Metallogy of uranium, thorium and the associated elements in the geological structures of Ukraine

Abstract

The monograph examines the metallogeny of uranium, thorium, and associated elements in the Precambrian and Phanerozoic geological formations and structures of Ukraine. This work continues the own scientific research of the specialists of the special metallurgy department of the State University “IGNS of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine”, which are presented in collective monographs (Prospects of Uranium Development…, 2014; Prospects for the development of thorium…, 2017; Metallogeny of uranium ores…, 2019), as well as more than 50 professional articles over the past 10 years. In addition, it is based on the huge researches of the predecessors of other research units of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, as well as on a significant amount of practical researches of production facilities (KP “Kirovgeology”). The work is primarily focused on detailing and improving some theoretical and practical aspects of the problems of forecasting and exploration of uranium and thorium mineralization – genetic models of formation and search criteria and signs of uranium-thorium-bearing formations. The purpose of the work is to promote the development of the mineral and raw material base of the nuclear energy industry of Ukraine based on the improvement of the theoretical foundations of forecasting and prospecting of uranium and thorium mineralization in Ukraine, the study of the metallogeny of uranium, thorium and related elements, the improvement and approval of radiometric, radiogeochemical prospecting methods and techniques and scientific support of extraction. Within this problem, the following results were obtained. Systematics of ore and ore-bearing formations has been improved. Information has been summarized and new data on the geological structure of uranium-bearing and thorium-bearing areas, deposits, ore occurrences have been provided. A complex of isotopic-homochemical studies of uranium and thorium deposits of the Ukrainian Shield (USH) was carried out. The pneumatolitho-hydrothermal genetic model of the formation of uranium-bearing sodium metasomatites (albitites) is substantiated. The search criteria for uranium and thorium deposits have been improved. The results of complex studies of radiation parameters of the environment at uranium and thorium deposits of the Ush are presented. Modern modifications of radiometric, emanation and underground geochemical surveying for the search for uranium and thorium deposits are proposed. An assessment of prospects for expansion of the mineral-raw material base of uranium and thorium and related elements of Ukraine is given. For scientists, specialists, graduate students who research deposits of uranium, thorium and related elements and the problems of expanding the mineral-raw material base of nuclear energy.