Research on the current status and future of U-Pb chronology study of uranium minerals from the sandstone-type uranium deposits

Abstract

In recent years we have conducted in-depth studies on the genetic mineralogy and U-Pb geochronology of uranium minerals (uraninite, coffinite, brannerite, etc.) and U-bearing minerals (rutile, apatite, etc.) from sandstone-type uranium deposit, using jointly secondary ion mass spectrometry, laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, electron probe microanalysis and isotope dilution-thermal ionization mass spectrometry. New methods of U-Pb isotopic dating for uranium minerals, however, should be tested and established in order to acquire accurate formation time for rocks and minerals from sandstone-type uranium deposit. Such knowledge is important for a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the formation and evolutionary history of the sandstone-type uranium deposit and for developing a new mineralization theory for sandstone-type uranium deposit. The new isotopic dating methodology will also have a broad application in uranium geological exploration.