Published April 1976 | Version v1
Journal article

Natural chain reaction in the Oklo mine in Gabon

Creators

Description

An isotopic analysis of a sample of uranium ore from the Oklo mine in Gabon showed a significantly reduced content of 235U (down to 0.296% 235U). The isotopic composition of neodymium (shown), lead, rubidium, ruthenium, strontium, krypton, and xenon proved that a chain reaction took place in the ore deposit approximately 1,800 million years ago. The reaction proceeded for about 10 to 70 thousand years. About 200 kg of 235U has undergone fission and the burn-up amounted to 25,000 MWd/t. (B.S.)

Additional details

Additional titles

Original title (Czech)
Prirodni retezova reakce v dolu Oklo v Gabunu

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Jad. Energ.
Journal Volume
22
Journal Issue
4
Series
Jad. Energ.
Journal Page Range
148-149