaly zones for the element group are then determined by combining the areas marked by the gray blocks and the areas enclosed by the contour lines of each element.

[0036] In some other embodiments, those skilled in the art can also use other methods to perform statistical analysis on the obtained element content to determine abnormal areas, and there are no limitations on this.

[0037] Once the anomalous regions corresponding to each element group are identified, the first region can be determined based on the distribution of these anomalous regions. Since the anomalous region in this application indicates that the content of at least one element in an element group is higher than a preset value in that region, if an anomalous region corresponding to an element group exists in a region, that region can be determined as the first region.

[0038] In some embodiments, the boundary of the abnormal area in the region can be directly determined as the boundary of the first region. In some other embodiments, a certain buffer area can be set around the boundary of the abnormal area in the region, and the boundary of the first region can be determined based on the boundary of the buffer area.

[0039] In some embodiments, if multiple anomalous regions corresponding to multiple element groups are distributed in an overlapping manner in a region, the boundary of the first region can be determined jointly based on the boundaries of these anomalous regions, for example, such that the first region at least completely covers these anomalous regions, or at least completely covers the region where these anomalous regions overlap.

[0040] The method provided in this application embodiment gives four element groups that can indicate the distribution of hydrothermal uranium ore fields. The determination of the first region based on the anomalous areas of these element groups can overcome the influence of surface formation after the formation of hydrothermal uranium ore on the migration of active elements, making the determined first region more accurate.

[0041] In some embodiments, as described above, there may be known hydrothermal uranium ore bodies in the exploration area. Therefore, before determining the first region in the exploration area based on the distribution of the anomaly zone, the spatial relationship between the anomaly zone and the known hydrothermal uranium ore bodies in the exploration area can be determined first, thereby further ensuring the accuracy of the determined first region.

[0042] Understandably, if there is a clear spatial correlation between the distribution of anomalous areas and known hydrothermal uranium ore bodies, it indicates that the identified anomalous areas have a relatively clear indicative significance for the distribution of hydrothermal uranium ore bodies. Determining the first region in the unknown area based on these anomalous areas can have high accuracy. If there is no spatial correlation between the distribution of anomalous areas and known hydrothermal uranium ore bodies, or if there is no spatial correlation between the anomalous areas corresponding to some element groups and known hydrothermal uranium ore bodies, it may indicate that the anomalous areas corresponding to these element groups are difficult to effectively indicate the distribution of hydrothermal uranium ore bodies. It may be necessary to adjust the elements included in these element groups, or to exclude these element groups.

[0043] In some embodiments, after the first region is determined, the level of the first region can be further determined based on the number of overlapping anomalous areas in the first region, which characterizes the mineral-bearing probability in the first region.

[0044] Determining the level of the first region helps to better guide the next step of exploration. Understandably, the more anomalous areas there are in the first region, the more types of element groups are enriched there. This means that the first region has a higher probability of mineralization compared to other first regions with fewer anomalous areas. In subsequent exploration work, the first region can be prioritized.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first region can be classified into four levels based on the probability of mineralization, from high to low. If the first region contains anomalous areas corresponding to four element groups in overlapping areas, it can be considered level one, with the highest probability of mineralization. If the overlapping areas contain anomalous areas corresponding to any three element groups, it can be considered level two. If the overlapping areas contain anomalous areas corresponding to any two element groups, it can be considered level three. If the overlapping areas contain anomalous areas corresponding to only one element group, it can be considered level four, with the lowest probability of mineralization.

[0046] In some other embodiments, those skilled in the art can further classify the level of the first region by combining the specific types of element groups corresponding to the abnormal areas in the first region. It is understood that although all four element groups can indicate the distribution of hydrothermal uranium deposits, there may be differences in the indication effects between different element groups. If two first regions each have abnormal areas corresponding to two element groups, the levels of these two first regions can be further distinguished based on the specific types of element groups. Those skilled in the art can make the selection according to the actual situation, which will not be elaborated here.

[0047] In some embodiments, as described above, the specific elements included in the four elements can be determined based on existing geological data in the exploration area. Specifically, multiple element groups can be determined based on the element group characteristics in the exploration area. Element group characteristics refer to the content distribution characteristics of each element in the exploration area, the correlation between the contents of each element, etc. Determining multiple element groups based on element group characteristics can eliminate some elements without obvious enrichment characteristics in advance, thus improving efficiency.

