Uranyl Phosphate Research Articles

Dissolved Carbonate and pH Control the Dissolution of Uranyl Phosphate Minerals in Flow-Through Porous Media.

Uranyl phosphate minerals represent an important secondary source of uranium release at contaminated sites. In flow-through column experiments with background porewater (BPW) of typical freshwater aquifer composition (pH 7.0, ∼0.2 mM total carbonate (TC)), dissolution of K-ankoleite (KUO2PO4·3H2O), Na-autunite (NaUO2PO4·3H2O), and Ca-autunite (Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2·6H2O) was controlled by mineral solubility at steady-state U release. Effluent concentrations indicated exchange with BPW cations, and postreaction characterization showed alteration of the initial mineral composition, changes in structure (decreased crystallinity, increased disorder, and distortion of U-P mineral sheets) and possible neoformation of phases of similar structure. Increasing the BPW pH and TC to 8.1-8.2 and 2.2-3.7 mM, respectively, resulted in mineral undersaturation and produced ca. 2 orders-of-magnitude higher U and P release without reaching steady state. Minerals incorporated less BPW cations into their structures compared to low carbonate BPW experiments but showed structural disorder and distortion. Faster dissolution rates were attributed to the formation of binary and ternary uranyl carbonate complexes that accelerate the rate-determining step of uranyl detachment from the uranyl-phosphate layered structure. Calculated dissolution rates (log Rs between -8.95 and -10.32 mol m-2 s-1), accounting for reaction and transport in porous media, were similar to dissolution rates of other classes of uranyl minerals. In undersaturated solutions, dissolution rates for uranyl phosphate, oxyhydroxide, and silicate minerals can be predicted within 1-2 orders-of-magnitude from pH ∼5-10 on the basis of pH/carbonate concentration.

Uranyl phosphate (MUO2PO4, M = Na+, K+, NH4+) precipitation for uranium sequestering: formation and physicochemical characterisation

Uranyl phosphate synthesis (MUO2PO4, M = Na+, K+, NH4+) by diffusion method, direct and pH-controlled precipitation has been performed and compared. Chemical and thermogravimetric analysis revealed compound stoichiometry to be in good agreement with ideal mineral phases (sodium uranyl phosphate (NaUO2PO4⋅xH2O), meta-ankoleite (KUO2PO4⋅3H2O) and uramphite ((NH4)UO2PO4⋅3H2O)) except for sodium and ammonium cations. Layered platelet-type crystal structures associated with uranyl phosphates were confirmed. Some long-range crystal structure was observed under direct precipitation conditions. No visible evidence of long-range crystal structures for samples formed during pH-controlled precipitation was found due to dilute formation conditions and rapid nucleation kinetics.

Insights into mechanism on organic acids assisted translocation of uranium in Brassica juncea var. foliosa by EXAFS

Citric acid (CA) and Lactic acid (LA) were used as additives to study the mechanism of organic acid promoting the root-to-shoot translocation of uranium (U) in Brassica juncea var. foliosa from molecular and tissue levels. Firstly, the distribution of U in plants under the condition of different organic acids concentrations were studied. The accumulation of U in leafs of 1 mM CA group and 5 mM LA group reached 2225 and 1848 mg/kg respectively, which was about 5 times that of the control group. Secondly, the speciation and distribution of U in plant roots after exposure to different culture solutions were studied by EXAFS and SEM. The result of EXAFS found that the complex of U with organic acids resulted in the U accumulated in the roots was the uranyl carboxylate speciation, while the control group only was the uranyl phosphate speciation. SEM results showed that the lactic acids could enhanced the translocation of U from the cortex to the stele. Thirdly, we further studied the apoplastic pathway and the symplastic pathway of U translocation using transpiration inhibitor and metabolism inhibitor. Compared with the control group, it was likely that the complex of U with organic acids were translocated into the shoot of plants through the apoplastic pathway.

