Journal of African Earth Sciences: Abdou Dodo Bohari, Moussa Harouna, Ali Mosaad, Wei Qian, Ibrahim Sarki Laouali

Journal of African Earth Sciences 185 (2022) 104395
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Journal of African Earth Sciences

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jafrearsci
Petrographic and geochemical implications for ore genesis and

mineralogical composition studies of the Tarat formation hosted sandstone
uranium deposit in the Tamari Prospect from Arlit, Niger
Abdou Dodo Bohari a, b, d, e, *, Moussa Harouna a, Ali Mosaad b, c, d, e, Wei Qian b, d, e,
Ibrahim Sarki Laouali a
a
Department of Geology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger
b
School of Earth Science and Engineering, Hohai University, PR China
c
Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt
d
Geoserve Logging &Tomography, Canada
e
GeoProbe Consult, Niamey, Niger
A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T
Keywords: The ongoing uranium mining activities coupled with mines development in SOMAIR open pit mine at Arlit led to
Tarat formation the discovery of a new prospect called Tamari prospect endowed with a potential uranium ore deposit and have
Niger been subjected to a very few scientific studies but their characteristics still need to be examined in further detail
Uraninite
investigation in order to determine the mineralogical composition, ore genesis and geochemical characteristics of
Sandstone-type uranium deposit
Electron-microprobe analyzer
the deposit. Based on detailed studies using optical microscopy, backscattered electron imaging, electron-
Scanning electron microscope microprobe and high resolution elemental mapping, the authors have established that detrital, authigenic and
Mineral paragenesis uranium ore-stage minerlization are associated with the deposit. Previous studies on the deposits documented
two stages of uranium deposits one close to 190 Ma and the other close to 150 Ma. The dominant uranium ore
minerals occur as uraninite. Pyrite and galena are the most dominant sulfide minerals associated with the
uranium mineralization and therefore, chemical composition analysis shows that pyrite contains an average U
concentration up to of 7.62 wt% and galena has an average of 27.16 wt%. The association U–Zr–Pb present in the
zircon and monazite indicates that the geochemical environment responsible for this correlation should be that
with a large association with lithophile elements which occur in monazite and zircon minerals that could possibly
be the potential source of uranium. The impregnation of organic matter with U–Ti oxide indicates a synsedi
mentary or early source of uranium. Uraninite contains a high concentration of Zr (av. 5.77 wt%) suggesting a
probable succession of fluid circulation that would allow either the deposition of two generations of uraninites or
mineralization leaching. The excellent positive correlation of U, Fe, Ca and Mn in the mineralized pole of U–Ti
oxides is related to the presence of high concentrations of complexing ligands such as carbonate, oxalate, hy
droxide, fulvic and humic acids in the deposits. Uranium mineralization occurs as Iriginite (U–Mo) and the
powellite (Pb–MoO4) cemented the quartz grains and kaolinite highlights a late fluid circulation.
1. Introduction Yue et al., 2020; Xu, 2020). Uranium is precipitated by reduction pro
cesses caused by a variety of possible reducing agents within the sand
The sandstone-type uranium deposits occur in medium-to coarse- stone (Cuney, 2009; Yang et al., 2009; Fayek, 2013; Bonnetti et al.,
grained sandstones deposited in continental fluvial or marginal marine 2015; Chu et al., 2015; Cumberland et al., 2016; Bonnetti et al., 2017;
sedimentary environments. Volcanic-ash may represent a major ura Feng, 2017; Long, 2018). These include carbonaceous material (mainly
nium source within the sandstone in some regions (Niger; Canada, detrital plant debris), sulphides (pyrite), ferro-magnesian minerals
Lodève, France; Wyoming, USA) (Kache, 2013; Bonnetti et al., 2015; (chlorite), bacterial activity, migrated fluids from underlying hydro
Hou et al., 2017; Bohari et al., 2018; Salze et al., 2018; Hu et al., 2019; carbon reservoirs, and others. (Homeland Uranium., 2010; Scholtz,
* Corresponding author. Department of Geology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger.

E-mail address: abdoubohari@yahoo.fr (A.D. Bohari).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2021.104395
Received 28 January 2021; Received in revised form 13 September 2021; Accepted 8 October 2021
Available online 25 October 2021
1464-343X/© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A.D. Bohari et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 185 (2022) 104395
Table 1
Reserves and resources of uranium potential in Niger (World Nuclear Association, 2021).
Fig. 1. Location of the mining district SOMAIR in Arlit.
2
Fig. 2. Niger general geological map.
2009; René, 2017; Wang, 2017; Ng, 2013; Cai et al., 2007; Riegler et al., 2019; Wilde, 2020; Nie, 2020; Su et al., 2020; Province et al., 2021).
2016 and Bohari et al., 2018). The Niger Republic is one of the biggest countries in west Africa with
The economic significance of sandstone type is related to their high a vast territory endowed with huge uranium resource potential
grade uranium potential and low cost ore. This type of deposit contains (Table 1). All the known uranium ressources are in the Tim Mersoï sub-
as much uranium as the better-known unconformity-type deposits. The Basin (Niger) which is part of the Iullemmeden Basin, located about 200
sandstone type hosted uranium deposits can be divided into five main km north of Agadez and west of the Air Mountains. Several uranium
sub-types such as: Basal channel, Tabular deposits, Roll-front deposits, deposits have been discovered since 1958 in this area (Crawley et al.,
Tectonic-lithologic deposits, dykes/sills in Proterozoic sandstones. 1985; Areva, 2005 Somair, 2007; Nicholls and Vincent., 2007; Vol
Several examples of Basal channel deposits are found in Dalmatovskoye berding and Warner, 2018) but recently, a new Prospect called Tamari
(Transural Region) and Khiagdinskoye (Vitim District) in the Russian with potential uranium ore deposit was discovered within the
Federation and Beverley (Australia) with a tonnage varied from several Tim-Mersoi basin with 18◦ 44′ 16′′ North latitude and 7◦ 23′ 26′′ East
hundred to 20 000 t of uranium, at grades ranging from 0.01% to 3%. longitude (Fig. 1). Therefore, several choices for the genesis and
The uranium districts related to Tabular deposits may contain several geochemical association of uranium may exist: (1) erosion of the Aïr
hundred to 150 000 tonnes of uranium, at average grades ranging from massif and its volcanic and granitic complexes and supply of detrital
0.05% to 0.5% and are located in Hamr-Stráz (Czech Republic), Akouta, grains in the sedimentary formations, which were rapidly altered and
Arlit, and Imouraren (Niger) and those of the Colorado Plateau (USA). subsequently were suitable for the main mineralizing event. (2) Occur
Mines exploiting the Roll-front type uranium deposit occur in Akouta, rence of uranium and other metals U–Mo–Pb or U–Zn–Ni–Pb could have
Arlit, and Imouraren (Niger), Budenovskoye, Tortkuduk, Moynkum, been leached and concentrated at redox fronts from the dispersed tuffs
Inkai and Mynkuduk (Kazakhstan) and Crow Butte and Smith Ranch from different formations. (3) Uranium mineralization is especially
(USA) with resources range from a few hundred tonnes to several controlled by the major fault In Azaoua lineament fault NS of Arlit in the
thousand tonnes of uranium, at grades averaging 0.05%–0.25%. Indi West, the N70◦ Tin Adrar “faisceau” in the North, the N30◦ Mouron
vidual deposits related to Tectonic lithologic deposits contain a few accident in the Southeast and N30 Autriche accident in the West (Kache,
hundred tonnes up to 5000 tonnes of uranium at average grades ranging 2013; Bohari et al., 2018; Salze et al., 2018). The newly deposit has been
from 0.1 to 0.5%, such deposits are mining at the Lodève District the subject of very few scientific studies but their characteristics still
(France) and of the Franceville Basin (Gabon). Uranium Deposits Mafic need to be examined in further detail. Hence the objective of this
dykes/sills type are subvertically oriented along the dyke’s margins research is, therefore, to determine the mineralogical composition, ore
(Matoush, Otish Basin, Canada), or hosted within the dykes, or strata genesis and geochemical characteristics in order to provide a sequence
bound within the sandstones along lithological contacts with mafic sills mineral paragenesis that can be used for further exploration strategy in
(Red Tree, Westmoreland District, Australia). Deposits are small to the basin.
medium (300–10 000 t) with low to medium grades (0.05–0.40%) (Hou
et al., 2017; X. Yang et al., 2009 Kuptsova et al., 2019; Zhang, 2019;; Li,
3
Fig. 3. Litho-stratigraphic Colonne of sedimentary series of the Tim-Mersoi basin after (Gerbeaud, 2006) modified.
2. Geological setting lithologies include biotite gneiss, leptynitic gneiss and micaceous shale
with quartzite and amphibolite. The granite intrusions are syntectonic
The geology of Niger is dominated by the Proterozoic basement of with the main phase of deformation occurring during the Panafrican
the Air massif and the intracratonic Tim Mersoi sedimentary basin. The orogenesis (Bowden, 1981; Nicholls and Vincent., 2007). The magmatic
crystalline basement, which formed during the Panafrican orogenesis activity did continue with post-orogenesis granite intrusions during the
consists of metamorphosed rocks, essentially metasediments, intruded Ordovician, Carboniferous and Jurassic. Volcanic activity also occurred
by granites (Bowden, 1981; Nicholls and Vincent., 2007). Recognized during the Tertiary and Quaternary periods (Bowden.,1981; Kogbe
4
Fig. 4. Geological and structural map of Tim Mersoï Basin border, in the Arlit zone from 1/200 000 “Afasto” map of CEA, the structures are from Hirlemann and
Robert (1980). The location of the main economic and sub-economic deposits is from (Gerbeaud, 2006) modified.
