Where to prospect for uranium

Present evidence on the distribution of low-cost reserves shows that more than 90% occur in association with Precambrian rocks or in tectonically disturbed Phanerozoic rocks immediately overlying the basement. This is not a fortuituous relationship nor is it one related to the choice of areas selected so far for prospecting. Future prospecting is likely to be more successful than it would otherwise be if attempts are made to recognize major uranium provinces as well as to understand the geological criteria that permitted uranium to be concentrated in such grades and tonnages as to be of economic importance. Once provinces have been outlined more detailed geology is required to help recognize the most likely environments for individual deposits. In this connection, a study of the geochronology and isotopic composition of both ore and host rocks could prove invaluable. (author)