Reconnaissance geochemical exploration for uranium in northern Palawan, Philippines

The search for uranium in the country dates back to 1953. To date, about 45% of the country has been covered using systematic geochemical exploration method, at the reconnaissance level with some delineated prospective areas followed up by either or both semi-detailed and detailed surveys. Currently, a two-year reconnaissance geochemical survey for nuclear and rare earth minerals is being conducted in northern Palawan covering an area of about 5,000 sq km. So far, about one sample per 5-15 sq km. Preliminary analytical results outlined two areas, namely El Nido and Erawan, with high uranium values in the heavy mineral panned concentrate samples. The El Nido area may be an important target for further exploration work for uranium. The presence of acidic intrusive rocks and sedimentary formations such as sandstone and shale in the area may suggest a favorable geological environment for uranium mineralization. The high uranium values found in Erawan area which is characterized by the Caramay Schist intruded by the Kapoas Intrusive may be due to uranium that is tied up with the accessory minerals allanite and monazite. (author). 16 refs.; 8 figs