1991; Navez et al., 1999) (Fig. 2). All of the uranium deposits from Niger coarse sandstones and the Tchinezogue argillites and fine sand
are located in the Tim-Mersoï Basin, which covers 600 000 km2, half of stones. The Upper Tagora consists of the Tarat medium to very coarse
the total area of the country. The main deposits are located in the sandstones, the Madaouela silts, and the argillaceous sandstones and
northern region of Arlit-Akouta and in the southern regions of lacustrine shales of the Arlit formation;
Madaouela, Imouraren, and Azelik. The Tim Mersoï Basin is surrounded • A sequence called the “Continental Intercalaire” from Permian to
in the north by the Hoggar massif, on the west by the In-Guezzam ridge Jurassic, which consists mainly of fluvial sandstone sediments with
and in the east by the Aïr massif. To the south, the Tim Mersoï Basin intercalation of lacustrine argillites;
extends to Iullemmeden Basin and Nigeria (Scholtz, 2009). The stra • The Lower Cretaceous which consists of the Irhazer shale formation,
tigraphy of the eastern part of the Tim Mersoi basin is divided (from with the silts and fine sandstones of the Assaouas at its base.
bottom to top) into four main sequences (Beaudoin 1984; Crawley et al.,
1985; Konat et al., 2007; Nicholls and Vincent., 2007; Sani and Wol The main structural feature of the Tim-Mersoi basin is the north-
lenberg, 2021) (Fig. 3): trending In Azawa lineament - Arlit fault, which extends over hun
dreds of kilometers through the basin to Algeria. The Air massif base
• The Lower Visean formations of the Terada Group which consists of ment is strongly folded and influenced by two major structures, oriented
the coarse to conglomeratic sandstones of the Teragh and the marine N20–N30 and N135◦ . In the Arlit area, the N20–N30 direction is pre
clays of the Talak; dominant and corresponds to the main lineation and structural feature
• The Upper Visean formations of the Tagora Group, which includes (Fig. 4) (Konat et al., 2007; Sani and Wollenberg, 2021). The deforma
two series starting with a fluvial-deltaic period, followed by a marine tion of the sedimentary cover is the result of basement faulting, with
to epicontinental sedimentation and ending with a lacustre-alluvial several of the N30 lineaments offset by N80 structures (Konat et al.,
period. The Lower Tagora consists of the Guezouman medium to 2007). The N30 flexures are the direct result of the vertical displacement
5
Fig. 5. Hand SPPY gamma-ray used to detect samples containing high radiation.
of the Arlit normal fault, active during the sedimentation phase. These the detrital and secondary mineral phases and to investigate the distri
structures, at the base of the Tarat sandstone, played a major role in the butions, morphologies, and the paragenetic relations of the clays,
formation of a major synclinal axis and paleochannels, favorable ura carbonaceous matter, U minerals, and sulfides.
nium traps. Geological host formations are gently dipping southwest
ward and lie 150 m deeper to the west of the Arlit fault. All known 3.1. Sampling technique
economic deposits are located east of the fault (Forbes et al., 1988) and
Arlit deposits are hosted in the Upper and Lower Visean Carboniferous The sampling was based on 300 c/s cut-off AVP. The sampled rock
formations of the Tarat and Guezouman rich in organic matter (Forbes intervals were chosen by identifying the large peaks of mineralization
et al., 1988; Salze, 2008; Salze et al., 2018). Therefore, these deposits with SPPY along with the drill cores (Fig. 5). The drilling cores were then
have an important tonnage (160 000 tons U) with a grade ranging from sawn in half parts giving two half-cores then half-core not including the
0,2% to 0,5% and mineralization reaching to a depth of 220m. The main generator also sawed in half to give quarters of cores. The quarter cores
U deposits are mined by Cominak and Somair using underground and with the Generator was numbered and cashed to serve as a witness. The
open pit methods respectively. They are located in the Visean Guezou sample can represent from 0.5 to 1.5 m of half-core in a homogeneous
man Formation for Cominak and in the Namurian Tarat Formation for facies. Each sample was indexed, photographed, measured at SPPY and
Somair, 50 km westward of the Air basement. The Imouraren deposit of placed in a bag accompanied by a label bearing the details of the sample.
lower grade (0,12%) is located 80 km south in the Tchirezrine 2 sand During the geological survey, a total of 31 samples were collected from
stones (Jurassic). These deposits are located near the Arlit In Azawa the Tamari Prospect boreholes (Table 2).
(AIA) normal fault but other U mineralizations are known close to the
Aïr basement, in the Madawela area (Crawley et al., 1985; Areva, 2005;
3.2. Optical microscope
Kache, 2013). Several authors (Pagel, 2000; Cavellec, 2006; Gerbeaud,
2007; Salze et al., 2018) have dated several minerals (uraninite, chlorite,
The optical microscope was used in transmitted and reflected light in
corrensite) and rocks (organic matter-rich rocks, sandstones) by the
order to design and establish the textural relationships of minerals in
U–Pb, K–Ar and Sm–Nd isotopic methods and suggested an age close to
order to establish a relative chronology of paragenetic succession. A first
190 Ma and the other close to 150 Ma, whereas the U–Pb discordia
set 20 polish sections and 25 thin sections were manufactured at the
method gives an age of 197 ± 63 Ma.
laboratory of Economic geology in AGH-UST, Krakow, Poland and the
second set of 18 polish sections and 20 thin sections were prepared in the
3. Material and methods
laboratory of ore geology department of Indian Institute of Technology,
IIT Roorkee, India. Our samples were observed at different magnifica
The fieldwork involved detailed geological study of the Tarat for
tions of X10, X20, X50, and X100 by using Nikon microscope equipped
mation in Taza North and Takriza open pit mines and drill core sampling
digital camera in AGH-UST, Krakow, Poland and OLYMPUS VANOX-T
in the Tamari Prospect. The representative thin sections and polish
microscope equipped with digital camera in IIT, Roorkee and Hohai
sections were prepared in epoxy resin and heated to accelerate hard
University.
ening and examined under transmitted, polarized, and reflected light
using optical microscopy to determine the detrital and secondary min
erals and the textural features of the U-mineralized rocks. Further 3.3. Scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDS)
investigation with SEM-EDX and EPMA-WDS will allow us to identify
The slides and polish sections of interest were selected by the help of
6
Table 2 analytical technique based on the principle of electron-matter in

List of the samples, their location and a brief description of the content. teractions. It consists of sweeping the surface of a sample by an electron
Sample Location Host Rock Brief description beam. Electrons, produced by heating a filament of tungsten or a hex
aboride tip of Lanthanum LaB6, are accelerated under high voltage and
TMRI 1 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Reduced fine gray sandstone
4 focused by electromagnetic lenses. When the electron beams primary
TMRI 2 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Argilo-black-green-silts contacts the surface of the sample, it occurs different types of electron-
4 matter interactions that generate the emission of particles whose elec
TMRI 3 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Medium to fine white sandstone trons secondary (E.S), backscattered electrons (E.R) and X-rays (Fig. 6).
4
Secondary electrons are sensitive to variations in the surface of the
4 sample and visualize the relief. Backscattered electrons are used to
TMRI 5 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Argilo-black-green-silts identify contrasts of mass between minerals. Indeed, the higher the
4 atomic mass, the more the number of electrons backscattered is
important and more the mineral appears clear on the image. However, it
4
TMRI 7 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Medium to fine white sandstone does not matter there than qualitative analysis. To perform semi-
4 quantitative point analyzes, X-ray emission is used which is analyzed
TMRI 8 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Argilo-black-green-silts by a dispersion spectrometer of energy EDS. Two devices were used
4 according to the desired purpose:
4
TMRI 10 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Medium to fine white sandstone • JEOL J7600F field-effect SEM, performing analysis of EDS: spec
4 trometer of SDD type for semi-quantitative point analyzes. It should
TMRI 11 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Argilo-black-green-silts be noted that when this SEM is well-calibrated on a limited number
4
of elements, it has a precision quite comparable to that of the
TMRI 12 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Argilo-black-green-silts
4 microprobe.
TMRI 13 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Reduced gray fine sandstone • MERLIN Zeiss instruments with X-ray energy spectra analyzer
4 Instrumentation an SEM, in particular, allow visualizing the relief of
TMRI 14 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Medium to fine white sandstone minerals and geometric interrelations.
4
TMRI 15 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Argilo-black-green-silts
4 The MEB JEOL J7600F for the most part used in this research
TMRI 16 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Reduced fine gray sandstone because it has a very good resolution, a strong beam current, about 100
4 nA, and an electron acceleration voltage of 15.0 kV. In all, several ses
TMRI 17 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Medium to fine white sandstone
sions were performed by scanning electron microscopy, on about slides
4
TMRI 18 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Argilo-black-green-silts and thin sections of interest. Several spectra of chemical analyzes have
4 been made in order to better characterize the different phases present in
TMRI 19 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Reduced fine gray sandstone our different thin sections and polish sections. These spectra will be
4 presented in the results part of this paper.
TMRI 20 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Coarse to medium sandstone
3
TMRI 21 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Coarse to medium sandstone 3.4. Electron probe micro-analyzer wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy
3 (EPMA-WDS)
3
Point-specific chemical analyses of uranium minerals and clay min
3 erals were made using the CAMECA SX 100 electronic microprobe at the
TMRI 24 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Coarse to medium sandstone Institute Instrumentation Center (IIC) of Indian Institute of Technology
3 (IIT), Roorkee, India. This microprobe uses both the technique of scan
TMRI 25 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Reduced fine gray sandstone ning microscope (SEM) to visualize surfaces and wavelength dispersive
2
spectroscopy (WDS) for the qualitative and quantitative elemental study
2 of materials.
TMRI 27 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Reduced fine gray sandstone The electron microprobe (EPMA) comprises: (1) an electron gun, (2)
2 a column electronics for reducing the diameter of the electron probe at
the sample level, (3) an internal device for scanning the electron beam,
2
TMRI 29 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Coarse to micro-conglomeratic gray (4) detectors for the radiation X and (5) an optical microscope. A highly
1 sandstone accelerated electron beam is sent over the sample to be analyzed. It
TMRI 30 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Coarse to micro-conglomeratic gray radiates a small area (1-μm square). This beam has enough energy to
1 sandstone penetrate a few microns into the target mineral. The emerging radiation
TMRI 31 Tamari Prospect Tarat Unit Coarse to micro-conglomeratic gray
1 sandstone
is analyzed in a spectrometer to identify the different characteristic ra
TAZA Taza North open Tarat Unit Roll-front fine sandstone diations that the makeup and know the elements present. It is possible to
pit 4 quantify these data by comparing the characteristic X-ray intensities of
TAKRIZA Takriza open pit Tarat Unit Fine sandstone rich in U and Mo each element present in the sample, at the intensity of the same radiation
4
emitted by a reference standard.
