Methods for delineating prospective uranium deposits in sandstone-type uranium deposits within sedimentary basins

Abstract

The embodiments of this application relate to the field of testing or analyzing ground materials by measuring their chemical or physical properties, and particularly to a method for delineating sandstone-type uranium mineralization prospective areas in sedimentary basins. This method obtains soil samples of different particle sizes and determines the uranium and thorium contents in each sample to obtain the deep uranium mineralization potential value for each sampling point, indicating the deep uranium mineralization potential of the sampling area. By analyzing the molybdenum content in smaller particle size soil samples, anomalies in molybdenum content further reflect the deep mineralization information of the sampling area. Based on the deep uranium mineralization potential value and molybdenum content, the deep uranium mineralization information can be more comprehensively reflected, improving the accuracy of delineating prospective mineralization areas. Furthermore, the process only requires collecting shallow soil samples, reducing the difficulty of fieldwork and improving uranium prospecting efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this application relate to the field of testing or analyzing ground materials by measuring their chemical or physical properties, and particularly to a method for delineating sandstone-type uranium mineralization prospective areas in sedimentary basins. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein are provided merely as background information in connection with this application and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Sandstone-type uranium deposits are often hosted in deep sand bodies and covered by overlying strata. As exploration depth increases, obtaining information on deep uranium mineralization becomes increasingly difficult. How to effectively detect and identify deep uranium mineralization information, quickly delineate prospective areas, and provide reliable clues and directions for further exploration are currently urgent technical challenges that need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A brief overview of this application is provided below to offer a basic understanding of certain aspects thereof. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of the application. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the application, nor is it intended to limit its scope. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0005] An embodiment of this application provides a method for delineating sandstone-type uranium mineralization prospective areas in a sedimentary basin, comprising the following steps: S10: obtaining soil samples from the sedimentary basin; S20: obtaining a soil sample of a first particle size from the soil samples; S30: determining the uranium and thorium content in the soil sample of the first particle size; S40: obtaining a soil sample of a second particle size from the soil samples, the second particle size being smaller than the first particle size; S50: determining the uranium, thorium, and molybdenum content in the soil sample of the second particle size; S60: according to... The uranium and thorium contents determined in step S30 and step S50 are used to determine the potential value for deep uranium mineralization; S70: Based on the potential value for deep uranium mineralization, anomaly zones of potential value for deep uranium mineralization in sedimentary basins are identified; S80: Based on the molybdenum content, anomaly zones of molybdenum content are identified; S90: Based on the anomaly zones of potential value for deep uranium mineralization determined in step S70 and the anomaly zones of molybdenum content determined in step S80, prospective areas for sandstone-type uranium mineralization in sedimentary basins are identified.

[0006] The method for delineating potential uranium deposits in sandstone-type uranium deposits in sedimentary basins, provided in the embodiments of this application, obtains soil samples of different particle sizes and determines the contents of uranium and thorium in each sample to obtain the deep uranium mineralization potential value for each sampling point. This indicates the deep uranium mineralization potential of the sampling area. Since molybdenum is often associated with uranium in sandstone-type uranium deposits and has relatively active geochemical properties, it easily accumulates in near-surface fine-grained soil samples, forming anomalies that have a certain indicative role for uranium deposits. Therefore, by analyzing the molybdenum content in smaller-particle soil samples, the deep mineralization information of the corresponding sampling area can be further reflected. Based on the anomaly areas of deep uranium mineralization potential and molybdenum content, the deep uranium mineralization information can be more comprehensively reflected, improving the accuracy of delineating potential mineralization areas. Furthermore, this method only requires the collection of shallow soil samples, reducing the difficulty of fieldwork and improving the efficiency of uranium prospecting. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of this application, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, together with the following detailed description, are included in and form a part of this specification. Elements having the same function and structure are indicated by the same reference numerals. It should be understood that these drawings only depict typical examples of this application and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this application.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for delineating sandstone-type uranium mineralization prospective areas in sedimentary basins, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and brevity, not all features of actual implementations are described in the specification. However, it should be understood that many implementation-specific decisions must be made in the development of any such actual embodiment to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with constraints related to the system and business, and these constraints may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that while development work can be very complex and time-consuming, such development work is merely a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from the content of this application.

