Provenance and depositional characteristics of Lathi Formation in southern part of Jaisalmer Basin: Implications for exploration of sandstone type uranium mineralization

Abstract

The lower Jurassic Lathi Formation covers about 900 sq. km area and forms the lowermost unit of Jaisalmer Basin of western Rajasthan. Lithologically the Lathi Formation comprises of conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, shale and mudstone. The sandstones are generally medium- to coarse-grained, moderately sorted and show variation in colour, grain-size and texture. Petrographic studies indicate a mixed provenance for the Lathi sandstone. On the basis of geochemical data, theses sandstones are classified into sub-arkose, litharenite and sub-litharenite. Palaeo-weathering indices such as CIA (80.45), CIW (85.23) and PIA (84.23) suggest moderate to high degree of chemical weathering of the source area, intermediate and felsic igneous provenance, under humid to semi-humid climatic conditions. Further, the geochemical data indicate the sedimentation in a passive continental margin setting. The Bouguer gravity image clearly depicts the north westward slope of the basement. Modelling studies of the gravity data revealed average depth to the basement as 800m, 400m and 250m respectively in northwest, central and southeastern parts of the surveyed area. Exploration activities by Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research have resulted in location of several uranium anomalies in the Lathi Formation. Lathi Formation is characterised by many favourable parameters such as fertile provenance, arkosic sandstones intercalated with shale/mudstone, reduced sedimentary facies with carbonaceous matter, lignite and pyrite deposited in continental to marginal marine environment. Malani Igneous Suit and metamorphic rocks constitute the basement for Jaisalmer Basin. Malani rhyolites and granites are fertile source of uranium, containing 6.7 ppm and 9.2 ppm average and intrinsic uranium respectively. Presence of carbonaceous matter and pyrite bearing sandstones, indicative of reducing environment at depth below water table (R.L. 150 m), was reported during subsurface exploration in Lathi sandstone which is a favourable condition for Lathi sediments to host uranium mineralization.