Dissolution of poorly soluble uranyl phosphate phases in the Metaautunite Subgroup under uranyl peroxide cage cluster forming conditions

Abstract Uranyl phosphate minerals are widespread in uranium deposits and normally exhibit very low solubility in aqueous systems. Uranyl phosphates of the autunite group and metaautunite subgroup impact the mobility of uranium in the environment and have inspired groundwater remediation strategies that emphasize their low solubility. The importance of soluble uranium-bearing macro-anions, including nanoscale uranyl peroxide cage clusters, is largely unexplored relative to solubilization of normally low-solubility uranium minerals. Eight synthetic analogs of metaautunite subgroup minerals have been prepared and placed in various alkaline aqueous solutions containing hydrogen peroxide and tetraethylammonium hydroxide. Each uranyl phosphate studied has a topologically identical anionic sheet of uranyl square bipyramids and phosphate tetrahedra combined with various cations (Li+, Na+, K +, Rb+, Cs+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+) and water in the interlayer. Uranyl peroxides formed under many of the experimental conditions examined, including solid studtite [(UO2)(O2)(H2O)2](H2O)2 and soluble uranyl peroxide cage clusters containing as many as 28 uranyl ions. Uranyl phosphate solids in contact with solutions in which uranyl peroxide cage clusters formed dissolved extensively or completely. The greatest dissolution of uranyl phosphates occurred in systems that contained cations with larger hydrated radii, Li+ and Na+. The details of the uranium speciation in solution depended on the pH and counter cations provided from the interlayers of the uranyl phosphate solids.

Microbial fuel cell for simultaneous removal of uranium (VI) and nitrate

Nuclear wastes contain high nitrate concentration along with radionuclides like U (VI). Also, several reports suggest the presence of U (VI) and nitrate as co-contaminants in groundwater. The denitrifying bacteria consortia at MFC cathode produced phosphatase enzyme, which catalyzed the controlled release of phosphate from glycerol 3 phosphate. The inorganic phosphate combined with U (VI) resulting in insoluble uranyl phosphate. Ninety percent of initial U (VI) added in the biocathode could be recovered as Uranyl phosphate. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of uranyl phosphate precipitating at the cathode. Nitrate acted as an electron acceptor at the cathode, enabling completion of the MFC circuit and simultaneous nitrate and U (VI) removal. Since the process was performed in the MFC; the remediation was accompanied by power output. The power density of 2.91 Wm−3 and nitrate removal rate of 0.130 kg NO3−-N m−3 d−1 was achieved. The 16S rDNA based community analysis revealed a high abundance of Pseudomonas species in biocathode. This study demonstrates the applicability of MFC for simultaneous nitrate and U (VI) removal while producing electrical energy.

Autunite-Group Minerals and Their Paragenesis from the Sheared Granite of Gabal El Sela, South Eastern Desert, Egypt

G. El Sela is located in the Southern Eastern Desert of Egypt cropping as two parts, occupied by monzogranites that were categorized as biotite granite, muscovite granite and two mica granites. The northern part is more significant according its high concentrations of uranium that controlled by complicated structure regime; faulting, infrastructures and shearing are the most common structural criteria of this part. The Egyptian Nuclear Materials Authority (NMA) mined this part to produce the uranium ore. The previous mineralogical studies indicated that this granite was dominated by primary uranium minerals (pitchblende and coffinite) and secondary minerals belong to the autunite group (autunite, metautunite, phurcalite) in addition to uranophane. In the present work, petrographic and mineralogical studies are applied for the granites using the polarized and stereo microscopes and followed by electron microscope and XRD. The result of the microscopic examinations revealed the tectonic regime controlling the radioactivity and recognized the sodic autunite (meta-natroautunite) beside the pre-mentioned autunite group minerals completing the paragenetic sequrnce of these minerals. In this study, it is concluded that the sheared biotite granite is monzogranite originated during the episode of the continental plate collision (syncollision). The study finished to presence of two main types of the alteration corresponding to the two high levels of radioactivity (moderate and anomalous). The first is the thermal alteration (saussiritization, sericitization, kaolinization, silicification and hematization) and the second is the chemical transformation (oxidation, dehydration, ion substitutions and confusion) responsible for formation of the secondary uranium minerals. The temperature needed for the thermal alteration is sourced by the hydrothermal solutions, while the temperature needed for the uranium minerals transformation may be generated during the episode of the continental plate collision (syncollision). Paragenesis of these minerals indicates that they represent a series of uranyl phosphate minerals (autunite group) with paragenetic sequence starting by autunite (calcic uranyl phosphate) and ends by meta-natroautunite (sodic uranyl phosphate). An advanced process of dehydration accompanies the process of mineral transformation from autunite to meta-natroautunite leading to formation of the anhydrous uranyl mineral (phurcalite) formed by oxidation and dehydration of autunite. Meta-autunite is recorded as a transitional mineral composed of sodic-calcic uranyl phosphate. Uranophane is created by thermal confusion of autunite with the silica.