[0010] It should also be noted that, in order to avoid obscuring this application with unnecessary details, only the equipment structure and / or processing steps closely related to the solution according to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details that are not closely related to this application are omitted.

[0011] The following disclosure provides several different implementations or examples for carrying out this application. To simplify the disclosure of this application, specific examples of components and methods are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit this application. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0012] Because the overlying strata and deep uranium orebodies have no inherited material composition, and unlike hydrothermal uranium deposits which readily leave hydrothermal activity information near the surface, sandstone-type uranium deposits exhibit very weak surface anomalies, rendering traditional geochemical exploration methods ineffective. Faced with the practical difficulties of large exploration areas and limited surface prospecting information in sedimentary basins, an effective method is needed to detect and identify deep uranium mineralization information and rapidly delineate prospecting areas regionally.

[0013] Embodiments of this application provide a method for delineating sandstone-type uranium mineralization prospective areas in sedimentary basins. Figure 1 This illustration shows a flowchart of a method for delineating sandstone-type uranium mineralization prospective areas in sedimentary basins, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following steps: S10: Obtain soil samples from the sedimentary basin; S20: Obtain soil samples of a first grain size from the soil samples; S30: Determine the uranium and thorium contents in the first grain size soil samples; S40: Obtain soil samples of a second grain size from the soil samples, the second grain size being smaller than the first grain size; S50: Determine the uranium, thorium, and molybdenum contents in the second grain size soil samples; S60: Determine the potential value for deep uranium mineralization based on the uranium and thorium contents determined in step S30 and step S50; S70: Determine the anomalous areas of the potential value for deep uranium mineralization in the sedimentary basin based on the potential value for deep uranium mineralization; S80: Determine the anomalous areas of molybdenum content based on the molybdenum content; S90: Determine the sandstone-type uranium mineralization prospective areas of the sedimentary basin based on the anomalous areas of the potential value for deep uranium mineralization determined in step S70 and the anomalous areas of molybdenum content determined in step S80.

[0014] The method for delineating potential uranium deposits in sandstone-type uranium deposits in sedimentary basins, provided in the embodiments of this application, obtains soil samples of different particle sizes and determines the contents of uranium and thorium in each sample to obtain the deep uranium mineralization potential value of each sampling point. This indicates the deep uranium mineralization potential of the sampling area. Since molybdenum is often associated with uranium in sandstone-type uranium deposits and has relatively active geochemical properties, it easily accumulates in near-surface fine-grained soil samples, forming anomalies that have a certain indicative role for uranium deposits. Therefore, by analyzing the molybdenum content in smaller-particle soil samples, the deep mineralization information of the corresponding sampling area can be further obtained. Based on the anomaly areas of deep uranium mineralization potential and molybdenum content, the deep uranium mineralization information can be more comprehensively reflected, improving the accuracy of delineating potential mineralization areas. Furthermore, this method only requires the collection of shallow soil samples, reducing the difficulty of fieldwork and improving the efficiency of uranium prospecting.

[0015] In some embodiments, step S60 further includes the following steps: S61: determining the relative relationship between the uranium content and thorium content determined in step S50; S62: determining the relative relationship between the uranium content and thorium content determined in step S30; S63: determining the potential value of deep uranium mineralization based on the relative relationship determined in step S61 and step S62.

[0016] In some embodiments, the relative relationship determined in step S61 can be the ratio of uranium content to thorium content in a soil sample of the second particle size, denoted as the first ratio; the relative relationship determined in step S62 can be the ratio of uranium content to thorium content in a soil sample of the first particle size, denoted as the second ratio; the potential value for determining deep uranium mineralization determined in step S63 is set as the ratio of the first ratio to the second ratio.

[0017] In some embodiments, thorium is relatively stable under normal conditions and is difficult to migrate. Therefore, the ratio of uranium content to thorium content can be used as an indicator of the degree of uranium-thorium separation to indicate changes in uranium content.