[0048] Geochemical data and other information from the exploration area can be used to initially obtain the elemental distribution characteristics of the exploration area, thereby determining the elements included in each element group. In some embodiments, if a known hydrothermal uranium ore body exists in the exploration area, the elements included in the element group can be specifically determined based on the elemental characteristics of the location of the hydrothermal uranium ore body.

[0049] In some embodiments, as described above, anomaly zones corresponding to each element group can be determined separately using sampling and elemental content analysis. Specifically, multiple sampling points can be set up in the exploration area, and samples can be collected from each sampling point for elemental content analysis to determine the content distribution of elements in the element group in the exploration area. Next, based on the content distribution of each element in the exploration area, anomaly thresholds corresponding to each element can be determined, and based on the distribution of each element in the exploration area and the anomaly thresholds corresponding to each element, anomaly zones corresponding to each element group can be determined.

[0050] In some embodiments, sampling points can be set in a grid pattern in the exploration area. Setting sampling points in a grid pattern can ensure the comprehensiveness of sampling and facilitate subsequent analysis of the obtained element content.

[0051] As an example, sampling points can be set up with a grid density of 100m × 100m, and sampling can be carried out at the sampling points by drilling, with a drilling depth of 10-20m. In some embodiments, to ensure the accuracy of sampling points, a sampling point layout map of the exploration area can be established first, and then the location of each sampling point can be marked using a handheld GPS detection device. In some embodiments, to ensure that the collected samples can obtain relatively accurate data, care should be taken to avoid collapsing deposits, wind deposits, plant roots, etc., during the sampling process, and samples that have been significantly affected by human, animal, or other activities should be avoided.

[0052] In some embodiments, during the setting of sampling points, alteration zones in the exploration area can be identified first, and then sampling points can be set within these alteration zones. The alteration zone here can refer to sections exhibiting alterations such as alkali replacement, silicification, and carbonatization; the distribution of these alterations reflects, to some extent, the activity range of the hydrothermal fluid.

[0053] Alteration zones in the exploration area can be identified through field surveys or based on geological maps. Sampling points can then be set up around these alteration zones, ensuring complete coverage of the area. For sections of the exploration area where no significant wall rock alteration is found, the likelihood of hydrothermal uranium deposits is low; in such cases, sampling points may not be necessary, or they may be set up sparsely to improve sampling efficiency.

[0054] In some embodiments, during the setting of sampling points, known hydrothermal uranium deposits in the exploration area can be identified first, and sampling points can be set up in a relatively dense manner in the areas where hydrothermal uranium deposits are distributed. As an example, sampling points can be set up in the exploration area with a grid density of 100m × 100m, and the grid density of sampling points in the areas where hydrothermal uranium deposits are distributed can be further increased to 20m × 20m-50m × 50m.

[0055] In such an embodiment, by setting up sampling points in a relatively dense manner in the area where hydrothermal uranium deposits are distributed, more elemental content data can be obtained in the known hydrothermal uranium deposit distribution area. This helps to determine the spatial relationship between the anomaly area and the known hydrothermal uranium deposits, and also helps to calculate the anomaly threshold corresponding to each element more accurately.

[0056] In some embodiments, the outlier threshold for each element can be determined specifically based on the arithmetic mean and standard deviation of the content of each element. As an example, the arithmetic mean can be obtained by progressively removing elements by subtracting three times the standard deviation from the mean. Xo Then, the standard deviation after stepwise elimination is obtained. So Abnormal threshold T= Xo ± 2So The stepwise elimination method can remove the influence of element content that significantly deviates from the normal value, making the calculated anomaly threshold more accurate. In some other embodiments, those skilled in the art can also choose other suitable methods to calculate the anomaly threshold, as long as the anomaly threshold can accurately reflect the enrichment characteristics of each element, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0057] The following sections will describe several methods for determining the second region.

[0058] In some embodiments, a siliceous vein development zone in the exploration area may be identified first, and then the mineralized siliceous veins in the siliceous vein development zone may be identified, and the area where the mineralized siliceous veins are located may be identified as a second region.

