Basement geochemistry and possible links between 'Beaverlodge' and 'Athabasca' type uranium mineralization

Regional studies of the distribution of U, Th, and K in the Saskatchewan Shield do not reveal any obvious zones of radioelement enrichment that may have acted as precursors, and thus sources, for the uranium deposits of the Beaverlodge vein type or the higher grade Athabasca unconformity type. On the other hand, uranium enriched granites (HHP or high heat production granites) have been identified in the general area. Using the model of HHP granites as long term heat pumps affecting the groundwater flow regimes and tectonics as the factor controlling rock permeability, a relationship between the Beaverlodge and Athabasca type deposits can be proposed and also the periodic remobilizations of uranium minerals within the deposits can be explained. (author)