[0018] In some embodiments, step S60 further includes the following step: the uranium and thorium contents determined in step S30, the uranium and thorium contents determined in step S50, and the potential value for deep uranium mineralization conform to the following relationship: F ​​= (Th1U2) / (Th2U1), where F represents the potential value for deep uranium mineralization, Th1 represents the thorium content in the first-grained soil sample, U1 represents the uranium content in the first-grained soil sample, Th2 represents the thorium content in the second-grained soil sample, and U2 represents the uranium content in the second-grained soil sample.

[0019] In some embodiments, an F value greater than 1 indicates that the proportion of uranium in the second-grained soil sample increases compared to the first-grained soil sample, thereby indicating an increased influx of active uranium into the second-grained soil sample. Since active uranium mainly originates from deep soil, the larger the F value, the greater the potential for deep uranium mineralization.

[0020] In some embodiments, step S70 further includes the following steps: S71: determining the average value X1 and the root mean square deviation S1 of the potential value of deep uranium mineralization; S72: determining the anomalous areas of the potential value of deep uranium mineralization in the sedimentary basin based on the average value and root mean square deviation of the potential value of deep uranium mineralization. This quantifies the distribution range of the potential value data of deep uranium mineralization, making it easier to eliminate values ​​outside the distribution range and avoid interfering with the judgment results of the anomalous areas of the potential value of deep uranium mineralization.

[0021] In some embodiments, step S72 further includes the following steps: S721: removing data greater than X1+2S1 and less than X1-2S1; S722: determining the mean X2 and standard deviation S2 of the remaining data; S723: removing data greater than X2+2S2 and less than X2-2S2, and determining the mean X3 and standard deviation S3 of the remaining data; S724: repeating steps S721-S723 until no data is removed, and determining the mean X of the remaining data. n Sum of mean squared deviation n S725: Based on the average value and standard deviation determined in step S724, determine the lower limit of anomalies in the potential value of deep uranium mineralization in the sedimentary basin; S726: Based on the lower limit of anomalies, determine the anomalous areas of the potential value of deep uranium mineralization in the sedimentary basin. Multiple rejections exceeding X are performed. n +2S n and less than X n -2S n Find the F-value within the range and recalculate the average X of the remaining data. n Sum of mean squared deviation n This ensures stability across multiple iterations, making the lower limit of the anomaly in the deep uranium mineralization potential determined in step S725 more accurate.

[0022] In some embodiments, in step S725, the average value X determined in step S724 is... n , mean squared error S n The abnormal lower limit C of the potential value for deep uranium mineralization conforms to the following formula: C=X n +2S n If C≥1, then C is taken as the lower limit of the anomaly; if C<1, then a constant 1 is taken as the lower limit of the anomaly. The area formed by sampling points where the potential value F of deep uranium mineralization in the sedimentary basin is greater than the lower limit of the anomaly is the anomaly area of ​​the potential value of deep uranium mineralization in the sedimentary basin.

[0023] In some embodiments, since molybdenum is often associated with uranium in sandstone-type uranium deposits and has relatively active geochemical properties, it has a certain indicative role for uranium deposits. The molybdenum anomaly in the second-grain size soil sample can be used as an auxiliary indicator for delineating prospective areas of sandstone-type uranium deposits.

[0024] In some embodiments, step S80 further includes the following steps: S81: determining the average value X1 and the standard deviation S1 of the molybdenum content; S82: determining the abnormal areas of molybdenum content based on the average value and standard deviation of the molybdenum content. This quantifies the distribution range of the molybdenum content data, making it easier to eliminate values ​​outside the distribution range and avoid interfering with the judgment results of the abnormal areas of molybdenum content.

[0025] In some embodiments, step S82 further includes the following steps: S821: removing data greater than X1+2S1 and less than X1-2S1; S822: determining the mean X2 and standard deviation S2 of the remaining data; S823: removing data greater than X2+2S2 and less than X2-2S2, and determining the mean X3 and standard deviation S3 of the remaining data; S824: repeating steps S821-S823 until no data is removed, and determining the mean X of the remaining data. n Sum of mean squared deviation n S825: Based on the average value and standard deviation determined in step S824, determine the lower limit of molybdenum content anomalies in the sedimentary basin; S826: Based on the lower limit of anomalies, determine the anomalous areas of molybdenum content in the sedimentary basin. Multiple exclusions exceeding X are performed. n +2S n and less than X n -2S n The range of molybdenum content data was used to recalculate the average X of the remaining data. n Sum of mean squared deviation n This ensures stability across multiple iterations, making the abnormal lower limit of molybdenum content determined in step S825 more accurate.

