Abstract
This chapter reviews styles of uranium mineralization through a discussion of the uniqueness of uranium geochemistry, the need for uranium as a special resource, the geologic context of the uranium-mineralizing processes throughout earth history, and critical information that is missing to enhance the understanding of deposit generation so that exploration strategies can be refined to find additional reserves. Twelve styles of mineralization are examined, focusing on the most significant deposits. Uranium mineralization is driven in large part by redox reactions so that deposits that predate oxygenation of the atmosphere are magmatic because aqueous forms of uranium were minimal. Tectonics has played a critical role in the style of mineralization through subduction as a process to concentrate uranium in partial melts, through occasional formation and preservation of vast sedimentary basins during times of quiescence, and by facilitating the evolution of the biosphere so that reactive reductants could accumulate.
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