Distribution of trace elements in drilling chip samples around a roll-type uranium deposit, San Juan Basin, New Mexico

Abstract

Chip samples from rotary drilling in the vicinity of a roll-type uranium deposit in the southwestern San Juan Basin were split into a whole-washed fraction, a clay fraction, and a heavy mineral concentrate fraction. Analyses of these fractions determined that cutting samples could be used to identify geochemical halos associated with this ore deposit. In addition to showing a distribution of selenium, uranium, vanadium, and molybdenum similar to that described by Harshman (1974) in uranium roll-type deposits in Wyoming, South Dakota, and Texas, the chemical data indicate a previously unrecognized zinc anomaly in the clay fraction downdip of the uranium ore. 106* Location of drill holes Figure 1. Index map showing location of drill holes studied in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico.

Comparison of the chemical characteristics of the uranium deposits of the Morrison Formation in the Grants uranium region, New Mexico

“…Although molybdenum was leached from the ore in the Church Rock district, and probably to a lesser extent from the Ambrosia Lake district, molybdenum concentrations are not known to occur in association with the secondary ores (Spirakis, Pierson, and Granger, 1981). This may be due to the migration of molybdenum farther down hydrologic gradient than other elements associated with secondary ores (Day, Spirakis, Zech, and Kirk, 1982).…”