The CAMECA SX 100 microprobe, equipped with five spectrometers,
an optical microscope and we draw circles on them outlining areas to be is used under one voltage of 15 kV. The beam current is 10 nA for
analyzed in order to facilitate the work under Scanning Electron Mi uranium mineralization analysis and 4 nA for clay minerals. The
croscopy. The selected slides and polishes were metalized for more different minerals were analyzed on thin, polished metalized strips with
investigation of the outline zones by using scanning electron microscope carbon. Counting times of elements contained in the mineralization and
(SEM) in the Institute Instrumentation Center (IIC) of Indian Institute of clay minerals are shown in (Table 3). The analyzes are given in% weight
Technology (IIT), Roorkee, India. Scanning Electron Microscopy is an of oxides. Standards, detectors, and lines used for analyzes are noted in
(Table 3): Counting time (seconds) of elements for Uranium
7
Fig. 6. Electron-matter interaction; BE: backscattered electrons ES: secondary electrons AE: auger electrons.
Table 3
General summary of the different settings and calibrations for each element analyzed in the EPMA-WDS.
Elements Ray Speciation Crystal Peak Counting time Calibration/Standard
Al Kα Sp4 TAP 32460 10 Orthose

Si Kα Sp4 TAP 27745 10 Diopside
Na Kα Sp2 TAP 46318 5 Albite
Mg Kα Sp2 TAP 38456 10 Olivine
P Kα Sp2 TAP 24009 10 Monazite
Ca Kα Sp1 PET 38384 10 Andradite
K Kα Sp5 LPET 42753 10 Orthose
Ti Kα Sp5 LPET 31425 10 Pyrophanite
Fe Kα Sp3 LIF 48085 20 Pyrite
Zr Lα Sp1 PET 69412 30 Zircon
Pb Mα Sp5 LPET 60376 20 Lead
U Mα Sp1 PET 44673 15 Uraninite
Mo Lα Sp5 LPET 61763 10 Molybdenum
V Kα Sp3 LIF 62171 40 Vanadinite
mineralization analyzes and clay minerals. form what is called ’’pole’’ which generally reduces the dimensionality
of datasets into uncorrelated main components based on covariance or
the correlation matrix (Cheng et al., 1994). However, pole indicates
3.5. Component analysis geological and mineralization processes through the correlation of the
elements (Johnson and Wichern, 2002; Krumbein and Graybill, 1965;
The component analysis technique is part of the multivariate analysis Tripathi, 1979; Chen et al., 2018). Several examples of this method have
methods and is widely used for the interpretation of geochemical data been applied to geology by the following authors (Clarke, 1978; Ley
(Borovec, 1996; Reimann et al., 2002; Helvoort et al., 2005; Allan et al., marie, 1978; Temple. J. T. 1978; Isnard, 1982; Valenchon. F., 1982;
2008; Grunsky et al., 2009; Sun et al., 2009; Yousefi et al., 2012; Yousefi Elhamet M.O.,1983; Forbes., 1984; Cavellec, 2006; Omorinoye, O.A.
et al., 2014). The main purpose of this technique is the simultaneous and Adekeye 2013; Mouissi, S. and Alayat 2016).
study of a large number of variables whose total information cannot be
viewed because of a space of more than three dimensions (Krumbein and
Graybill, 1965; Tripathi, 1979; Johnson and Wichern, 2002) and would 3.6. Correlation analysis
allow to clarify the relationship between the variables and the phe
nomena that cause these relationships with as the main idea of having The correlation coefficients between each geochemical variable give
information focused on a minimum axis (Ayadi and Habib. D, 2008). a first idea of the associations between the different variables. The co
The combination of several variables correlated into a single variable efficient of linear correlation between two variables X and Y. The matrix
8
Fig. 7. Lithostratigraphic correlation showing a high gamma ray response in Tarat U4.
of Pearson’s Correlation coefficient which measures the strength of a with Hand SPPY gamma device of this zone indicates a varied radio
linear relationship between any two variables on a scale of − 1 (perfect metric of 300–1000 counts/s. In the reduced environment the sand
inverse relation) through 0 (no relation) to +1 (perfect sympathetic stones are sub-homogeneous gray, dark gray or black in color with some
relation) was used to analyze the relationships which exist between the darker spots downwards resulting from the occurrence of uranium
various elements. minerals, Fe-sulfides, and carbonaceous materials. The radiometric
measurement with Hand SPPY gamma reveals a range value of
4. Results 5000–8000 counts/sec. From the above-mentioned observation it is
possible to conclude that the mineralized fluid flow from West to East. In
Based on gamma ray response (Fig. 7) and borehole gamma ray Takriza open-pit mine some of uranium ore bodies occur as tubular-
correlation (Fig. 14) during the field observations, based on these shaped that represent interfaces between oxidized-altered rock and
techniques the authors established the Tarat Unit4 host the high po reduced-unaltered rock. The oxidized-altered rock lies inside the enve
tential uranium deposit. The uranium ore bodies in the Tarat host for lopes and is generally coincident with the more permeable parts of the
mation occur as roll front bodies, whereas in the Tamari prospect, host sand bed. Uranium mineralization is disseminated in the sandstone
uraninite mineralization occurs in consolidated sandstone units with which confers a yellow and blue colors to the sandstone indicating the
carbonaceous debris and uraninite mineralization. It is also noted that in association of uraninite with molybdenu (Fig. 9).
the Arlit district the grade of uranium mineralization is ranging from
0,2% to 0,5% with a total amount of 50 000 U tonnes and generally 4.2. Tarat formation in the borehole of tamari prospect
related to the scale of the sandstone bodies which provide abundant
space for uranium bearing fluids. The Tarat formation is divided into four units (U4, U3, U2, and U1)
base on the geophysical results (Beaudoin, 1984). As such Unit4 (U4)
4.1. Tarat formation in open pit consisting of reduced gray fine consolidated sandstone alternating
clay-silt. The sandstone in this unit contains nodule of carbonaceous
Field observation in the Taza North open pit mining revealed that debris and the clay-silt is materialized with cross-bedding stratification
uranium ore bodies in Tarat formation form an abrupt change in redox and their surface is characterized with yellowish-orange color related to
conditions occurring as roll front (Fig. 8). In the oxidized environment, uraninite mineralization (Fig. 10A, B and C). Unit 3 (U3) composed of
the host sandstone is yellowish orange to reddish, is devoid of pyrite, coarse to medium sandstone with increasing presence of
and contains little carbonaceous debris. This is likely due to the intense micro-conglomerate towards the bottom and it shows present alteration
oxidation of organic matter and pyrite. The radiometric measurement due to hydrothermal fluid (Fig. 11 A, B and C); Unit 2 (U2) characterized
9
Fig. 8. Roll-Front ore body in Tarat formation of Taza Northern open pit.
by reduced fine gray sandstone associated with kaolinitic cement sandstones of Unit4 (U4) are fine to very fine grained that form the best
showing oxidation on its surface (Fig. 12A and B) and Unit 1 (U1) uranium ore reservoirs (Fig. 10A, B and C), the porosity and perme
consists of coarse to micro-conglomerate gray sandstone (Fig. 13A). The ability will decrease obviously when calcitic cementation is common in
stratigraphic correlation base radiometric response in the boreholes the sandstones (Fig. 10B). Abundant organic matter is found associated
TMRI 0113, TMRI 0420, TMRI 0116, TMRI 0001, TMRI 0382, TMRI with Unit4 (U4) sandstones which afford suitable conditions for the
0107 and TMRI 0021indicates that units U3, U2 and U1 are poorly absorption of uranium and such sandstones develop an important zone
mineralized, while major ore bodies occur along the lateral and terminal for uranium accumulation.
edges of the Unit (U4). The majority of the U-mineralization in these
deposits occurs within sandstone, although a minor amount of U also 5. Detrital minerals
exists within mudstone and siltstone, where U is generally intermixed
with carbonaceous debris and mainly occurs as unidentified, The erosion of the Aïr massif and its volcanic and granitic complexes
fine-grained (Fig. 14). Generally, the mineralization is directly propor represents the major source of detrital minerals in the sedimentary
tional to the scale of the sandstone bodies because large scale channel formations of the Tim-Mersoi basin. These detrital components were
sandstones provided abundant space for migration of uranium-bearing rapidly altered and subsequently were suitable for the main mineral
fluids and uranium mineralization (Fig. 14). The mineralization poten izing event. Therefore, the detrital minerals are with high significance as
tial is also related to the porosity and permeability of sandstone. Ac a potential source of uranium and the other metals (Elhamet.,1983;
cording to (Wu et al., 2009) the porosity and permeability of rocks vary Forbes, 1989; Cavellec, 2006; Pagel et al., 2015; Y. ChenYin et al., 2019;
with different genetic facies in the depositional system. Therefore, the Yang, 2019; Castillo-oliver, 2020). The most abundant non-metallic
10
Fig. 9. Tabular-shaped ore body in Tarat formation of Takriza open pit.
