Search for uranium in Italy. Criteria adopted and results

The methods employed in uranium prospecting during 1955-60 in Italy and the results achieved are discussed in the light of modern uranium geological knowledge. Most uranium ore deposits found are distributed in the Permian continental sediments and in volcanics overlaying eroded ancient crystalline rocks. The most important occurrences have been detected in big volcano-tectonic grabens which correspond to areas that modern selection criteria of productive areas could have indicated. Original criteria adopted in the studies of uranium potentiality of Quaternary alkaline volcanites, revealed a possible new fertile environment for uraniferous deposits. The principle that, under favourable conditions, short-time processes may be important in producing ore deposits, contributes to uranium geology. The results of common field radiometric surveys are improved if the prospector is supported by precise indications deriving from a correct minerogenetic model. Geological and metallogenic knowledge are not only important in selecting uraniferous areas (''where to look''), but are the best and most definitive prospection methods if correctly combined with the radiometric survey (''how to look''). (author)