Dissolution of Poorly Soluble Uranyl Phosphate Phases in the Metaautunite Subgroup Under Uranyl Peroxide Cage Cluster Forming Conditions

Dissolution of Poorly Soluble Uranyl Phosphate Phases in the Metaautunite Subgroup Under Uranyl Peroxide Cage Cluster Forming Conditions

Krystalová struktura phurcalitu, Ca2[(UO2)3O2(PO4)2]·7H2O, z Jáchymova

A rare supergene uranyl phosphate mineral, phurcalite, was found on a few specimens originating from the dump material of the Eduard shaft, the Jáchymov ore district, Czech Republic. Phurcalite forms yellow to yellowish-orange perfect prismatic crystals, reaching up to 3 - 4 mm in cavities of vuggy quartz-dominated gangue. Phurcalite was found in the association with walpurgite, uranophane-α, and members of the metatorbernite-metazeunerite series. According to single-crystal X-ray data phurcalite is orthorhombic, space group Pbca, with a 17.3785(8), b 15.9864(6), c 13.5477(6) Å, and V 3763.8(3) Å3. Its crystal structure has been refined to R = 3.56 % for 3488 unique observed reflections [Iobs>3σ(I)] collected on a Rigaku SuperNova X-ray diffractometer with an Atlas S2 CCD detector and focused MoKα radiation. The results of the structure refinement are in line with the recently published structure refinement of phurcalite from Shinkolobwe (Africa). Nevertheless, in phurcalite from Jáchymov, the substitution of As for P takes place at greater extent. The structural formula obtained for the crystal from Jáchymov is Ca2[(UO2)3O2(PO4)1.753(AsO4)0.247]·7H2O, Z = 8, Dcalc. = 4.409 g/cm3.

Biotic dissolution of autunite under anaerobic conditions: effect of bicarbonates and Shewanella oneidensis MR1 microbial activity.

Uranium is a contaminant of major concern across the US Department of Energy complex that served a leading role in nuclear weapon fabrication for half a century. In an effort to decrease the concentration of soluble uranium, tripolyphosphate injections were identified as a feasible remediation strategy for sequestering uranium in situ in contaminated groundwater at the Hanford Site. The introduction of sodium tripolyphosphate into uranium-bearing porous media results in the formation of uranyl phosphate minerals (autunite) of general formula {X1-2[(UO2)(PO4)]2-1·nH2O}, where X is a monovalent or divalent cation. The stability of the uranyl phosphate minerals is a critical factor that determines the long-term effectiveness of this remediation strategy that can be affected by biogeochemical factors such as the presence of bicarbonates and bacterial activity. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of bicarbonate ions present in the aqueous phase on Ca-autunite dissolution under anaerobic conditions, as well as the role of metal-reducing facultative bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR1. The concentration of total uranium determined in the aqueous phase was in direct correlation to the concentration of bicarbonate present in the solution, and the release of Ca, U and P into the aqueous phase was non-stoichiometric. Experiments revealed the absence of an extensive biofilm on autunite surface, while thermodynamic modeling predicted the presence of secondary minerals, which were identified through microscopy. In conclusion, the dissolution of autunite under the conditions studied is susceptible to bicarbonate concentration, as well as microbial presence.

The role of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate ionic liquid in uranyl phosphate compounds

The ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate (EMIM-Et2PO4) was used in the synthesis of four new hybrid organic-inorganic uranyl phosphates. The structure of (UO2)[PO2(OC2H5)2]2 (1) is triclinic, P-1, a = 5.374(3) Å, b = 7.674(4) Å, c = 11.132(6) Å, α = 105.333(6)°, β = 90.562(6)°, γ = 98.269(6)°, Z = 4. The structure of (C6N2H11){(UO2)2(NO3)2[PO2(OC2H5)2]3} (2) is triclinic, P-1, a = 9.316(3) Å, b = 11.890(4) Å, c = 18.477(7) Å, α = 91.197(4)°, β = 102.993(4)°, γ = 102.625(4)°, Z = 2. The structure of {(UO2)(H2O)[PO2(OC2H5)2]2} (3) is monoclinic, P21/c, a = 9.2005(7) Å, b = 10.1531(8) Å, c = 18.5968(14) Å, β = 99.6447(9)°, Z = 4. The structure of (C6N2H11){(UO2)2[PO2(OC2H5)2]3(PO3OC2H5)} (4) is monoclinic, C2/c, a = 36.048(10) Å, b = 13.553(4) Å, c = 18.583(5) Å, β = 119.454(3)°, Z = 8. The variable reactants, thermal conditions, and crystallization times resulted in diverse topologies unique to uranyl phosphate chain (1 and 2) and sheet (3 and 4) structures.