mineral in the Tamari prospect is quartz, feldspar, clay, with minor solution at stylolites may account for some of the quartz cement present
amount calcite, dolomite, muscovite and heavy minerals. (Rahman et al., 2016). Alternative internal sources of silica may have
been effective as well as, or instead of, stylolites; these include the
conversion of K-feldspar to clay minerals (Worden and Morad, 2000)
5.1. Quartz: SiO2
and the progressive transformation of smectite to illite (Kinley et al.,
2003). The surfaces of some quartz grains are overlain by authigenic
Quartz is the most abundant detrital mineral and constitutes the
quartz in the form of overgrowth (Fig. 15B, C, and E). The quartz
main part of the detrital fraction of the approximately 70–80% in the
overgrowths are irregular suggesting either quartz dissolution after
Tarat sandstone. The shape of this quartz is generally rounded to sub
cementation (Chu et al., 2015; Al-juboury and Al-hadidy, 2009) or
rounded suggesting either long-distance transport of sedimentary origin
advanced diagenesis during which organic acids are produced from the
(Fig. 15A, B and C). The quartz grains exhibit concavo-convex and some
humate in the sandstone (Min, 2005; Liu, 2016). In some cases, quartz
suture contacts between quartz minerals or with another type of min
overgrowth development was inhibited by local crystallization of
erals (Fig. 15A, B and C) which seem to suggest that in situ pressure
11
Fig. 10. Drill cores of Tarat unit 4 (U4) Formation sampled from Tamari prospect area. A: Cores characterized with cross-bedding stratification; B: Carbonaceous
debris with black color on the surface of the core sample; C: Yellowish orange color related to uraninite mineralization.
chlorite grain on its surface and well-established subhedral quartz can be easily remobilized together with the uranium. The elemental
overgrowths are found only where chlorite grain is not or rare crystal mapping indicates that most of the feldspar in the study area are
lized on its surface (Fig. 15D, E, and F). According to (Rahman et al., K-feldspar (Fig. 16C, D, and F). Potassium feldspars are randomly
2016) most quartz overgrowths are inclusion-free or contain inclusions distributed among the plagioclase feldspars and according (Liu, 2016)
that are too small to use for microthermometry (<5 mm). Therefore, such type of feldspar is uniformly distributed in rocks with arenaceous
cathodoluminescence studies of these quartz overgrowths by Cavellec textures.
(2006) suggest igneous parental rocks origin similar to that of Aïr massif.
5.3. Muscovite: KAl2 (Si3Al) O10(OH, F)2
5.2. Feldspar: K2O.Al2O3⋅6SiO2
Muscovite is a minor accessory grain type within the study area.
Feldspars grains represent an average of 10–15% of the detrital However, it is either occurs in the form of platelets imprisoned by
grains; this is split between K-feldspar and plagioclase feldspar (Fig. 15A compaction between the detrital grains of quartz (Fig. 17A and B) or
and B and 16A, B). Most feldspar grains are elongated, sub-spheroidal cementing the detrital grains of quartz (Fig. 17C and D).
and rounded and are less stable compared to quartz and rock frag
ments consisting principally of quartz. Therefore, most of them are 5.4. Zircon: Zr(SO4)
altered and replaced by authigenic minerals and dissolved along the
contact boundaries due to increasing pressure in the burial stage. The The detrital zircon grains of the study sample are highly heteroge
contours of the feldspar in the studied sandstone are often irregular, neous, with size varied between 60 and 500 μm and shapes ranging from
showing extensive alteration with more or less transformation into clays subhedral (Fig. 18A and C), prismatic associated with organic matter
minerals depending on the cleavages (illite, chlorite, kaolinite) (Fig. 16A (Fig. 18F and D) to ovoid associated grains of quartz (Fig. 18B and F) or
and B). According to GuilbaudRomain et al., 2012); Ibrahim Bute, 2017 kaolinite (Fig. 18E). The detrital zircon crystals show oscillatory zona
the alteration of feldspar grains to clay minerals seem to occur simul tion, which is indicative of an igneous origin (Hoskin and Schaltegger.,
taneously and produce free ions such as Si4+, Al3+, K+ and Na + that 2003; Li et al., 2016; Wang, 2018) and according to Pupin, 1976);
12
Fig. 11. Drill cores of Tarat unit 3 (U3) Formation sampled from Tamari prospect area; A: Coarse to medium grains sandstone; B: Medium to fine grains sandstone-
hosted nodules of carbonaceous debris and C: Fine grains sandstone with signs of alteration.
Elhamet.,1983; Forbes, 1989 and Cavellec (2006) these types of detrital undersaturation in phosphorus of mineralized fluids leaching uranium
zircon originated from the alteration of alkaline granitic rocks, or deposit in the studied area. Detrital grains of goyazite have an oblique
alkaline effusive rocks close to the rhyolites of the anorogenic elongated shape and is found epigenized in kaolinite (Fig. 19E and F).
complexes.
5.7. Organic matter

5.5. Monazite: (Ce, La, Nd, Th) PO4
Organic matter is a key biogeochemical component of lake sediment
The detrital grains of monazites varied in seize from micrometer to
and comprises a complex mixture of material that originates from or
nanometer. It is found either in filling the intergranular pore of quartz
ganisms living within the lake and in its surrounding catchment (Lacey
grains in epigeny of organic matter (Fig. 19A) or in epigeny of quartz
et al., 2018). The detrital organic matter in the study area is composed of
grains (Fig. 19B). According to (Wagani et al., 2011) monazite dissolu
plants debris, occurring in opaque in SEM (Fig. 20E and F) and milky in
tion favors the crystallization of the uraninite and thorite. Apatite
reflected light (Fig. 20A, B, C, and D). Isolated as clasts in sandstones,
detrital grains have an approximate size larger than 60 μm, sub-rounded
these plant debris are associated with argillites. The organic matter is
either in epigeny of quartz grains (Fig. 19C) or kaolinite (Fig. 19D).
found impregnated with U–Ti oxides (Fig. 20E and F), epigenezing py
rite (Fig. 20C), and galena (Fig. 20A and B). This organic matter could,
5.6. Apatite: SrAl3 (PO4)2 (OH)5 H2O therefore, indicate that there is a synsedimentary or early source of
uranium. In addition, the organic matter in the Tarat formation is little
The presence of apatite is a potential way to predict a probable evolved and well preserved. Woody debris ranging in size from
13
Fig. 12. Drill cores of Tarat unit 2 (U2) Formation sampled from Tamari prospect area. A: Fine gray consolidated sandstone with kaolinitic cement; B: Fine sandstone
showing oxidation on its surface.
Fig. 13. Coarse to micro-conglomerate gray sandstone samples of Tarat unit 1 (U1) Formation from Tamari prospect area.
millimeters to several decimetres is found indifferently in fine and and radiolitic degradation.
coarse sandstone. However, organic matter is very often epigenized.
Pyrite sometimes retains the initial shape of plant tissues and indicates 6. Oxide-hydroxide minerals
an anticompaction development. The organic matter seems to have been
able to initially impose the physico-chemical parameters of the diage The oxide-hydroxide minerals associated with ores in the study area
netic conditions: relatively acidic pH, Eh reducing agent, high pCO2 are mainly: Titanium oxides, Fe–Ti, Fe–Ti–V, V–Ti–Cu–Fe, Ti–V.
(Sempéré., 1981) responsible for the precipitation of pyrite and dolo
mite. Moreover, the study of matter organic by (Forbes et al., 1987;
6.1. Titanium dioxide: TiO2
Forbes et al., 1988; Forbes, 1989) shows that the physicochemical
characteristics of organic matter in Arlit result from the superposition of
The titanium dioxide minerals are essentially rutile and anatase.
thermal maturation, diagenetic oxidation due to a hydrothermal fluid,
Rutile with euhedral shape is found either epigenized in the organic
14
Fig. 14. Boreholes correlation delineating the different Units and ore body in Tarat formation.
matter associated with kaolinite and uraninite (Fig. 21A) or corroded 6.6. Graphite
with the inclusion of U-oxide and detrital grains of quartz (Fig. 21B).
Anatase is essentially found in the interstitial spaces of detrital grains of The graphite occurs as elongated and flattened crystals with about
quartz associated with organic matter (Fig. 21C) and or nodules of pyrite 10–100 μm composed with parallel sheets with high reflectivity and
(Fig. 21D). trapped in the intergranular pores of quartz grains (Fig. 23A and B). The
presence of graphite shows that some of the sediments in the basin
6.2. Fe–Ti oxide originated from the alteration of metamorphic rock that has sediments
with graphitizable organic matter.
The Fe–Ti oxides are found ovoid-shaped in association with chlo
rite, organic matter and quartz overgrowth (Fig. 21E), and Fe–Ti oxide 7. Carbonate minerals
with elongated shaped are corroded with detrital grains of quartz
(Fig. 21F). Several researchers (Bowers and Shawe., 1961; Adams et al., The carbonate minerals are calcite and dolomite. Therefore, the
1974; Reynolds and Goldhaber, 1978; Goldhaber et al., 1978) pointed growth of carbonate minerals due to an influx of CO2 (e.g. from source
out an antipathy between Fe–Ti oxides and U accumulations. rocks) has been associated with the concomitant alteration of feldspar to
kaolinite due to the acid buffering by the feldspar-clay reaction (Worden
and Morad, 2000; Barclay and Worden, 2000).
6.3. Fe–Ti–V oxide
7.1. Calcite: CaCO3
Fe–Ti–V oxide is abundant. It is found in corrosion with quartz grains
either in epigeny in organic matter associated with inclusion of U-oxide
Calcite occurs as micro-crystalline masses (Fig. 23C), poikilotopic
(Fig. 22A and B).
(Fig. 23D), coarse crystalline (Fig. 24E) and pore-filling masses
(Fig. 23F). Poikilotopic calcite (forming an interlocking mosaic of
6.4. V–Ti–Cu–Fe oxide crystals) locally replaces detrital quartz, feldspar, micas, and clay-rich
ductile grains. Generally, the pore-filling calcite cement in the sand
The V–Ti–Cu–Fe oxides are poorly crystallized and found epigenized stones is locally associated with secondary pores in plagioclase (Rahman
by ferric chlorite (Fig. 22C and D). et al., 2016).
