Geochemical and Mineralogical Characterization of the Uraniferous Phosphate Rocks of the Navay Formation, Táchira State, Venezuela

Through the IAEA's CRP T11007, a geochemical and mineralogical characterization study was undertaken on the uraniferous phosphate rocks of the Navay Formation, Táchira State, Venezuela. A phosphate deposit associated with sandstones in the upper levels of the Navay Formation (Upper Cretaceous) in southwest Táchira State, Venezuela, was discovered in early 1978 by radiometric surveys conducted by The National Commission of Nuclear Affairs (CONAN) of the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This deposit consists of siliceous shales, calcareous shales, uraniferous phosphatic sandstones and cherts (phtanites). To date, there have been studies on the feasibility of their exploitation to produce phosphate fertilizers. There has been no study focused on uranium mining.