[0059] The focus of this embodiment is the identification of mineralized siliceous veins. Specifically, when identifying mineralized siliceous veins, multiple samples can be collected in the siliceous vein development area, and their elemental contents can be determined in order to determine the uranium content and uranium-related elements of the siliceous vein samples.

[0060] Uranium-related elements refer to elements in siliceous veins whose content is related to the uranium content. This application proposes that mineralized siliceous veins are generally enriched with trace elements such as tungsten, lead, bismuth, cadmium, antimony, molybdenum, copper, beryllium, vanadium, zinc, barium, cobalt, nickel, and chromium. Furthermore, the content of these trace elements is strongly correlated with the uranium content. Therefore, these trace elements can be used as identification criteria for mineralized siliceous veins.

[0061] If the uranium content of the siliceous vein sample is determined to be greater than the second preset value, and the uranium-related elements include one or more of the elements involved in the above identification criteria, then the siliceous vein at the location of the sample can be determined to be a mineralized siliceous vein. The second preset value here can be determined by those skilled in the art based on the actual situation. As an example, the second preset value can be 20 × 10⁻⁶. -6 .

[0062] After determining the element content, the correlation coefficient between each element and uranium can be determined by using correlation analysis commonly used in the field. Elements with a correlation coefficient greater than a first preset value are identified as uranium-related elements. The first preset value can be determined by those skilled in the art based on the actual situation, as long as it can effectively identify elements with relatively good correlation between silicon veins and uranium.

[0063] In some embodiments, when determining the elemental content of each silicon vein sample, uranium content analysis and trace element content analysis can be performed on each silicon vein sample separately to determine the uranium content and the content of each trace element in each silicon vein sample.

[0064] As described above, the elements involved in the identification criteria used in this application are all trace elements. Therefore, in the process of elemental content analysis, only the uranium content and trace element content need to be analyzed, without the need to analyze the major elements, thereby improving the efficiency of identification. The trace elements targeted in the elemental content analysis may include only the trace elements involved in the above identification criteria, or they may include other trace elements besides those mentioned above; there is no limitation on this.

[0065] In some embodiments, as described above, the correlation coefficient between the content of each trace element and the uranium content can be determined separately, and then trace elements with a correlation coefficient higher than a first preset value can be determined as uranium-related elements.

[0066] In some embodiments, the trace element content in each siliceous vein sample can be further determined. This application also proposes that, in addition to being enriched in the aforementioned uranium-related trace elements, ore-forming siliceous veins typically have significantly higher trace element content than typical non-ore-forming siliceous veins. Therefore, the specific content of trace elements can also be used as an identification criterion for ore-forming siliceous veins; these trace elements may include the aforementioned uranium-related elements, or other trace elements.

[0067] Specifically, when identifying mineralized siliceous veins based on elemental content and uranium-related elements, if it is determined that the uranium content and trace element content in the siliceous vein sample are higher than the second preset value, and the uranium-related elements include at least one of tungsten, lead, bismuth, cadmium, antimony, molybdenum, copper, beryllium, vanadium, zinc, barium, cobalt, nickel, and chromium, then the siliceous veins in the siliceous vein development area can be identified as mineralized siliceous veins.

[0068] The second preset value here can be determined based on the background value of trace element content in the siliceous veins. This background value can be determined by those skilled in the art based on experience or relevant geological data. Alternatively, non-mineralized siliceous veins can be collected in the area, and the background value can be determined based on the trace element content in the non-mineralized siliceous veins.

[0069] In some embodiments, when collecting multiple silica vein samples in a silica vein development area, the color, type, occurrence, and stage of the silica veins in the silica vein development area can be determined first. Then, at least one silica vein sample can be collected at each silica vein of each color, type, occurrence, and stage to ensure the comprehensiveness of the collected silica vein samples and thus improve the accuracy of identification.

[0070] Furthermore, this application proposes that the types of quartz veins in mineralized siliceous veins are typically red microcrystalline quartz veins, reddish-brown microcrystalline quartz veins, white comb-like quartz veins, and gray quartz veins. These types of quartz veins can also be used as an identification criterion for mineralized siliceous veins.

