Preliminary Survey for Uranium in Cretaceous Sandstones of Bonako-Sole Areas, Ngondo Complex, Southwestern Cameroon
Juliana Amboh Tifang,
Cheo Emmanuel Suh,
Ekah Nzume Ndimeh,
Ze Achille Desire,
Mero Yannah
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 1, February 2017
Pages:
1-9
Received:
3 January 2017
Accepted:
18 January 2017
Published:
27 February 2017
Abstract: Unconformity-type uranium deposits are characterized by mineralization developed along the contact between younger sandstone cover and underlying crystalline basement rocks. Twenty-five sandstone samples were collected at the Ngondo Complex of southwestern Cameroon along the unconformity contact from Bonako through Nyanga to Sole. Petrographic studies on thin sections revealed the presence of sub-rounded to angular quartz grains (80% grains) and ferruginous cement (20% cement). Some quartz grains also showed evidence of deformation. Radioelement concentrations for U, Th and K were determined by gamma-ray spectrometry. The samples showed the various element concentration ranges; 0.0-3.3ppm U, 5.5-11.1ppm Th and 0.1-1.3% K. Variations in the U, Th and K concentration in the sandstone is related to the bedrock geology. The sandstones were also analysed for 21 associated elements using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer. Most of the samples showed moderate concentrations of CaO, Fe2O3, MgO, TiO2, K2O, Zr, Sr, Nb, Cr and V. Matrix of Pearson’s correlation shows positive correlation between the following; U/Zn; U/Sc, V, Cr; U/Ti; Zn/Nb, Ba, TiO2; Zn/Zr, V/Zn, Rb, Cr, Ba. These reflect the geology of the study area and also suggest the presence of heavy mineral phases like zircon, monazite, rutile.
Abstract: Unconformity-type uranium deposits are characterized by mineralization developed along the contact between younger sandstone cover and underlying crystalline basement rocks. Twenty-five sandstone samples were collected at the Ngondo Complex of southwestern Cameroon along the unconformity contact from Bonako through Nyanga to Sole. Petrographic stud...
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