Interpolation study on ambient gamma levels in parts of Khasi Hills, Meghalaya (India): Preliminary findings for U exploration

Abstract

This paper discusses an experimental approach to examine uranium exploration avenue over the geologically extended parts of Mahadek basin in Meghalaya, amid some of the environmental constraints. Study comprises periodic measurements of prevailing ambient gamma levels across 320 georeference points, in relation to the major litho units of Mahadek basin, covering 673 line km of Khasi Hills. Acquired sample data points were then analysed in geostatistical software (SurferTM) to develop analytical model of sample variogram having bearing on the uranium exploration in the area. Study findings have given encouraging surface indicators with mostly elevated gamma levels over the parts of West Khasi Hills. Delineated gamma anomalous zones are lithologically well correlated including to that of existing uranium occurrences in the basin. Identified anomalous zones over the parts of West Khasi Hills by this study work, are mainly associated with the Mahadek sandstone (Upper and Lower Mahadek) and Precambrian basement granites. Lower Mahadek sandstone is host rock for uranium mineralisation in the basin. Initial findings suggest with the closer spatial resolution (∼1 km) of sample data points, the approach adopted by the study work holds promising application in locating potential uranium exploration targets especially to the extended and inaccessible parts of the basin.