[0071] Based on this, in some embodiments, the type of quartz vein in each silica vein sample can be determined separately. If the type of quartz vein in the silica vein sample is determined to include at least one of red microcrystalline quartz vein, reddish-brown microcrystalline quartz vein, white comb-shaped quartz vein, and gray quartz vein, then the silica vein at the location of the silica vein sample can be identified as a mineralized silica vein.

[0072] The microcrystalline quartz veins referred to here are quartz veins with a crystal grain size between 0.01 and 0.05 mm. Reddish-brown microcrystalline quartz veins are often described in the art as liver-colored microcrystalline quartz veins, and gray quartz veins are often described in the art as smoky gray quartz veins. Those skilled in the art can identify the type of quartz veins according to relevant identification standards, which will not be elaborated here.

[0073] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, quartz vein type can also be used alone as an identification criterion for mineralized siliceous veins, without having to be used in conjunction with the uranium-related elements described above.

[0074] In some embodiments, determining the siliceous vein development zone in the exploration area may include: determining the alteration zone in the exploration area; and defining the area with siliceous veins in the alteration zone as the siliceous vein development zone. In this embodiment, the alteration zone in the exploration area can be determined first based on the alteration of the surrounding rock in the exploration area, and then the siliceous vein development zone can be determined from the alteration zone, which improves the efficiency of determining the second region.

[0075] In some embodiments, determining the siliceous vein development region further includes: determining the radioactivity content in the alteration region; and defining the region in the alteration region where siliceous veins are developed and the radioactivity value of at least some of the siliceous veins is higher than a fourth preset value as the siliceous vein development region.

[0076] Understandably, abnormal values ​​of radioactivity can indicate the distribution of uranium to some extent. Therefore, in this embodiment, the radioactivity content of siliceous veins is determined during the identification of siliceous vein development areas. Areas where at least some siliceous veins have radioactivity values ​​higher than a fourth preset value are identified as siliceous vein development areas. This makes it more likely that mineralized siliceous veins will develop in the identified siliceous vein development areas, thereby improving the efficiency of identifying the second region. The fourth preset value here can be set with reference to radioactivity anomaly standards in related technologies in the art, or it can be set based on the radioactivity background value in the exploration area; there is no limitation on this.

[0077] The following sections will describe several methods for determining the third region.

[0078] In some embodiments, when determining the third region, surface samples can be collected from the exploration area, and the uranium content and deformation characteristics of markers in the surface samples can be determined. These markers may include at least one of quartz, feldspar, and mica. If the uranium content in the surface samples is determined to be greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface samples exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, then the area where the surface samples are located can be determined as the third region.

[0079] Specifically, bedrock samples can be collected from near the surface within the exploration area. After collecting the surface samples, they can be divided into two parts: one part is analyzed by elemental analysis to determine its uranium content, and the other part is ground into thin sections for microscopic observation to determine the deformation characteristics of its markers.

[0080] In some embodiments, determining the deformation characteristics of markers in a surface sample may include: observing the structure and / or absorbance of the markers in the surface sample under a microscope; and determining the deformation characteristics of the markers based on the structure and / or absorbance of the markers in the surface sample.

[0081] If it is determined that the structure of the marker in the surface sample is broken, then it can be determined that the marker in the surface sample has rigid deformation.

[0082] The structural fragmentation observed in different types of markers may vary. For example, in quartz and feldspar, the structural fragmentation may be network fragmentation, microfracture, breccia, or breccia. In mica, the structural fragmentation may be microfracture, breccia, or breccia, with network fragmentation being less common. These structural fragmentations can be identified under a microscope by those skilled in the art based on experience or relevant standards in the field; specific identification methods will not be elaborated here.

[0083] In some embodiments, if a change in the light absorption of a marker in a surface sample is determined, it is determined that the marker in the surface sample may have undergone plastic deformation. The markers of the change in light absorption may include: banded extinction, wavy extinction, and fan-shaped extinction. Those skilled in the art can identify the above three types of extinction based on experience or relevant standards in the art; specific identification methods will not be elaborated here.

[0084] The changes in light absorption may vary in different types of markers. Quartz may exhibit wavy extinction, banded extinction, or fan-shaped extinction, while feldspar and mica are more likely to show wavy extinction.