[0026] In some embodiments, in step S825, the average value X determined in step S824 is... n , mean squared error S n The abnormal lower limit C of molybdenum content conforms to the following relationship: C=X n +2S n In sedimentary basins, the area formed by the sampling points corresponding to soil samples with molybdenum content exceeding the abnormal lower limit is considered the molybdenum anomalous zone.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second particle size can be -800 mesh. During the migration of uranium to the Earth's surface, it is easily captured and carried by fine-grained materials. Therefore, fine-grained materials carry more information about deep uranium mineralization. Setting the second particle size to -800 mesh can significantly distinguish it from the particle size of the first-grained soil sample, and can concentrate mineralization information from deep within the soil to a greater extent.

[0028] In some embodiments, step S40 further includes the following steps: S41: obtaining a predetermined amount of soil sample; S42: dissolving and thoroughly stirring the soil sample obtained in step S41 after passing it through a 200-mesh stainless steel sieve; S43: obtaining the suspension from step S42 and filtering the suspension using an 800-mesh filter; S44: centrifuging the filtered suspension; S45: obtaining the deposited soil sample after centrifugation in step S44; S46: drying the soil sample obtained in step S45 and obtaining a soil sample of a second particle size.

[0029] In some embodiments, in step S42, the remaining portion of the collected soil sample is passed through a 200-mesh stainless steel sieve, and at least 100g of -200-mesh particle size sample is collected; 100g of the -200-mesh particle size sample is dissolved in deionized water and stirred thoroughly.

[0030] In some embodiments, in step S43, the suspension after sample dissolution in step S42 is passed through an 800-mesh filter to filter out large soil particles, and the filtered suspension is collected so that the particles in the filtered suspension are of the -800 mesh size. Through dissolution filtration, the screening difficulty of particles smaller than -200 mesh can be reduced.

[0031] In some embodiments, in step S45, the tiny soil particles in the centrifuged suspension precipitate and solidify at the bottom of the container, while the upper liquid is essentially clear. After removing the upper clear liquid, a soil sample is obtained from the sediment at the bottom of the container.

[0032] In some embodiments, in step S46, the deposited soil sample is dried at a predetermined temperature, which is set not higher than 60°C, to obtain a second-size soil sample, and then the uranium content, thorium content, and molybdenum content in the second-size soil sample are measured.

[0033] In some embodiments, in step S10, the depth of the collected soil samples can be 40-50 cm, multiple sampling points can be set, and the mass of the soil sample collected at each sampling point is not less than 1 kg.

[0034] In some embodiments, in step S20, the soil sample obtained in step S10 is screened according to a first particle size, which can be set to -20 mesh, and the screened soil sample is ground to -200 mesh, thereby measuring the uranium content and thorium content in the soil sample of the first particle size.

[0035] In some embodiments, in step S90, the anomalous areas of deep uranium mineralization potential determined in step S70 and the anomalous areas of molybdenum content determined in step S80 overlap, and the overlapping areas are classified as Class I prospective areas, which should be given priority for further detailed exploration. Areas with only anomalous deep uranium mineralization potential are classified as Class II prospective areas. This enables the classification indication of deep uranium mineralization information and improves the efficiency of uranium prospecting.

