Uranium mineralization and prediction for the Aqituwula depression in the Eren Basin, Inner Mongolia

The Aqituwula depression is one of uranium-bearing intermontane basins in the Sunite uplift zone, Eren Basin, Inner Mongolia. The present paper focuses on the uranium mineralization and prediction for the Saihan Formation in the Aqituwula depression on the basis of regional geology and existing data. The uranium in the study area is believed to be derived from the Sunite uplift zone in the north. Both the upper and lower members of the Saihan Formation are characterized by a complete "mud-sand-mud" architecture favourable for the uranium mineralization, giant and connected braided sandstone bodies and phreatic-interformational oxidation zones which put the uranium ore bodies under control, and thus serve as the favourable environments for the uranium mineralization. The prospect area is located in the oxidation-reduction transitional zones and grey relicts in the central part of the braided deltas and is highly prospective for the uranium exploration.