Abstract
Naturally occurring radionuclides such as uranium, thorium and their decay products (226Ra, 222Rn) are present in a number of geological settings in Jordan. Motivated by the existence of uranium anomalies coupled with its lack of conventional energy resources, Jordan decided that the development of this indigenes resource (uranium) is the first step in introducing nuclear power as part of its energy mix. Uranium deposits in Central Jordan were perceived not only as a secured resource that will fulfill Jordan’s energy needs, but also as an economic asset that will finance Jordan’s nuclear program. The average uranium concentration of 236 soil samples using ICP-Mass (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) was found to be 109 parts per million (ppm). Results analysis revealed a wide range of 1066 ppm for uranium concentration, and a median of 41 ppm uranium. The measurements frequency distribution indicates that 72% of samples measured had a uranium content of less than 100 ppm, a concentration that characterizes overburden and tailings quality, rather than minable reserves. This paper presents and evaluates the concentration of uranium in central Jordan, being the most promising area with the highest radioactive anomalies in Jordan.
Highlights
Worldwide most countries rely on imports to fulfill their energy needs
The uranium concentration of 236 soil samples from central Jordan was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) [23], a precise method that is capable of detecting uranium concentration as low as 0.001 ppm
The measurements frequency distribution (Table 3) indicates that 72% of samples measured had a uranium content of less than 100 ppm, an extremely low concentration that is characteristic of natural radioactivity rather than uranium resources, and certainly falls below the cut-off grade of any commercially operated uranium mines worldwide
Summary
Worldwide most countries rely on imports to fulfill their energy needs. Jordan is no exception, with the lack of conventional energy resources and motivated by the existence of uranium occurrences coupled with official studies claiming proven reserves of high-grade uranium. Minerals 2015, 5 government of Jordan declared in 2007 its intention to introduce nuclear power as part of its energy mix [1] The development of this indigenous fuel (uranium) resource was presented by Officials as a secured resource that will help fulfill Jordan’s energy needs, and an economic asset that will finance Jordan’s nuclear program [2,3]. “The first step in Jordan’s nuclear program is the mining and extraction of uranium, which constitute a strategic wealth being available in commercial quantities in Jordan” [4] He added, “Uranium reserves in central Jordan are estimated at about 70,000 metric tons, with an average concentration of ppm” [5]
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