6.5. Ti–V oxide 7.2. Dolomite: Ca Mg(CO3)2
The Ti–V oxides are associated with quartz grains, pyrite, chlorite Dolomite is found with pseudomorphosis shape of plant debris which
and organic matter (Fig. 22E and F). in most cases is related to diagenesis (Fig. 24A and B). Fe-oxides are
15
Fig. 15. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone showing: A, B, and C: Subhedral to anhedral detrital grains of quartz associated with quartz overgrowths and
plagioclase. D, E, and F: SEM images of well-established subhedral to anhedral quartz overgrowths with crystallized chlorite on and besides its surface.
mainly composed of hematite and goethite associated with detrital minerals exhibit a directional property (Fig. 25E and F). The clay min
grains of quartz. eral occurs as three different classes. The first class of authigenic clay
mineral is illite and illite-smectite (I–S) mixed layer (Fig. 25A and B), the
8. Clay minerals second authigenic clay mineral is of chlorite and chlorite-smectite (C–S)
named corrensite after (Forbes, 1989; Cao, 2018) (Fig. 25C and D) and
The clay mineral is a key parameter in uranium reservoir and rep the third authigenic clay mineral is pore-filling kaolinite (Fig. 25E and
resents the second most volumetrically significant group of pore-filling F).
cement in Tarat Formation.
Clay minerals are always distributed in the interparticle layers of
8.1. Kaolinite
brittle minerals or rock grains with well-developed crystallinity and
irregular features (Liu, 2016). However, in the study area, some clay
The authigenic kaolinite occurs as book-like aggregates and is not
16
Fig. 16. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone showing: A: Scanning electron microscope image of sub-rounded instable potassic feldspar altered and replaced by
authigenic kaolinite, illite and chlorite B: Scanning electron microscope image of elongated, sub-spheroidal of instable potassic feldspar altered and replaced by
authigenic kaolinite C: BSE image of Alkali-feldspar whole mapping Scanning D: BSE mapping of Si contents in alkali-feldspar E: BSE image of potassium content in
alkali-feldspar and F: BSE image aluminum content in alkali-feldspar.
only a pore-filling phase but also replaces product of feldspar (Fig. 16A pore waters could plausibly have been generated at depth during the
and B) or according to (Adams et al., 1978; Lanson, 2002; Min, 2005; maturation of organic matter in adjacent shale (Rahman and McCann,
Farhaduzzaman et al., 2015) kaolinite that sourced from the destruction 2012).
of detrital minerals is characteristically fine-grained, coats grains, and
fills the matrix of the host sandstone. The formation of kaolinite requires
feldspar either in low salinity or low pH (acidic) formation water. Acidic
17
Fig. 17. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone illustrating: A and B: Transmitted light images of muscovite in the form of platelets, generally long and imprisoned by
compaction between the detrital grains of quartz. C, D, and E: Transmitted light images of muscovite cementing the detrital grains of quartz.
8.2. Chlorite and chlorite-smectite of smectite requires a source of potassium, in this case probably supplied
from the alteration of feldspars (Ehrenberg, 1993; Morad, S., De Ros
Authigenic chlorite is abundant and occurs in the form of rosette and 1994; Morad et al., 2000). The SEM-EDS and elemental mapping results
honeycomb crystals (Fig. 15D, E and F). SEM results show that chlorite indicate that the illite-smectite mixed layer clays are associated with
creates continuous grain coatings that inhibit quartz overgrowth (Bloch huge uranium and molybdenum mineralization (Fig. 27).
et al., 2002). Chlorite typically develops at temperatures of >60 or 70 ?C
(Worden and Burley, 2003). In these sandstones, authigenic chlorite is 9. Ore uranium minerals
associated with biotite-rich sandstones. Chlorite of Tarat Formation may
have formed by: (1) the diagenetic replacement of detrital feldspar Uranium ore minerals in the Tamari prospect have been identified,
(Fig. 16A), or (2) the transformation of precursor infiltrated or and range from uraninite to U–Ti–V with uraninite as the dominant ore
grain-coating clay minerals (Fig. 25E and F), or by a combination of mineral. Other minerals include U-oxide, U–Ti-oxide, U–Mo oxide and
these two processes. SEM-EDS and elemental mapping analysis results Powellite as well as sulfide minerals, including galena.
revealed that the chlorite of Tarat Formation is iron-rich and associated
with uranium and vanadium mineralization (Fig. 26). 9.1. Uraninite (UO2)
8.3. Illite and illite-smectite Uraninite is the most dominant ore mineral in the studied prospect. It
appears as filling cleavages and microfractures of feldspar (Fig. 28A and
A minor abundance of fibrous illite occurs associated the study B), disseminated interstitial cement among quartz grains (Fig. 28C, D,
sandstones, but illite/smectite mixed-layer clays are abundant appears and E), formed at the expense of authigenic kaolinite (Fig. 28F). EPMA-
in form of disseminated cement with crenulated morphology (Fig. 27). WDS and chemical mapping of the studied uraninite from the investi
Illite-smectite locally occurs as a grain coating (pore-lining) and pore- gated prospect is shown in Fig. 29. Analytical data show that Tarat
filling clay as well as occurring as a replacement product of detrital uraninite is associated minor impurities of REE.
micas. The presence of grain coating illite, with hair-like and
honeycomb-like crystals with spiny terminations, indicates a diagenetic 9.2. U-oxide
origin, as opposed to detrital origin (Lemon and Cubitt, 2003; Morad
et al., 2000). Illite typically forms during progressive burial (mesodia U-oxide in Tarat formation is found disseminated in kaolinite has
genesis) at temperatures >90 ?C through the transformation of deposi elongated to subhedral forms (Fig. 30A). Therefore, the EPMA-WDS
tional or infiltrated clays (e.g. smectite conversion to illite via mixed analysis reports its association with Ti, Al, Si, S and V, and elemental
layer illite-smectite) (Keller et al., 1986; Morad et al., 2000). Illitization mapping indicates the concentration areas U and Fe in the U oxide which
18
Fig. 18. Scanning electron microscope photomicrographs images of Tarat Sandstone illustrating: A: Subhedral detrital grain of zircon, B: the anhedral-ovoidal
detrital grain of zircon, C: Subhedral detrital grain of zircon associated kaolinite and quartz. D: detrital grain of zircon with prismatic shape epigenized by the
organic matter. E: anhedral-ovoidal detrital grain of zircon associated with kaolinite. F: anhedral-ovoidal epigenized by detrital grain of quartz.
reflects its pure chemical composition (Fig. 30B, C, D, E, F, G and H). 9.4. U–Mo oxide
9.3. U–Ti oxide Iriginite or U–Mo oxide is with anhedral form and occurs as
disseminated in kaolinite and organic matter (Fig. 32A). The evidence
U–Ti oxide appears with anhedral form associated with kaolinite from EPMA-WDS and elemental mapping indicate the association of this
(Fig. 31A). The EPMA-WDS indicates that U–Ti minerals in Tarat area mineral with minor impurities of Cu, Al, Si, and Am (Fig. 32B, C, D, E, F,
associated with minor impurities of Fe, V, Al and S (Fig. 31B). Elemental G, and H). Iriginites are considered as alteration product of uraniferous
mapping show that U–Ti oxide has rather a pure chemical composition minerals (uraninite) or minerals containing molybdenum (jordisite).
(Fig. 31C, D, and E). Therefore, they are often evidence of uranium remobilization (Smith
and Tieh., 1984; Finch and Murakami., 1999; Cavellec, 2006; Marah,
19
Fig. 19. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone illustrating: A: Scanning electron microscope image of the detrital grain of monazite with anhedral shape infilling the
intergranular pore the quartz grains and associated with organic matter. B: Scanning electron microscope images of the detrital grains of monazite with anhedral
form epigenized by the quartz grain. C: Scanning electron microscope image of the rounded detrital grain of apatite epigenized by detrital grain of quartz. D: BSE
image subrounded detrital grain of apatite. E: BSE image of goyazite with an oblique elongated shape associated with kaolinite and organic matter. F: BSE image of
goyazite with ovoid shape epigenized by kaolinite and organic matter.
2016) so the presence of this mineral may allow us to envisage the alteration and are considered as late mineral in paragenesis. The EPMA-
possible uranium remobilization in the study area. EDS and chemical mapping report its association with minor impurities
of Zr, Fe, Si and Al (Fig. 33B, C, D, E, and F).
9.5. Powellite (CaMoO4)
9.6. U–Ti–V–Mo oxide
The powellite (CaMoO4) has an anhedral form with large size of 50
μm found within kaolinite in corrosion with detrital quartz grains The U–Ti–V–Mo oxides are a new form of uranium mineralization
(Fig. 33A). This mineral results from jordisite or iriginite and calcite that corresponds to U–Ti oxides or Urano-titanates rich in vanadium and
20
Fig. 20. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone showing: A: reflected light image of organic matter epigenizing galena. B: reflected light image of organic matter
epigenizing and corroded by galena. C: reflected light image of organic matter epigenizing pyrite and corroded by galena. D: reflected light image of organic matter in
the form of detrital debris. E and F: scanning electron microscope images of organic matter impregnated with U–Ti nodules associated interstratification clays I–S
and C–S.
molybdenum. This type of mineralization in the study area has sub 9.7. U–Ti–V oxide
hedral elongated form and is associated with quartz grains (Fig. 34A).
The EPMA-WDS and elemental mapping analysis reflect the association U–Ti–V oxide is also a form of uranium mineralization corresponding
of this type mineralization with minor impurities of Si, Al, Ni, Fe, Mn, to U–Ti oxide or urano-titanate rich in vanadium. In the investigated
Mg and Au (Fig. 34B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M). area U–Ti–V occurs as disseminated cement in the intergranular pores of
Wulfenite or Pb–Mo oxides are found with xenomorphs form quartz grains (Fig. 36A). The Fe oxide is the trace impurities associated
disseminated in the quartz grains (Fig. 35A). The results of EPMA-WDS to such type of mineralization as shown in the (Fig. 36B, C, D, E and F).
and elemental mapping show the association of wulfenite with trace
impurities of Al, Mg, Fe, and Th (Fig. 35B, C, D, E, F, G, and H). 10. Sulfide minerals
The main sulfide metallic minerals associated with ore uranium

mineralization in the Tamari prospect are essentially pyrite and galena.