Observation of the Same New Sheet Topology in Both the Layered Uranyl Oxide-Phosphate Cs11[(UO2)12(PO4)3O13] and the Layered Uranyl Oxyfluoride-Phosphate Rb11[(UO2)12(PO4)3O12F2] Prepared by Flux Crystal Growth.

Single crystals of four new layered uranyl phosphates, including three oxyfluoride-phosphates, were synthesized by molten flux methods using alkali chloride melts, and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Cs11[(UO2)12(PO4)3O13] (1) and Rb11[UO2)12(PO4)3O12F2] (2) contain uranyl phosphate layers exhibiting a new sheet topology that can be related to that of β-U3O8, while Cs4.4K0.6[(UO2)6O4F(PO4)4(UO2)] (3) and Rb4.4K0.6[(UO2)6O4F(PO4)4(UO2)] (4) contain layers of a known isomer of the prominent phosphuranylite topology. The location of the fluorine in structures 2-4 is discussed using bond valence sums. First principles calculations were used to explore why a pure oxide structure is obtained for the Cs containing phase (1) and in contrast an oxyfluoride phase for the Rb containing phase (2). Ion exchange experiments were performed on 1 and 2 and demonstrate the ability of these structures to exchange approximately half of the parent alkali cation with a target alkali cation in an aqueous concentrated salt solution. Optical measurements were performed on 1 and 2 and the UV-vis and fluorescence spectra show features characteristic of the uranyl group.

Correction to “Understanding the Polymorphism of A4[(UO2)3(PO4)2O2] (A = Alkali Metals) Uranyl Phosphate Framework Structures”

Correction to “Understanding the Polymorphism of A₄[(UO₂)₃(PO₄)₂O₂] (A = Alkali Metals) Uranyl Phosphate Framework Structures”

P2O5 – F- U Characterization and Depositional Environment of Phosphatic Rocks for the Duwi Formation, Qussier- Safaga Region, Red Sea Coast, Egypt.

Abstract The Duwi Formation in Qusseir-Safaga region is conformably overlain by the Qusseir variegated shales and underlain by the Dakhla shales. The studied phosphatic rocks in the Duwi Formation, is an attractive rock unit for it’s enrichment in heavy metals and U content. Mineralogically, phosphatic rocks in the Duwi Formation are mainly composed mainly of fluorapatite, in addition to minor occurrence of calcite, dolomite, gypsum, quartz, and pyrite. Geochemical data reveal that the rocks of the Duwi Formation were deposited under anoxic environments. The present study used the statistical result of the interrelation between P2O5, F and U concentrations on Egyptian phosphate samples and compared to the measured data. Uranium mostly occurs in an oxidized U 6+ state. It could be fixed with the phosphatic ion, forming secondary uranium phosphate minerals such as phosphuranylite and belovite in Qusseir region. In addition to Uranyl phosphates, uranium minerals in Safaga region contain also Uranyl carbonates and Uranyl sulfates, which had been attributed to the post-depositional U enrichment. The chemical data and index show that the phosphatic rocks in Safaga region are more enriched in the majority trace and rare earth elements, and are subjected to high chemical weathering than those in Qusseir region.

Uranium Effect on Osteocytic Cells In Vitro.

