Gamma-Ray Spectrometry and Induced Polarization Studies for El Atshan-II Uranium Prospect Area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract

Gamma-ray spectrometry and induced polarization (IP) studies were carried out to determine the radioactive anomalous zones and to follow their lateral and vertical extensions in El Atshan-II uranium prospect area, central Eastern Desert, Egypt. This area and its surroundings are covered by different Precambrian basement rocks, which intruded by younger bostonite rock, andesite dykes and carbonate veins. Data of the gamma-ray spectrometry have been analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by applying specific interpretation techniques. These data revealed a wide radioactivity range oscillating from 15.0 to 2362.0 Ur, 0.5 to 307.2 ppm, 0.1 to 55.1 ppm and 0.3 to 22.0% for the total count (Tc), equivalent uranium (eU), equivalent thorium (eTh) and potassium (K), respectively. The constructed radioelement concentration maps and eU-composite image of the study area showed that the anomalously high radioactivity levels are mainly associated with outcrops of the bostonite rock. The induced polarization data were mathematically inverted to produce the true resistivity and chargeability values of cross-sections below the surveyed lines traverse in the area. The resistivity values are varied both vertically and horizontally from 7.83 to more than 1042.0 ohm•m, while the chargeability values are ranged from 0.195 to more than 204.0 mV/V, suggesting variation of the rocks facies and mineralizations. Integration of the resistivity and chargeability data indicates the presence of some mineralized zones, mainly associated with the bostonite rock, with depths varied from the near-surface to more than 70 m. Therefore, a core drilling is recommended at some stations along three selected profiles to a depth of 70-100 m to test the depth, structural model and grade of mineralization in the area.