Uranium on Horseback, or, South Texas Revisited: ABSTRACT

Abstract

In 1968 minerals' explorers flocked back to South Texas to have another look at the Tertiary sedimentary prism between the outcrops of the Jackson and Goliad Formations. In a trend belt 200 mi long and 50 mi wide, uranium has been discovered in quantities which challenge the traditional position of the established mining districts of the Colorado Plateau and Wyoming. History, background, and a review of 1968 developments set the South Texas uranium scene. The lure of major opportunities for future discoveries finds Texas sharing in a greatly stepped-up mineral activity that is based on growing world demand for nuclear fuels. The geologist who would try to set the complex uranium phenomenon in a simple framework faces several alternatives, all credible. Not the least part of the dilemma is the coincidence(?) of oil-field structural features with the occurrence of ore. Despite an element of inexactitude in the state of the art, refinements in tools and techniques which the prospector brings to uranium exploration leave little chance that significant mineralization will be overlooked. Oil companies with an eye on diversification have moved vigorously into the uranium field. The economics of familiar, relatively shallow sediments of the Texas coastal plain offers excellent profit opportunity, and there is confidence that the emerging uranium industry will see steady, responsible growth in the future. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2042------------