The provenance of Australian uranium ore concentrates by elemental and isotopic analysis |
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| Authors: | Elizabeth Keegan Stephan Richter Ian Kelly Henri Wong Patricia Gadd Heinz Kuehn Adolfo Alonso-Munoz |
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| Institution: | 1. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), PMB 1, Menai 2234, Australia;2. Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), European Commission (EC)/Joint Research Centre (JRC), Retieseweg 111 B-2440 Geel, Belgium |
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| Abstract: | Elemental and isotopic ratio analyses of U ore concentrate samples, from the 3 operating U mining facilities in Australia, were carried out to determine if significant variations exist between their products, thereby allowing the U ore concentrate’s origin to be identified. Elemental analyses were conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Lead isotope ratios were measured using ICP-MS and U isotope analyses were conducted using thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS). Minute quantities of sample, such as that obtained from a swipe, were also examined for elemental concentrations using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The results of multivariate statistical analysis show clear patterns in the trace elemental composition of the processed U ores, indicating that it is possible to use this feature as a unique identifier of an Australian U ore concentrate’s source. Secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses also allow individual particles to be differentiated using this ‘fingerprinting’ technique. Isotope ratios determined using TIMS reveal that there is a significant difference in the n(234U)/n(238U) isotope ratio between the U ore concentrate from each mine. |
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