Robert W. Gregory Geologist, Uranium & Industrial Minerals Wyoming State Geological Survey
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Transcript of Robert W. Gregory Geologist, Uranium & Industrial Minerals Wyoming State Geological Survey
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Overview of Uranium Geology, Mining and Production
Robert W. GregoryGeologist, Uranium & Industrial Minerals
Wyoming State Geological Survey
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Historic UsesColoring agent (glass)Research on radioactivity
(pitchblende)• Led to discovery of Po, Ra• Half-lives• Atomic structure
– Protons, Neutrons, Electrons• Theories on nuclear energy
– Electricity – Weapons
Uses for Uranium
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Valuable properties of Uranium
• Radioactive– Isotopes:
• 238U – 99.275 % of naturally-occurring U• 235U – 0.720 % “• 234U – 0.005 % “
– Spontaneous fission neutrons & gamma radiation• Chain reactions nuclear-powered electricity
• Dense metal
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Uses for Uranium• Radioactivity-based applications:
– Nuclear weapons– Nuclear power for naval vessels
• technology for nuclear-powered civilian electricity– Medicine
• TEM • Staining viruses, organelles & macromolecules
– Geochronolgy
• Density-based applications:– Shielding
• Armor• Radioactivity containment (depleted uranium)
– Projectiles• Armor-piercing bullets, etc.
– Ballast
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Nuclear Radiation• α – Alpha (particle)
– 2 protons– 2 neutrons
• Can be stopped by sheet of paper or plastic wrap
• β – Beta (particle)– 1 electron
• Relatively low energy• Can penetrate ~ 1” of wood (very low mass)
• γ – Gamma (wave)– Electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays
• High energy (v. small wavelength)• Can penetrate ¼” of lead or 3’ of concrete
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Nuclear Radiation• Fission of Uranium releases:
– Particles– Gamma radiation
• @ Critical mass of 235U– Chain reaction – one fission releases particles which
then initiate more fission– Controlled Chain Reaction creates the energy to fuel
nuclear power plants• ≥ 3% 235U in nuclear fuel rods• (≥ 85% 235U in nuclear weapons)
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Geology of Uranium Deposits
Mantle
Concentration
Of
Uranium
Time
Basalt
melting
Granite
fractionation
Granite
fractionation
2nd generationmelt
melting
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Geology of Uranium Deposits
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Prerequisites for a Sandstone U Deposit
1) Source of U- Precambrian basement rocks?- Tertiary volcanic ashes and tuffs?- Combination?
2) Coarse sands with good porosity and permeability3) Ground water flow (naturally oxygenated) – ideally
channelized, high rate of flow4) Reduction zone – heavy mins., organic matter
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Tertiary Volcanics - White River Formation
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Precambrian Granitic Rocks – Granite Mountains, Central WY