21
Fig. 21. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone illustrating: A: scanning electron microscope image of rutile with euhedral shape associated with quartz, uraninite,
and organic matter. B: scanning electron microscope image of sub ovoid rutile in corrosion with inclusion of uranium oxide and quartz grains. C: Scanning electron
microscope image of anatase infilling the intergranular pore of quartz grains associated with organic matter. D: Scanning electron microscope image of anatase in
corrosion with quartz grains. E: scanning electron microscope of ovoid Fe–Ti associated with chlorite, organic matter, and quartz overgrowth. F: Scanning electron
microscope image of Fe–Ti with ovoid shape associated with chlorite ferric and organic matter. F Scanning electron microscope image of Fe–Ti with elongated shape
corroded with organic matter.
22
Fig. 22. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone showing: A: Scanning electron microscope image of Fe–Ti–V with subhedral shape in corrosion with quartz grains and
associated with organic matter. B: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of Fe–Ti–V with anhedral shape associated with u-oxide and detrital grains of quartz. C
and D: Scanning electron microscope BSE images of V–Ti–Cu–Fe associated chlorite ferric. E and F: Scanning electron microscope BSE images of Ti–V associated with
detrital grains of quartz and pyrite.
These typpe of sulfide represent the most important components in 10.1. Pyrite: FeS2
various uranium-bearing mineral assemblages in sandstone-type ura
nium deposits, which play an important role of providing a macro or Pyrite is the dominant pre-ore sulfide in the host sandstone of the
micro reduction environment (Hu, 2019). The pyrite and galena related Tamari Prospect. However, several researchers (Elhamet, 1983; Yahaya,
to clay minerals or carbonaceous debris not only acts as reductant and 1992; Wagani, 2007; Salze, 2008; Billon et al., 2014) reported the
enhances the reducibility of reservoir, but also provides space for presence of pyrite associated with Tarat host rock of uranium ore deposit
adsorption or replacement of uranium (Hu, 2019) (see Table 9). in Arlit. Detail microscopic investigation of the present studied samples
reflects that pre-ore pyrite occurs as scattered detrital elongated, anhe
dral, framboidal, subhedral, nodules and xenomorph crystals that
23
Fig. 23. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone showing: A and B: Reflected light image of graphite associated in the detrital grains of quartz. C: Reflected light image
of microcrystalline calcite in corrosion with quartz grains. D: Reflected light image of poikilotopic calcite encompasses the detrital grains of quartz E: Scanning
electron microscope images of coarse crystalline calcite. F: Scanning electron microscope image of pore-filling masses of calcite of quartz grains.
formed prior to transport and deposition of the debris. Xenomorph py uranium oxide minerals within the quartz grains (Fig. 37F). There is
rite occurs as pore-filling associated with organic matter, kaolinite, clear evidence for early diagenetic pyrite is found in rip-up clasts that
feldspar and generally encompass the quartz grains (Fig. 37A) and are incorporated into sandstone and that typically contain elongated
authigenic framboidal type form of pyrite appears associated with euhedral pyrite crystals, in part, associated with detrital clay minerals.
quartz grains of the host sandstones (Fig. 38B and C). Therefore, in this Other forms of pre-ore pyrite are those associated with organic matter
case it is assumed that the organic compounds should play an important and large disseminated nodules in the host sandstone (Fig. 37D). The
role in the formation and preservation of these structures (Yue, 2020). EPMA-WDS and elemental mapping of the Tarat indicate that Tarat
Nodules pyrite are in corrosion with quartz grains (Fig. 37D), the sub pyrite is rich in Ni and less mineralized in U (Fig. 38). From the chemical
hedral elongated pyrite occurs associated with clay minerals and quartz composition data shown in Table 10 the U contents varied from 6.99 wt
(Fig. 37E), and anhedral ovoid pyrite is associated with kaolinite and % to 8.14 wt% with an average of 7.62 wt%.
24
Fig. 24. F: Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone illustrating: A: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of dolomite in form of pseudomorphosis associated with
organic matter and detrital grains of quartz. B: Scanning electron microscope BSE of dolomite with ovoid shape epigenized by kaolinite.
10.2. Galena: PbS the similar geochemical behavior of these elements during the miner
alization process.
Galena is a minor constituent of the mineralization and occurs as The monazite grains of Tarat Formation are originated from the
anhedral grains epigenized in quartz grains (Fig. 39A), in kaolinite alteration of alkaline granitic rocks, or alkaline effusive rocks close to
(Fig. 39B, C and D). Results form EPMA-WDS, elemental mapping the rhyolites of the anorogenic complexes. The chemical composition of
(Fig. 40) and WDS analysis (Fig. 40B) indicate that the mineral is rather monazite is shown in Table 5. From this results, we observed high
pure, with trace average amounts of Fe and the Pb from this mineral is concentration of U varied from 0.01 wt% to 1.81 wt% and has an
considered to be radiogenic in origin (Salze, 2008) and exsolved out average of 0.77 wt%, Si concentration ranges from 19.55 wt% to 91.93
from the uraninite, and is thus slightly later than the uraninite. wt% with an average of 69.77 wt%, Al concentration is ranged from
3.32 wt% to 14.2 wt% with an average of 8.66 wt%, Fe (0.29 wt% to
11. Discussion 4.54 wt% with an average of 1.88 wt%), Ca (0.04 wt% to 2.87 wt%, has
an average of 0.40 wt%), and lower concentration generally less than 1
Petrographic, mineralogical, and chemical data collected from core wt% of S, Mn, Ti, Mg, Zr and Zr (Fig. 44). From the correlation analysis
samples provided valuable information for assessing the uranium ore (Fig. 45), it is obsrerved that monazite contains low proportion of U and
genesis and its compositional characteristics that led to the formation of exhibit low to very low correlation with Si, S, Al, Mn, Fe, Ti, Mg, Ca, Zr,
the sandstone-hosted uranium deposit within Tarat Formation in Arlit. Pb with respectively the following correlation coefficent (r = 0.010, r =
The collected information will be used to establish a uranium sequence 0.042, r = 0.027, r = 0.060, r = 0.039, r = 0.020, r = 0.074, r = 0.042, r
paragenesis. The sedimentary materials of Tarat Formation which = 0.124, 611 r = 0.027) (Fig. 45). These types of monazite are less
accumulated in the upper Paleozoic sedimentary part (Carboniferous) abundant in the uranium-mineralized zones and show the signs of
could have been derived from dismantling of crystalline and crystallo alteration. It is also noted high enrichment of monazite in P and the REE
phyllic rocks of the Air Massif, annular complexes of Zinder-Nigeria that can be relatively mobile during diagenesis.
region, volcanic alkaline emissions formed from emission of acid The observed geochemical association U–Zr–Pb in zircon and
magmas and the emplacement of plutons along major accidents such as monazite indicates that the geochemical environment responsible for
that of Arlit (Sempéré. 1981; Elhamet, 1983; Forbes, 1989; Wagani this association should be that with a large association with lithophile
et al., 2011; Bohari et al., 2018). elements which occur in monazite and zircon minerals that could
possibly be the potential source of U. However, these observations may
11.1. Uranium mineralization evidenced with zircon and monazite be supported by (Bowden et al., 1976; Forbes P. 1989; Forbes et al.,
1984) that propose a leaching of U and Zr from detrital and synsedi
The zircon grains of Tarat Formation are originated from the alter mentary volcanic material of the Aïr Mountains, the Devonian Goundaï
ation of alkaline granitic rocks, or alkaline effusive rocks close to the and Bilete complexes. Furthermore several authors (Elhamet M.O. 1983;
rhyolites of the anorogenic complexes. The chemical composition of Forbes et al., 1988; Forbes, 1989; Forbes et al., 1987; Cavellec, 2006;
zircon minerals is shown in Table 4. Gerbeaud, 2006; Wagani et al., 2011 and Marah, 2016) mentioned a
From Fig. 41, it observed that U concentration is ranged from 53.44 leaching of U by hydrothermal fluid flowing in the eastern part of Arlit
wt% to 55.91 wt% with an average of 54.79 wt%, Zr concentration fault and then transported to sandstone with loosely packed grains,
ranges from 13.95 wt% to 16.35 wt% and has an average of 15.28 wt%, conglomeratic grit, low degree of diagenesis and good permeability
high concentration of Si varied from 11.47 wt% to 13.91 wt% with an suitable for uranium mineralization (Akhtar et al., 2017).
average of 12.79 wt%, and Ti ranges from 1.99 wt% to 2.13 wt% with an
average of 12.79 wt%. Lower concentration of S, Al, Mn, Mg, and Fe 11.2. Uranium mineralization evidenced with organic matter
generally less 1 wt% (Fig. 41). Moreover, the detrital grains of zircon
minerals contain high concentration of U (an average of 54.79 wt%) and Organic matter may be subject to mineralization and degradation
exhibit moderate positive correlation with S, Mn, Zr respectivelly r = and can be used for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and alteration
0.567, 0.483 and r = 0.445. There is strong correlation between U and studies (Lacey et al., 2018). However, several examples about the as
Ca of r = 0.803 and low correlation relationship between U and Si, Al, sociation of organic matter with uranium deposit include Oklo, Gabon,
Fe, Ti, Mg, Pb with respectively r = 0.149, r = 0.046, r = 0.269, r = (Cortial, 1985; Gauthier-Lafaye, 1986; Mossman. D.J. 2001; Mossman
0.035, r = 0.294, 597 r = 0.210 respectivelly (Fig. 42). In addition, there et al., 1993; Mossman et al., 1998; Mossman and Gauthier-Lafaye,
is a pole containing U, Pb and Zr association (Fig. 43) which may reflect 2005). Lodève, France (Capus.G., 1977; Capus, 1979; Landais and
25
Fig. 25. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone illustrating: A: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of chlorite-smectite mixed layer impregnated with uraninite
associated with illite. B: Scanning electron microscope image illite-smectite mixed layer. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of chlorite-smectite mixed layer
impregnated by U–Ti oxide. D: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of ferric chlorite associated with uraninite. E and F: Scanning electron microscope image of
kaolinite with platelets structure cemented by chlorite.