[0085] In some embodiments, in addition to determining the presence of plastic deformation by means of changes in light absorption, the presence of plastic deformation can also be determined based on some distinctive structures that appear in the markers. The distinctive structures that may appear in different types of markers are also different.

[0086] For quartz, its characteristic structures can include dynamic recrystallization, tensile lineation, rotating breccia, pressure shadows, SC foliation, subgrain-like structures, banded structures, and stress-creep structures. Therefore, if at least one of these structures is found in quartz, it can be determined that the marker in the surface sample has undergone plastic deformation.

[0087] Dynamic recrystallization is a recrystallization process that occurs simultaneously with deformation. Minerals may undergo dynamic recrystallization when deformed above 0.5Tm (Tm is the melting point temperature) or during creep at a certain critical stress and a relatively slow strain rate.

[0088] SC foliation is a structural assemblage commonly found in ductile shear bands, consisting of S-foliations and C-foliations. S-foliations are compressional foliations that precede C-foliations, while C-foliations are shear foliations that form slightly later.

[0089] Subgrains, also known as subcrystals, are micro-regions in a mineral that are separated by subgrain interfaces.

[0090] Banded structures are characterized by the alternating arrangement of minerals and rocks of different colors or grain sizes, appearing as bands. These bands may consist of alternating layers of dark and light-colored minerals and rocks, or alternating layers of coarser and finer-grained minerals and rocks, thus appearing as parallel or nearly parallel bands within the rock.

[0091] Stress-induced creep structure refers to a creep structure formed by the exsolution or precipitation of SiO2 from the crystal lattice due to the reduction of molar volume under compressive stress. This structure is related to stress and is different from the replacement creep structure in metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks, hence the name stress-induced creep structure.

[0092] For feldspar, characteristic structures can include kink bands, oblique structures, deformation striations, mechanical twinning, subgranular structures, brecciated structures, dynamic recrystallization, core-mantle structures, pinnacle structures, stress striation structures, and exsolution foliation. If at least one of these structures is found in feldspar, it can be determined that the marker in the surface sample exhibits plastic deformation.

[0093] A fold zone is a flat strip where foliation or foliation undergoes sharp angular changes. In essence, it is a shear zone with a certain width, in which the rock within the zone undergoes relative shearing and sliding with the rocks on both sides, causing a sharp change in the attitude of the bedding or foliation.

[0094] A book-like structure refers to a series of blocks or fragments cut by steeply dipping faults, like books on a bookshelf falling to the side. Each block undergoes rigid rotation, resulting in relative shearing motion along the normal fault.

[0095] Deformation lines refer to straight or long lenticular thin lines that are formed inside a crystal by impact or shearing.

[0096] Mechanical twinning, also known as slip twinning, is a twinning structure formed when a crystal is subjected to mechanical forces after its formation, causing some of the crystal lattices to slip and deform along one direction of the planar network.

[0097] The porphyritic system is a porphyritic system formed by mineral fragments and crystal tails.

[0098] The core-mantle structure is a structure composed of deformed grains surrounded by fine subgrains and recrystallized new grains.

[0099] The clockwork structure refers to a microstructure in minerals that resembles the shape of an ancient Western clock due to variations in composition or optical properties.

[0100] Stress striations are striations formed by the exsolution or precipitation of sodium in potassium feldspar or sodium feldspar under stress. These precipitated stress striations are mostly distributed along shear planes or tensile crack planes, and appear in the form of geese, flames, checkerboard patterns, and irregular shapes.

[0101] Exsolution foliation refers to the parallel intergrowth of two components, similar to polysynthetic twinning. For mica, characteristic structures may include mica fish-like structures, oblique structures, pressure shadows, SC foliation, clasts, and kink bands. If at least one of these structures is found in mica, it can be determined that the marker in the surface sample exhibits plastic deformation.

[0102] Mica fishes are mostly developed in quartz-mica schists. Pre-existing mica fragments, with cleavage that is not prone to slip, form micro-plow-like normal faults in the direction oblique to the cleavage during shearing, opposite to the shear direction. As deformation continues, the upper and lower mica fragments slip, separate, and rotate, forming asymmetrical mica fishes. Definitions of other structures can be found in the relevant sections above and will not be repeated here.