[0036] Regarding the embodiments of this application, it should also be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments of this application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0037] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for delineating sandstone-type uranium mineralization prospective areas in sedimentary basins, characterized in that, It includes the following steps: S10: Obtain soil samples from the sedimentary basin; S20: Obtain a soil sample of the first particle size from the soil sample; S30: Determine the content of uranium and thorium in the soil sample of the first particle size; S40: Obtain a soil sample of a second particle size from the soil sample, the second particle size being smaller than the first particle size; S50: Determine the contents of uranium, thorium, and molybdenum in the soil sample of the second particle size; S60: Determine the potential value for deep uranium mineralization based on the uranium and thorium contents determined in step S30 and step S50. S70: Based on the potential value of deep uranium mineralization, determine the anomalous area of ​​the potential value of deep uranium mineralization in the sedimentary basin; S80: Based on the molybdenum content, determine the abnormal areas of molybdenum content; S90: Based on the abnormal areas of deep uranium mineralization potential determined in step S70 and the abnormal areas of molybdenum content determined in step S80, determine the sandstone-type uranium mineralization prospect area of ​​the sedimentary basin. Step S60 also includes the following steps: S61: Determine the relative relationship between the uranium content and the thorium content determined in step S50; S62: Determine the relative relationship between the uranium content and the thorium content determined in step S30; S63: Determine the potential value of deep uranium mineralization based on the relative relationships determined in step S61 and step S62. The uranium and thorium contents determined in step S30 and step S50, and the potential value for deep uranium mineralization, conform to the following relationship: F = (Th1U2) / (Th2U1), Where F represents the potential value for deep uranium mineralization, Th1 represents the thorium content in the first-grained soil sample, U1 represents the uranium content in the first-grained soil sample, Th2 represents the thorium content in the second-grained soil sample, and U2 represents the uranium content in the second-grained soil sample.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S70 also includes the following steps: S71: Determine the average value X1 and the standard deviation S1 of the deep uranium mineralization potential value; S72: Based on the average value and standard deviation of the potential value of deep uranium mineralization, determine the anomalous areas of the potential value of deep uranium mineralization in the sedimentary basin.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Step S72 also includes the following steps: S721: Remove data that is greater than X1+2S1 and less than X1-2S1; S722: Determine the mean X2 and the root mean square deviation S2 of the remaining data; S723: Remove data that are greater than X2+2S2 and less than X2-2S2, and determine the mean X3 and standard deviation S3 of the remaining data; S724: Repeat steps S721-S723 until no more data is removed, and determine the average value X of the remaining data. n Sum of mean squared deviation n ; S725: Based on the average value and standard deviation determined in step S724, determine the abnormal lower limit value of the deep uranium mineralization potential value in the sedimentary basin; S726: Based on the aforementioned lower limit value of the anomaly, determine the anomalous zone of the deep uranium mineralization potential value in the sedimentary basin.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step S725, the average value X determined in step S724 is... n , mean squared error S n The abnormal lower limit C of the deep uranium mineralization potential value conforms to the following relationship: C=X n +2S n 。 5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The S80 step also includes the following steps: S81: Determine the average value X1 and the standard deviation S1 of the molybdenum content; S82: Determine the abnormal areas of the molybdenum content based on the average value and standard deviation of the molybdenum content.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Step S82 also includes the following steps: S821: Remove data that is greater than X1+2S1 and less than X1-2S1; S822: Determine the mean X2 and the root mean square deviation S2 of the remaining data; S823: Remove data that are greater than X2+2S2 and less than X2-2S2, and determine the mean X3 and standard deviation S3 of the remaining data; S824: Repeat steps S821-S823 until no more data is removed, and determine the average value X of the remaining data. n Sum of mean squared deviation n ; S825: Based on the average value and standard deviation determined in step S824, determine the abnormal lower limit value of the molybdenum content in the sedimentary basin; S826: Based on the aforementioned lower limit value, determine the abnormal zone of molybdenum content in the sedimentary basin.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step S825, the average value X determined in step S824 is... n , mean squared error S n The abnormal lower limit C of the molybdenum content conforms to the following relationship: C=X n +2S n 。 8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second particle size is -800 mesh.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S40 also includes the following steps: S41: Obtain a predetermined amount of soil samples; S42: After passing the soil sample obtained in step S41 through a 200-mesh stainless steel sieve, dissolve and stir thoroughly; S43: Obtain the suspension from step S42 and filter the suspension using an 800-mesh filter screen; S44: Centrifuge the suspension obtained by filtration; S45: Obtain the deposited soil sample after centrifugation in step S44; S46: After drying the soil sample obtained in step S45, obtain a soil sample of the second particle size.

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