Connan, 1980), Temple Mountain in the United States (Turner-Peterson. parallel to the stratification or found at the base bottom sets (Fig. 9).
C.E 1985; Turner-Peterson C. E and Fishman N. 1986) and Dongsheng Some detrital grains of organic matter, encountered in the Tarat For
deposits in China (Cai et al., 2007b; Tuo et al., 2007). A large amount of mation have rounded form indicating that they have been transported
organic matter is found associated with Tarat sandstone uranium deposit (Fig. 19A, B, C, and D). Elemental distribution mapping of the organic
and is composed of the debris of higher plants, appearing black and matter shows its association with huge amount of U and variable con
opaque in transmitted light. Isolated as clasts in sandstones, these debris centration of Ca, Fe, Ti, Mo and V (Fig. 46). The organic material is
are associated with zircon, monazite (Figs. 18D and 19A) kaolinite, impregnated with U–Ti oxides (Fig. 19E and F). These detrital grains
(Fig. 18E), sulfide (Fig. 20A, B and C), uranium minerals (Fig. 18E and F associated with organic matter could, therefore, indicate that there is a
and 22A), rutile (Fig. 21A), anatase (Fig. 21C), clay (Fig. 25 D). Field synsedimentary or early source of uranium. In addition, the epigenesis
work studies revealed that the organic matter is deposited in beds of organic matter with galena, pyrite retains the original shape of plant
26
Fig. 26. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone showing: A: Scanning electron microscope image of a chlorite-smectite mixed layer associated with kaolinite, ura
ninite and illite-smectite mixed layer. B: Energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS) of chlorite-smectite mixed layer reflecting its chemical composition. C, D, E, F, G, H, I,
J and K: elemental mapping of C, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, K, V, Fe and U in the chlorite-smectite mixed layer.
tissues that indicates an anticompaction development (Fig. 19A, B and shown in Table 6. From this results the organic matter in the study area
C). The organic matter seems, therefore, to have been able to initially contains high concentration of U ranged from 0.81 wt% to 6.55 wt%
impose the physicochemical parameters of diagenetic conditions: rela with an average of 4.68 wt%, C concentration varied from 11.11 wt% to
tively acidic pH, Eh reducing agent, high pCO2 (Sempéré. 1981) 53.67 wt% with an average of 44.24 wt%, O concentration is ranged
responsible for the precipitation of pyrite and galena. Moreover, the from 9.31 wt% to 33.19 wt% with an average of 12.50 wt% and Si
study of organic matter in Akouta by (Forbes et al., 1987) shows that the concentration ranges from 0.01 wt% to 14.59 wt% with an average of
physicochemical characteristics of this organic matter result from the 2.28 wt%, and lower concentration of S (0.12 wt% to 1.82 wt%, with an
superposition of thermal maturation, diagenetic oxidation due to a hy average of 0.96 wt%), Fe (0.12 wt% to 3.81 wt%, with an average of
drothermal fluid, and radiolitic degradation. 0.79 wt%) and the concentrations of Ca and Ni generally less than 1 wt%
The chemical composition of Tarat Formation organic matter is (Fig. 47).
27
Fig. 27. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone showing: A: Scanning electron microscope image of an illite-smectite mixed layer associated with kaolinite. B: Energy
dispersion spectrometry (EDS) of illite-smectite mixed layer reflecting its chemical composition. C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J and K: elemental mapping of C, Mg, Al, Si, K, Fe,
Ti, Mo and U in the illite-smectite mixed layer.
It is observe from the correlation results in Fig. 48, that U exhibits a increasing reducing conditions (Lezin et al., 2013). The enrichment of
very low correlation with Si (r = 0.009), S (r = 0.046), Fe (r = 0.010), Tarat formation in Mo is also attributed it to adsorption on organic
MgO (r = 0.112), Ca (r = 0.001), Ni (r = 0.066), C (r = 0.006), O (r = matter (Algeo and Maynard, 2004; Algeo and Ingall., 2007 and Scott
0.022). The association of U and C in the same geochemical pole et al., 2008) because Mo is only enriched in euxinic environment, so it
(Fig. 49) the indicate anoxic depositional environment and the potential was regarded as the best diagnosis to distinguish anoxic and euxinic
role of organic matter in adsorbing U. The elemental mapping of the environments (Meyer et al., 2008 and Rakociński, 2018). The presence
organic matter shows the association U–Mo–V elements (Fig. 46) which of graphite in Tarat sandstone indicates the end product of thermal
are usually considered as redox-sensitive elements and their source maturation of organic matter which is usually known to retain any
sediments were probably deficient with O2 (Calvert and Pedersen, 1993; crystalline order acquired during prograde metamorphism (Riegler,
Crusius et al., 1996; Dean et al., 1997; Algeo and Maynard, 2004; Lezin 2016) suggesting the presence sedimentary materials in the basin that
et al., 2013; Zeng, 2015). Moreover, molybdenum is a trace element that originated from alteration of metamorphic rock that has sediments with
is very sensitive to redox conditions. Its solubility decreases with graphitizable organic matter (Bonnamy, 1981 and Sempéré. 1981).
28
Fig. 28. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone illustrating: A: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of uraninite infilling the intergranular pores of quartz
associated kaolinite and in B: High magnification of the outlined zone in A showing uraninite associated with galena. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of
uraninite in the pores of detrital grains of quartz and in D: High magnification showing association uraninite with kaolinite and coffinite. E: Scanning electron
microscope of uraninite in the form of cement disseminated in the detrital grains of quartz and F: Scanning electron microscope of the detrital grain of feldspar
associated with uraninite cement.
11.3. Uranium mineralization evidenced with uraninite with U (Figs. 50 and 51) suggesting a probable succession of fluid cir
culation that would allow either the deposition of two generations of
Uraninite is essentially abundant in the Tarat Formation and appears uraninites or mineralization leaching. It is noticed that high Si contents
in corrosion with detrital grains and their overgrowths (Fig. 21A; 28C ranging from 1.32 wt% to 13.91 wt% with an average 4.5 wt% which
and D) in the cleavages of feldspars (Fig. 28F), disseminated cement in reached coffinitization values (Si content from 0.8 to 22 wt%). Si con
the detrital grain of quartz (Fig. 28E) and carried by authigenic clays tents exhibit strong correlation with U (r = 0.991). The contents of Ti
(Fig. 25D). The chemical composition of uraninite is listed in (Table 7). and Mn are variable and have very low correlation with U (Figs. 50 and
From this current results, the contents of Zr are relatively high ranges 51). This reflects an alteration phenomenon of uraninites (coffinitiza
from 2.22 wt% to 16.35 wt% with an average of 5.77 wt% correlated tion). The Pb contents in the analyzed uraninite are relatively low,
29
Fig. 29. A: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of uraninite. B: semi-quantitative results of uraninite. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image mapping of
Uraninite. D E, F, G, and H: Scanning electron microscope BSE images showing elemental mapping of U, Ce, La, Al, and Ca in uraninite.
30
Fig. 30. Scanning electron microscope BSE image of U-oxide. B: semi-quantitative results of U-oxide. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image mapping of U-
oxide. D, E, F, G, and H: Scanning electron microscope BSE images showing the elemental mapping of U, Fe, Si, Al, and K in U-oxide.
31
Fig. 31. Scanning electron microscope BSE image of U–Ti oxide. B: semi-quantitative results of U–Ti oxide. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image mapping of
U–Ti oxide. D and E: Scanning electron microscope BSE images showing the elemental mapping of U and U in U–Ti oxide.
32
Fig. 32. Scanning electron microscope BSE image of U–Mo oxide. B: semi-quantitative results of U–Mo oxide. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image mapping of
U–Mo oxide. D, E, F, G, and H: Scanning electron microscope BSE images showing elemental mapping of U, Mo, Si, Al, and Cu in U–Mo oxide.
33
Fig. 33. Scanning electron microscope BSE image of Ca–Mo oxide. B: semi-quantitative results of Ca–Mo oxide. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image mapping
of Ca–Mo oxide. D, E, and F: Scanning electron microscope BSE images showing the elemental mapping of Ca, Mo and Fe in Ca–Mo oxide.
34
Fig. 34. Scanning electron microscope BSE image U–Ti–V–Mo oxide. B: semi-quantitative results of U–Ti–V–Mo oxide C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image
mapping of U–Ti–V–Mo oxide. D E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M: Scanning electron microscope BSE images showing the elemental mapping of V, Mo, U, Fe, Mn, Ni, Al, Si,
Mg and Au in U–Ti–V–Mo oxide.
35
Fig. 35. Scanning electron microscope BSE image of Pb–Mo oxide. B: semi-quantitative results of Pb–Mo oxide. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image mapping
of Pb–Mo oxide. D E, F, G, and H: Scanning electron microscope BSE images showing the elemental mapping of Pb, Mo, Th, Si and Fe in Pb–Mo oxide.
36
Fig. 36. Scanning electron microscope BSE image of U–Ti–V. B: semi-quantitative results of U–Ti–V. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image mapping of U–Ti–V.
D, E and F: Scanning electron microscope BSE images showing the elemental mapping of Ti, V, and U in U–Ti–V oxide.
37
Fig. 37. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone showing: A: Reflected light image of xenomorphic pyrite associated with detrital grains of quartz. B: Scanning electron
microscope BSE image of framboidal pyrite epigenizing organic matter and associated with kaolinite. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of framboidal
pyrite encompassed the detrital grains of quartz and corroded with k-feldspar. D: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of nodules pyrite. E: Scanning electron
microscope image of elongated pyrite corroded with illite and epigenized by kaolinite. F: Scanning electron microscope image of ovoid pyrite associated with organic
matter, U-oxide and quartz grains.
38
Fig. 38. Scanning electron microscope BSE image of pyrite. B: semi-quantitative results of pyrite. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image mapping of pyrite. D,
E, F, and G: Scanning electron microscope BSE images showing the elemental mapping of Fe, Ni, S and U in pyrite.
