Applying multivariate statistics to discriminate uranium ore concentrate geolocations using (radio)chemical data in support of nuclear forensic investigations

Abstract

The application of Principal Components Analysis (PCA) to U and Th series gamma spectrometry data provides a discriminatory tool to help determine the provenance for illicitly recovered uranium ore concentrates (UOCs). The PCA is built upon a database of radiometric signatures from 19 historic UOCs from Australia, Canada, and the USA representing many uranium geological deposits. Radiometric data are obtained via gamma and alpha spectrometry after the UOCs have been dissolved using lithium tetraborate fusion. Six UOCs from the same sample set were analysed 'blind' and compared against the database to identify their geolocation. These UOCs were all accurately linked to their correct geolocations which can aid the forensic laboratory in determining which further analytical techniques should be used to improve the confidence of the particular location. Highlights 1. Principal Components Analysis is used as geolocating tool for nuclear forensics. 2.High quality radiometric signatures for uranium ore concentrates obtained using a rapid and effective dissolution technique. 3."Unknown" samples are statistically compared against a database of known signatures. *Highlights (for review)Abstract 1

Fusion Bead Procedure for Nuclear Forensics Employing Synthetic Enstatite to Dissolve Uraniferous and Other Challenging Materials Prior to Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

“…Nuclear forensics as a technical discipline has emerged significantly over the last two decades and uses a broad array of advanced analytical procedures to characterize seized or suspect nuclear and related materials. − The insights gained from such data are used to control suspected trafficking activities, deter nuclear terrorism, and verify that international nuclear treaties are being upheld. There is an ever-present international threat that nuclear or other radioactive material could be acquired for use in criminal acts.…”

Analysis of geochemical basalts database as a simulant for uranium ore concentrates data: the Galaxy Serpent 3 Exercise

“…Data analytics is essential for analyses of large data sets emerging during a nuclear forensic investigation [1]. When measured results, from various analytical techniques [1][2][3][4], are gathered, precise answers to the questions of origin and route of materials involved are required [5][6][7]. The answers to these fundamental questions are mostly not clear since there is always a variance between samples, and even between identical samples (due to the uncertainty in the analytical measurement).…”