[0103] The identification of the aforementioned landmark structures can be based on experience or relevant identification standards in this field; specific identification methods will not be elaborated here.

[0104] In some embodiments, to further improve the accuracy of determining the third region, the deformation intensity of the markers in the surface sample can be further determined after determining that the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation.

[0105] Specifically, if the markers in the surface sample retain the original rock structure, the deformation intensity is determined to be Level 1; if the markers in the surface sample show a fractured structure but the original rock structure can still be identified, the deformation intensity is determined to be Level 2; if the markers in the surface sample show newly formed structures, the deformation intensity is determined to be Level 3.

[0106] Figure 2 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a marker with a deformation intensity of Level 1. Part 2a shows Level 1 deformation of quartz 1, part 2b shows Level 1 deformation of feldspar 2, and part 2c shows Level 1 deformation of mica 3. It can be seen that at Level 1 deformation intensity, slight cracks appear in the marker, but the original rock structure is still preserved. A deformation intensity of Level 1 indicates that the deformation at this location is weak and mainly rigid, which is not conducive to hydrothermal uranium mineralization.

[0107] Figure 3 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an indicative specimen with a deformation intensity of level three. Part 3a shows the level two deformation of quartz 1, part 3b shows the level two deformation of feldspar 2, and part 3c shows the level two deformation of mica 3. It is evident that at the level two deformation intensity, significant structural fracturing is observed, but the remaining original rock structure can still be identified. A deformation intensity of level two indicates that plastic deformation is weaker than rigid deformation, which is favorable for hydrothermal uranium mineralization.

[0108] Figure 4 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a marker with a deformation intensity of level three. Part 4a shows level three deformation of quartz 1, part 4b shows level three deformation of feldspar 2, and part 4c shows level three deformation of mica 3. It is evident that at level three deformation intensity, significant new structures appear in the marker. Level three deformation intensity indicates that plastic deformation is dominant, while rigid deformation is weaker than plastic deformation, and the beneficial effect of hydrothermal activity is more pronounced. Both level two and level three deformation intensities are conducive to hydrothermal uranium mineralization.

[0109] In this embodiment, when determining the third region, if the uranium content in the surface sample is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, and the deformation intensity is level two or three, then the region where the surface sample is located is determined as the third region.

[0110] As an example, the deformation strength can be determined based on the following judgment rules.

[0111] The first-level deformation strength can specifically include weak crack damage deformation and strong crack damage deformation.

[0112] The specific manifestations of weak fracture deformation are that the original rock structure is preserved, rigid fractures are developed locally, and the visible light properties of quartz, feldspar, mica and other materials in the fractures are abnormal.

[0113] The specific manifestations of severe cracking and deformation are the coexistence of brittle and ductile deformation, recrystallization, and re-healing or cementation after breakage.

[0114] Secondary deformation strength can specifically include weak fragmentation deformation and strong fragmentation deformation.

[0115] The specific manifestation of weak fragmentation deformation is that the marker is cut into irregular fragments by fissures, the displacement between fragments is very small, the marker is roughly able to be pieced together, and the original rock's overall structure and basic characteristics are retained.

[0116] Strong fragmentation deformation is specifically characterized by the appearance of strong fragmentation structure, distinguishable marker particles, significantly more fragmented content in the rock than fragmented basement, development of fracturing and edge fine-graining in the fragmented areas, and preservation of the original rock properties and structure.

[0117] The third-level deformation strength can specifically include mylonitization deformation, promylonite deformation, mylonite deformation, and ultramylonite deformation.

[0118] Mylonitization and deformation are characterized by porphyritic predominance, with matrix content less than 10%. Mineral elongation is visible, with slight directional arrangement. Indicators include wavy extinction, twinning, and twisting. Recrystallization is also observed.

[0119] The deformation of the primary mylonite is specifically manifested in the presence of matrix content greater than 10% and less than 50%, obvious matrix orientation, increased dynamic recrystallization grains, banded extinction, subgrain and recrystallization of the characteristic mineral quartz, twinning and twisting of feldspar, and banded extinction or twisting of mica.

