Geochemical exploration for uranium using soils

Abstract

This paper is a summary of geochemical methods for exploration for uranium employing analysis of uranium, associated elements, and daughter products in soil and soil gases. Historically, geochemical exploration for uranium has employed collection and analysis of stream sediments and water to an enormously greater extent than soil or rocks, with the notable exception of the use of radon, and possibly even helium, in soil gas. Uranium and associated elements can, however, be very cost-effectively employed in uranium exploration. The application of specific soil and soil gas sampling methods for uranium and its daughter products depends on the type of overburden cover and soil development. When the correct procedures are used, however, direct indication of uranium mineralization can be achieved in a most cost-effective manner.