The provenance of Australian uranium ore concentrates by elemental and isotopic analysis

• Published in: Applied geochemistry 2008-04, Vol.23 (4), p.765-777
• Main Authors: Keegan, Elizabeth, Richter, Stephan, Kelly, Ian, Wong, Henri, Gadd, Patricia, Kuehn, Heinz, Alonso-Munoz, Adolfo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Geochemistry; Pollution, environment geology
• ISSN: 0883-2927; 1872-9134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2007.12.004

Elemental and isotopic ratio analyses of U ore concentrate samples, from the 3 operating U mining facilities in Australia, were carried out to determine if significant variations exist between their products, thereby allowing the U ore concentrate’s origin to be identified. Elemental analyses were conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Lead isotope ratios were measured using ICP-MS and U isotope analyses were conducted using thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS). Minute quantities of sample, such as that obtained from a swipe, were also examined for elemental concentrations using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The results of multivariate statistical analysis show clear patterns in the trace elemental composition of the processed U ores, indicating that it is possible to use this feature as a unique identifier of an Australian U ore concentrate’s source. Secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses also allow individual particles to be differentiated using this ‘fingerprinting’ technique. Isotope ratios determined using TIMS reveal that there is a significant difference in the n( 234U)/ n( 238U) isotope ratio between the U ore concentrate from each mine.