Geological and Geochemical Features of Uranium Mineralization in Western Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the distribution and geochemical features of uranium mineralization in the Rağıllar region in the Manisa-Köprübaşı in western Turkey. Sixteen whole rock samples were collected from sites showing the highest levels of radioactivity (7600 cps) as measured by a gamma spectrometer in the dolomitic limestones. SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectrometry), XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence), an ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optic Emission Spectrometer), and a Leco carbon-sulfur analyzer were used to determine the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of the whole rock samples. The mineralogical features showed that uranium mineralization is associated with fluorapatite-rich rocks formed within calcite matrix fractures; cracks systems; and limestone, claystone, marl and silicified breccia zones in the lacustrine sediments that are observed around the Kale crest dolomitic limestones in the Demirci basin. The geochemical data for these samples show a strong positive correlation between uranium and P2O5 concentrations. The geochemical data also indicate that uranium is deposited in the oxidation zone by dissolving the primary minerals (banded gneisses from the Menderes Massif, and dacitic and andesitic tuff) and moving the metal-rich hydrothermal fluids as phosphorus compounds, before passing through fractures, cracks, and permeable sandstone units, or along carbonate and clay layers.