Once absorbed in the body, natural uranium [U(VI)], a radionucleotide naturally present in the environment, is targeted to the skeleton which is the long-term storage organ. We and others have reported the U(VI) negative effects on osteoblasts (OB) and osteoclasts (OC), the main two cell types involved in bone remodeling. In the present work, we addressed the U(VI) effect on osteocytes (OST), the longest living bone cell type and the more numerous (> 90%). These cells, which are embedded in bone matrix and thus are the more prone to U(VI) long-term exposure, are now considered as the chief orchestrators of the bone remodeling process. Our results show that the cytotoxicity index of OST is close to 730 µM, which is about twice the one reported for OB and OC. However, despite this resistance potential, we observed that chronic U(VI) exposure as low as 5 µM led to a drastic decrease of the OST mineralization function. Gene expression analysis showed that this impairment could potentially be linked to an altered differentiation process of these cells. We also observed that U(VI) was able to trigger autophagy, a highly conserved survival mechanism. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis at the U LIII edge of OST cells exposed to U(VI) unambiguously shows the formation of an uranyl phosphate phase in which the uranyl local structure is similar to the one present in Autunite. Thus, our results demonstrate for the first time that OST mineralization function can be affected by U(VI) exposure as low as 5 µM, suggesting that prolonged exposure could alter the central role of these cells in the bone environment.

Uranium speciation in weathered granitic waste rock piles: an XAFS investigation.

Investigation of uranium migration in the waste piles of granite rock in the Limousin region of France is vital for developing strategies which address related environmental issues. Despite the fact that the concentration of uranium is far below the lower end of the cut off level in these piles, the large volume of rocks – which measure in the hundreds of metric tons – and their conditions of repository make this type of waste a source of concern for the international community. In this work, X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques (XAFS) were employed in order to identify the speciation of uranium in the different categories of samples collected from various regions of the rock piles which had undergone 50 years of weathering. The samples, such as weathered granite, arena and technosoils, were studied in order to probe the transformation of the U bearing complex. XANES indicates U(vi) valence with uranyl species in all samples. Using a linear combination analysis and shell fitting approach, distinct speciation of uranium was observed in the different categories of samples. In the weathered rock and arena samples with relics of magmatic U minerals, uranyl phosphates comparable to autunite are shown to be dominantly linked with monodentate PO43−. However, the samples collected from technosoils are found to have a mixture of U-phosphate and U-clay minerals (phyllosilicates and silicates). Irrespective of the collection location, all the samples were found to contain U(vi)-oxo species The equatorial O ligands occur as two shells with an average separation of 0.14–0.21 Å. Moreover, all the samples have an Al/Si/P shell around 3.1 Å. A detailed EXAFS curve fit analysis shows that disorder afflicts the entire range of samples which can be attributed to either inhomogeneous binding sites on the disordered clay minerals or to the presence of a mixture of uranium-bearing minerals. XAFS investigations highlight the uranyl overriding forms of U (as U sorbed on clay minerals and secondary uranyl phosphates or silicates) contribute to the retention of U, even in oxidizing conditions known to enhance the mobility of U.

Crystal Growth and Structure Characterization of Three Layered Uranyl Phosphates and Their Relation to the Phosphuranylite Family

Three new materials related to the phosphuranylite family were synthesized by using alkali chloride fluxes at 875 °C: CsNa3[(UO2)3O2(PO4)2] (1), Cs2Na4[(UO2)5O5(PO4)2] (2), and Rb6[(UO2)5O5(PO4)2] (3). CsNa3[(UO2)3O2(PO4)2] (1) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1̅ with the lattice parameters, a = 6.9809(3) Å, b = 9.3326(4) Å, c = 12.9626(5) Å, α = 71.5620(10)°, β = 78.9430(10)°, and γ = 68.0840(1)°; Cs2Na4[(UO2)5O5(PO4)2] (2) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1̅ with the lattice parameters, a = 6.9890(3) Å, b = 12.9652(6) Å, c = 13.2086(6) Å, α = 96.224(2)°, β = 101.433(2)°, and γ = 105.459(2)°; and Rb6(PO4)2[(UO2)5O5] crystallizes in the P21/m space group with the lattice parameters, a = 6.9255(3) Å, b = 24.773(1) Å, c = 7.07647(3) Å, and β = 90.741(1)°. The sheets of 1 are based on the phosphuranylite topology, while the sheets of 2 and 3 contain sheets based on the U3O8 and uranophane topologies but differ in the orientation of the phosphate tetrahedra. The regions between the sheets contain the alkali cations and are not all identical in structures 1 and 2. The geometrical isomers found in these sheet structures and their relationship to known sheet topologies are discussed.

