Analysis identifies mineralogy and seismic surveys as key for uranium targeting in sedimentary basins, suggesting new exploration approaches.
A large-scale sandstone-type uranium deposit, recently discovered within the petroleum field of the Jingchuan area on the southwestern margin of the Ordos Basin, exemplifies a classic case of uranium exploration success achieved through the analysis of petroleum geological data including borehole logs. By synthesizing borehole radioactive logs and seismic surveys, we delineated target sandstone geometry, connectivity, and ore-controlling structures (e.g., paleochannels, redox interfaces). This study establishes a novel methodology for sandstone-type uranium exploration in petroliferous basins, unifying geophysical and geochemical datasets to define drill-validated targets. We integrated detailed core logging, petrography, and assay data to delineate the deposit’s geology. This included the host strata composition, ore-body morphology, mineralogy, and alteration assemblages. Our analysis identified the critical controls on mineralization: sandbody architecture, structural framework, and redox zonation. Based on these constraints, we constructed a genetic metallogenic model. Furthermore, we elucidated the mechanistic role of hydrocarbons in uranium mineralization and demonstrated the strategic potential of repurposing legacy oilfield data for synergistic uranium targeting. The Jingchuan uranium deposit provides both an exploration blueprint and theoretical foundations for uranium targeting in analogous sedimentary basins.
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Zhang et al. (2025) studied this question.
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