Sedimentary characteristics and exploration potential of the uranium reservoirs in the Baoligentaohai region, Tengeer depression

The examination of the sedimentary characteristics of the uranium reservoirs is considered to be the ore-hunting prerequisite for the sandstone-type uranium deposits. Reported here are the distribution and scales of the uranium reservoirs and division of sedimentary facies in the Baoligentaohai region, Tengger depression in terms of coalfield geophysical data and regional geology, and prediction of uranium potential on the basis of uranium source, structure, radioactivity logging and ground gamma spectrometry. The uranium-impounding sandstones in the Saihan Formation are well developed and generally oriented to SE-NW. The lower member of the Formation has a total sandstone thickness of 120-200 m in the braided delta plain subfacies of the braided delta facies, and consists of five normal graded depositional cycles. The upper member of the Formation has a total sandstone thickness of 50-90 m in the braided river facies and consists of two normal graded depositional cycles. The study area is characterized by abundant uranium sources, favourable structures and sedimentary facies. The potential favourable areas comprise the braided distributary channel sandstones near the flood plain or interdistributary bay, and 5th and 7th depositional cycles.