[0120] The deformation of mylonite is specifically characterized by a matrix content greater than 50% and less than 90%, with a maximum of no more than 90%. It is mainly characterized by dynamic recrystallization, with few and small clastic foci. It exhibits obvious plastic flow structures, and the markers include the development of rotating clastic systems, core-mantle structure, and SC foliation. Most of the quartz is recrystallized, and flow structures are present around the clastic foci.

[0121] The deformation of ultramylonite is specifically manifested by a matrix content greater than 90%, rare porphyritic fragments, recrystallization of the marker, development of plastic flow structures, increased content of the markers mica and quartz, and reduction or disappearance of feldspar.

[0122] In addition to the above-mentioned judgment rules, those skilled in the art may also use other judgment rules and / or combine them with the actual situation to specifically judge the deformation strength, which will not be elaborated here.

[0123] In some embodiments, when collecting surface samples in the exploration area, ore-controlling structures related to hydrothermal uranium mineralization in the exploration area can be identified first based on the mineralization and structural features of the exploration area. The area where the ore-controlling structures are distributed is designated as the working area, and then surface samples are collected in the working area. When determining a third region in the exploration area, if the uranium content in the surface sample is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, then the working area is designated as the third region.

[0124] Understandably, although this application mainly relies on microscopic deformation features to ultimately determine the third region, sampling and confirming deformation features of surface samples throughout the entire exploration area may lead to reduced efficiency and increased costs. Therefore, in this embodiment, the working area is first determined by macroscopic ore-controlling structures, and subsequent surface sample collection and microscopic deformation feature determination are carried out in the working area, thereby ensuring the accuracy of determining the third region while improving efficiency and reducing costs.

[0125] The ore-controlling structures mentioned here refer to macroscopic structures that control the mineralization of hydrothermal uranium deposits. For example, ore-controlling structures may include fault zones, alteration zones, radioactive anomaly zones, and geophysical and geochemical anomaly zones. Radioactive anomaly zones can be determined based on the radioactive background values ​​in the exploration area, and geophysical and geochemical anomaly zones can be determined based on the geophysical and geochemical background values ​​in the exploration area. Specific determination methods can be found in relevant technologies in this field and will not be elaborated here.

[0126] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All contents not described in detail in the present invention can be derived from existing technologies.

Claims

1. A method for determining a prospective area of ​​hydrothermal uranium deposits, comprising: A first region is identified within the exploration area. This first region is an area containing anomalies corresponding to at least one element group. The element groups include a first element group, a second element group, a third element group, and a fourth element group. The first element group includes uranium and thorium. The second element group includes one or more incompatible elements of the same genus as uranium. The third element group includes one or more chalcophile elements. The fourth element group includes one or more volatile elements. The anomaly region is an area where the content of at least one element in the element group is higher than the corresponding anomaly threshold. The anomaly threshold is determined based on the content distribution of the corresponding element in the exploration area. A second region within the exploration area is identified, which is the region where the mineralized siliceous veins are located; A third region is identified within the exploration area, which is a region in the exploration area where the uranium content in the surface rocks is greater than a preset value, and where the markers in the surface rocks exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation. The hydrothermal uranium prospect area is determined based on one or more of the first region, the second region, and the third region.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area includes: The area containing at least one of the first region, the second region, and the third region is defined as the prospective hydrothermal uranium deposit.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The hydrothermal uranium deposit prospective area includes: The overlapping area of ​​the first region, the second region, and the third region is defined as the prospective area of ​​the hydrothermal uranium deposit.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the first region includes: The anomaly zones corresponding to each of the element groups in the exploration area are determined respectively; The first region is determined in the exploration area based on the distribution of the anomaly zones.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: Before determining the first region in the exploration area based on the distribution of the anomaly zone, the spatial relationship between the anomaly zone and the known hydrothermal uranium ore bodies in the exploration area is determined.

6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The level of the first region is determined based on the number of overlapping anomalous zones in the first region, and the level represents the mineral-bearing probability in the first region.

7. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The element group is determined based on the element group characteristics in the exploration area.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The second element group includes at least one of the following elements: Lithium, cesium, rubidium, niobium.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The third element group includes at least one of the following elements: Molybdenum, copper, lead, zinc, bismuth, antimony.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The fourth element group includes at least one of the following elements: Fluorine, sulfur.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the second region includes: Identify the siliceous vein development areas within the exploration area; Identify the mineralized silica veins in the silica vein development area; The region where the mineralized silica veins are located is designated as the second region.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The identification of mineralized silica veins in the silica vein development area includes: Multiple siliceous vein samples were collected from the siliceous vein development area; The elemental content of each of the aforementioned siliceous vein samples was determined; Based on the element content in multiple silicon vein samples, the uranium-related elements in the silicon vein samples are determined, and the uranium-related elements are elements whose element content has a correlation coefficient with the uranium content that is higher than a first preset value; If it is determined that the uranium content in the silica vein sample is higher than the second preset value, and the uranium-related elements include at least one of tungsten, lead, bismuth, cadmium, antimony, molybdenum, copper, beryllium, vanadium, zinc, barium, cobalt, nickel, and chromium, then the silica vein at the location of the silica vein sample is identified as the mineralized silica vein.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The identification of mineralized silica veins in the silica vein development area also includes: The trace element content in each of the aforementioned siliceous vein samples was determined; If it is determined that the uranium content in the siliceous vein sample is higher than a second preset value and the trace element content is higher than a third preset value, and the uranium-related elements include at least one of tungsten, lead, bismuth, cadmium, antimony, molybdenum, copper, beryllium, vanadium, zinc, barium, cobalt, nickel, and chromium, then the siliceous vein in the siliceous vein development area is identified as the mineralized siliceous vein, and the third preset value is determined based on the background value of the trace element content in the siliceous vein.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The identification of mineralized silica veins in the silica vein development area includes: Determine the type of quartz vein in each of the aforementioned silica vein samples; If the quartz vein type in the siliceous vein sample is determined to include at least one of red microcrystalline quartz vein, reddish-brown microcrystalline quartz vein, white comb-shaped quartz vein, and gray quartz vein, then the siliceous vein at the location of the siliceous vein sample is identified as the mineralized siliceous vein, wherein the microcrystalline quartz vein is a quartz vein with a crystal grain size between 0.01 and 0.05 mm.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the third region includes: Collect surface samples from the exploration area; The uranium content of the surface sample and the deformation characteristics of the markers in the surface sample are determined, wherein the markers include at least one of quartz, feldspar, and mica; A third region is determined within the exploration area, wherein if the uranium content in the surface sample is greater than a preset value, and the markers in the surface sample exhibit both rigid and plastic deformation, then the region where the surface sample is located is determined as the third region.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Determining the deformation characteristics of markers in the surface samples includes: Observe the structure and / or absorbance of markers in the surface samples under a microscope; The deformation characteristics of the markers are determined based on the structure and / or light absorption of the markers in the surface samples.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, If it is determined that the structure of the marker in the surface sample is broken, then it is determined that the marker in the surface sample has rigid deformation.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, If it is determined that the marker in the surface sample shows a change in light absorption, then it is determined that the marker in the surface sample has undergone plastic deformation. The change in light absorption includes: banded extinction, wavy extinction, and fan-shaped extinction.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, The marker includes quartz. When determining the deformation characteristics of the marker in the surface sample, if at least one of the following structures is found to be present in the quartz, then the marker in the surface sample is determined to have undergone plastic deformation: Dynamic recrystallization, tensile foliation, rotating fragmentation system, pressure shadow, SC foliation, subgranular structure, banded structure, stress creep structure.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein, The markers include feldspar. When determining the deformation characteristics of the markers in the surface sample, if at least one of the following structures is found to be present in the feldspar, then the markers in the surface sample are determined to have undergone plastic deformation: Twisted bands, oblique structures, deformation patterns, mechanical twinning, subgranular structures, fragmented systems, dynamic recrystallization, core-mantle structure, clockwork structure, stress striation structure, exsolution foliation.

21. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The marker includes mica. When determining the deformation characteristics of the marker in the surface sample, if at least one of the following structures is found to be present in the mica, then the marker in the surface sample is determined to have undergone plastic deformation: Mica fish, oblique structure, pressure shadow, SC surface, fragmented pattern, twisted band.

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