Understanding the Polymorphism of A4[(UO2)3(PO4)2O2] (A = Alkali Metals) Uranyl Phosphate Framework Structures

In this study we combine experimental synthesis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to gain insight into the polymorphism of A4[(UO2)3(PO4)2O2] (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs) uranyl phosphate structures. Single crystals of a new 3D uranyl phosphate, Cs4[(UO2)3(PO4)2O2], were grown by molten flux methods using a CsCl flux. DFT calculations, using the DFT+U method, were carried out to study the difference between this new 3D uranyl phosphate and a family of recently described layered uranyl phosphates. Variation of the computed properties with changes in Ueff values are also studied. The DFT results agree with the experimental observations, showing that the Cs-containing 3D polymorph and the K-containing layered polymorphs are more stable than their respective layered and 3D polymorph. We show an increase in the difference between the total energies of the layered and 3D polymorphs and an increase in the band gaps with increasing Ueff value. Volume-based thermodynamics was also applied to calculate the to...

Overstepping Löwenstein's Rule-A Route to Unique Aluminophosphate Frameworks with Three-Dimensional Salt-Inclusion and Ion-Exchange Properties.

The synthesis of four non-Löwenstein uranyl aluminophosphates, [Cs13Cl5][(UO2)3Al2O(PO4)6], Rb7[Al2O(PO4)3][(UO2)6O4(PO4)2], Cs3[Al2O(PO4)3][(UO2)3O2], and Rb3[Al2O(PO4)3][(UO2)3O2], the first uranyl phosphate salt-inclusion material [Cs4Cs4Cl][(UO2)4(PO4)5], and a related structure Cs4[UO2Al2(PO4)4], all prepared by molten flux methods, is reported. All compounds are discussed from the point of view of their structural features favoring, in some cases, ion-exchange properties. Löwenstein's rule, well known in the realm of zeolites, aluminosilicate, and aluminophosphate minerals, describes the tendency of tetrahedra (Al, P, Si, and Ge) linked by an oxygen bridge to be of two different elements resulting in the avoidance of Al-O-Al bonds. Zeolites and related aluminosilicate/aluminophosphate minerals are traditionally formed under relatively mild temperatures, where zeolites are synthesized using the hydrothermal synthetic technique. Few exceptions to Löwenstein's rule are known among aluminophosphates, and four of the five exceptions are synthesized under either high temperature or high pressure methods. For that reason, the high-temperature flux synthesis of four new non-Löwenstein uranyl aluminophosphates realizes a unique synthetic approach to forming the new pyroaluminate-based building block, [Al2O(PO4)6]14-, that can be easily obtained and employed for the construction of new porous structures.

Phase Composition, Structure, and Hydrolytic Durability of a Uranium-Containing Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Compound

Uranium-containing samples of magnesium potassium phosphate (MPP) compound were synthesized using a nitric acid uranium solution. Uranium is incorporated in the MPP compound in the form of potassium uranyl phosphate with the structure of metaankoleite natural mineral, K(UO2)PO4·3H2O. The differential and integral uranium leach rates, determined in accordance with GOST (State Standard) R 52 126–2003 on the 28th day of contact of the compound with water, are 1.7 × 10–6 and 2.7 × 10–6 g cm–2 day–1, respectively, and the degree of leaching is 0.014%. High hydrolytic durability of the compound with respect to uranium leaching reduces the risk of release of uranium isotopes from radioactive waste into the environment.

Uranium distribution and mobility in the weathering zone of the Nisa deposit, Portugal

The Nisa deposit is the largest known uranium reserve in the country, and is hosted by metasediments of the Beiras Group, in the Alto Alentejo region, central Portugal. After almost two decades without significant studies, the current trend to seek improved knowledge of raw materials motivated the application of different surface geophysical and geochemical characterization methods, which proved to be a valuable exploration approach for this type of deposit. Detailed mapping in the experimental open pit showed the structural aspects controlling the mineralization. A radiometric survey of the deposit was carried out, providing a map of the main sites of mineralization. The U mineralization is of secondary origin, formed exclusively by uranyl phosphates that were formed during the development of a weathering profile. The mineralization occurs along schistosity planes, quartz veinlets and alteration zones, along a general trend N60°–80°W (approximately the same as S0) in association with iron oxyhydroxides, as demonstrated by both petrographic and geochemical data. These hydroxides, in addition to the geochemical characteristics of the host rocks, were key factors in the precipitation and trapping of dissolved uranyl ions.