Unlocking the microscale secrets: A comprehensive study on uranium occurrence and eco-friendly processing techniques in Lanhe granite-type uranium deposits, Northern Guangdong Province, China

• Published in: Minerals engineering 2024-09, Vol.215, p.108817, Article 108817
• Main Authors: Zhao, Jianan, Liu, Chonghao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environmental impact; Granite-type uranium deposits; Lanhe area in northern Guangdong; Pitchblende; Process mineralogy; Sustainable development; Uranium mining; Uranium resources
• ISSN: 0892-6875; 1872-9444
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2024.108817

•Unravel uranium-organic matter interactions in Lanhe deposits.•Use advanced methods to detail uranium’s micro-scale mineral features.•Advocate green processing techniques and environmental management.•Identify fine-grained uranium in host minerals, requiring refined techniques.•Suggest sustainable mining practices and ecological restoration strategies. The exploration of granite-type uranium deposits in regions with unique and complex geological features is crucial, given their significant potential for uranium reserves. However, the intricate mineral composition and diverse occurrence states of uranium within these deposits pose significant challenges for efficient processing. This study focuses on the Lanhe area in northern Guangdong’s Zhuguang Mountain, analyzing uranium ore samples to understand the geochemical behavior, mineral associations, and extraction feasibility. Advanced analytical methodologies, including petrographic thin-section analysis, photomicrography, backscattered electron imaging, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, were employed to delineate the primary uranium-bearing minerals, such as Uraninite, Pitchblende, Uranophane, Torbernite, Autunite, and Uranothorite. The findings reveal a complex interplay between uranium and organic matter, emphasizing the fine dissemination of uranium within host minerals like pitchblende and uranophane. The study also highlights the environmental implications of uranium mining, advocating for green processing technologies and strategic environmental management practices. Innovative methods like bioleaching are proposed to minimize the environmental footprint while optimizing uranium recovery. The necessity of advanced hydrometallurgical processes for efficient uranium isolation is underscored, given the limitations of conventional physical beneficiation methods for fine-grained ore. This research provides critical insights into sustainable uranium resource management, promoting environmentally responsible mining practices and ecological restoration strategies. These findings offer substantial guidance for the global uranium mining industry, contributing to sustainable development and ecological stewardship in uranium geology.