39
Fig. 39. Photomicrographs of Tarat Sandstone showing: A: Scanning electron microscope BSE image of galena epigenized by the detrital grain of quartz corroded by
pyrite. B, C and D: Scanning electron microscope BSE images of galena in epigeny by kaolinite. E and F: Scanning electron microscope BSE images of chalcopyrite
infilling the detrital grains of quartz pores.
40
Fig. 40. Scanning electron microscope BSE image of galena. B: semi-quantitative results of galena. C: Scanning electron microscope BSE image mapping of galena. D,
E and F: Scanning electron microscope BSE images showing elemental mapping of U, Pb and S in galena.
41
Table 4
Electron microprobe data (wt%) of zircon minerals of Tarat sandstone in Tamari prospect.
Mineral SiO2 SO2 Al2O3 MnO FeO TiO2 MgO CaO ZrO2 PbO UO2 Total
13.28 0.36 0.92 0.69 0.29 2.01 0.51 1.95 16.33 0.01 53.44 89.79
12.87 0.33 0.89 0.65 0.27 2.03 0.49 1.89 15.99 0.04 53.66 89.11
13.91 0.36 0.87 0.71 0.34 2.11 0.52 1.77 16.29 0.02 54.02 90.92
Zircon 13.27 0.32 0.91 0.73 0.32 1.99 0.48 2.51 16.35 0 55.67 92.55
13.28 0.14 0.93 0.71 0.33 2.04 0.5 2.55 13.95 0.01 55.88 90.32
11.47 0.16 0.85 0.77 0.31 2.13 0.49 2.57 14.06 0 54.99 87.8
11.51 0.17 0.9 0.78 0.31 2.13 0.49 2.49 14.01 0.02 55.91 88.72
Average 12.79 0.26 0.89 0.72 0.31 2.06 0.49 2.24 15.28 0.01 54.79 76.98
Fig. 41. Geochemical profile showing the variation of elemental composition (wt%) of zircon minerals of Tarat Formation in Tamari prospect.
42
Fig. 42. Multiple plot of zircon elements between U, Si, S, Al, Mn, Fe, Ti and Pb showing their different correlation relationship.
43
Fig. 43. Component 1 versus component 2 analysis of zircon elemental composition of Tarat Formation showing a mineralization pole composed of U, Zr, and Pb.
Table 5
Electron microprobe data (wt%) of monazite minerals of Tarat Formation in Tamari prospect.
83.07 0 8.36 0.04 1.66 0.68 0.43 1.04 0.06 0.04 0.09 95.47
91.93 0.31 8.08 0.01 0.82 0.53 0.29 2.87 0.06 0.41 1.74 107.05
70.3 0.11 11.46 0.03 2.57 0.6 0.83 1.64 0.11 0.01 0.55 88.21
68.09 0.24 14.2 0.04 3.42 0.72 0.66 0.2 0.11 0.21 0.12 88.01
77.59 0.33 10.48 0.15 1.72 0.29 0 0 0.07 0.01 1.17 91.81
75.48 0.19 9.45 0 4.54 0.78 0.38 0.23 0.14 0.11 0.07 91.37
74.21 0.22 7.11 0.11 0.66 0.28 0.12 0.04 0.11 0.13 0.27 83.26
60.1 0 8.18 0.19 0.82 0.13 0.17 0.09 0.11 0.04 0.1 69.93
Monazite 19.55 0.11 9.32 0.02 1.47 0.26 0.12 0.06 0.92 0.01 1.81 33.65
63.68 0.01 12.3 0.03 4.42 0.62 0.13 0.06 0.89 0.12 1.11 83.37
51.76 0.13 8.48 0.03 1.72 0 0.21 0.18 0.87 0.01 0.01 63.4
60.2 0.21 6.45 0.06 3.54 0.68 0.26 0.15 0.91 0.02 1.06 73.54
73.84 0.44 7.98 0.01 1.68 0.18 0.33 0.22 0.93 0.07 1.04 86.72
71.13 0.22 4.18 0.02 0.53 0.28 0.27 0.14 0.85 0.02 0.92 78.56
61.43 0.13 3.32 0.08 0.63 0 0.35 0.11 0.9 0.05 0.97 67.97
82.58 0.02 11.3 0.01 1.72 0.16 0.13 0.08 0.89 0.03 0.89 97.81
80.85 0.04 10.1 0.02 0.29 0 0.39 0.11 0.29 0.01 0.97 93.07
90.12 0 5.15 0.01 1.78 0.32 0.53 0.14 0.27 0.04 1.13 99.49
Average 69.77 0.15 8.66 0.04 1.88 0.36 0.31 0.4 0.47 0.07 0.77 82.92
generally less than 1 wt% (Fig. 50), indicating an age less than 200 Ma indicates that the plausible source for the Pb, therefore, is the detrital
according to Bowles, 1990 formula for chemical age as a function of Pb uraninite.
contents, if the system remains closed: t (Ma) = (Pb. 104)/(1612 U). The The EPMA data of the analyzed uraninite were projected in binary
values of Ca contents are relatively high in uraninites varied from 1.77 diagrams. The U + Pb + Ca + Zr versus Si (Fig. 53) indicates the
wt% to 3.51 wt% with an average of 2.90 wt% and form negative cor alignment of the plotted points from the Uraninite pole to coffinite pole
relation with Pb quantities (r = − 0.740) indicating an alteration of indicating a systematic alteration of uraninite to coffinite. In the dia
uraninites under reduced or anoxic conditions (Finch and Murakami., gram U + Pb + Ca versus Si (Fig. 54), we observe the condensation of the
1999). The binary component 1 and 2 analysis indicates the minerali plotted points in uraninite pole followed by second dispersion of the
zation pole U is found associated with Ca, Pb and Fe (Fig. 52) which plotted points at uranophane pole, reflecting the partial alteration of
44
Fig. 44. Geochemical profile showing variation of elemental composition (wt%) of monazite minerals of Tarat Formation in Tamari prospect.
45
Fig. 45. Multiple plot of monazite elements between U, Si, S, Al, Mn, Fe, Ti and Pb showing their different correlation relationship.
46
Figure: 46. Elemental mapping of U, Fe, Ti, Mo, V and Ca in the organic matter of Tarat Formation from Tamari prospects.
Table 6
Electron microprobe data (wt%) of organic matter of Tarat Formation in Tamari prospect.
Mineral SiO2 SO2 FeO MgO CaO UO2 Ni C O Total
0.01 1.06 0.48 0.12 0.04 6.32 0.01 46.66 10.11 64.81
0.45 1.02 0.28 0.17 0.09 5.43 0.21 49.68 10.93 68.26
0.03 1.13 0.61 0.12 0.06 5.08 0.01 45.92 10.25 63.21
0.03 1.12 0.6 0.13 0.06 5.03 0.11 47.22 10.33 64.63
0.82 1.22 0.33 0.21 0.18 5.86 0.13 50.5 9.37 68.62
1.54 0.92 0.54 0.26 0.15 6.41 0.04 50.44 11.78 72.08
2.51 0.89 0.77 0.33 0.22 4.91 0.01 50.84 12.34 72.82
1.17 0.93 0.33 0.27 0.14 6.48 0.12 48.99 11.55 69.98
1.37 1.06 0.61 0.35 0.11 6.55 0.01 49.44 12.05 71.55
0.14 1.04 0.38 0.13 0.08 5.38 0.02 47.35 10.11 64.63
2.89 0.92 0.72 0.39 0.11 4.85 0.07 48.91 13.46 72.32
0.89 0.97 0.48 0.53 0.14 5.51 0.02 49.07 10.35 67.96
0.51 0.89 0.61 0.23 0.11 5.55 0.05 46.62 10.55 65.12
OM 1.07 0.97 0.38 0.21 0.11 5.02 – 50.32 10.65 68.73
0.54 1.13 0.33 0.11 0.01 4.81 0.01 49.02 9.79 65.75
0.51 1.09 0.52 0.13 0.06 4.55 – 49.53 9.99 66.38
0.15 0.83 0.36 0.16 0.06 4.69 0.08 48.13 9.31 63.77
1.33 0.77 0.55 0.22 0.11 4.51 0.13 53.67 12.04 73.33
0.21 1.08 0.32 0.21 0.11 5.99 0.01 46.05 9.88 63.86
0.23 1.31 0.67 0.2 0.07 5.91 – 47.61 10.22 66.22
0.25 1.11 0.53 0.05 0.02 5.55 – 46.77 10.01 64.29
0.45 0.91 0.44 0.17 0.11 5.48 0.02 48.76 9.52 65.86
0.02 1.01 0.44 0.11 0.07 5.49 0.03 46.99 9.52 63.68
14.59 0.23 3.81 1.32 0.18 5.09 0.01 12.11 33.19 70.53
0.82 1.82 0.92 0.32 0.05 0.91 – 49.99 12.43 67.26
13.59 0.13 3.51 1.12 0.17 4.09 0.01 11.11 23.18 56.91
0.22 1.72 0.82 0.11 0.08 0.81 0.02 50.88 11.33 65.99
12.55 0.12 2.51 1.12 0.17 3.19 0.03 13.99 19.61 53.29
0.32 1.12 0.12 0.71 0.03 0.81 – 51.03 12.13 66.27
11.55 0.12 1.55 1.09 0.91 4.19 – 15.99 19.61 55.01
0.22 1.12 0.15 0.82 0.05 0.81 – 48.01 12.13 63.31
Average 2.28 0.96 0.79 0.36 0.12 4.68 0.03 44.24 12.50 66.01
47
Fig. 47. Geochemical profile showing the variation of elemental composition (wt%) of detrital organic matter of Tarat Formation in Tamari prospect.
48
Fig. 48. Multiple plot of organic matter elements between U, Si, S, Fe, Mg, Ca, Ni, C and O showing their different correlation relationship.
49
Fig. 49. Component 1 versus component 2 analysis of organic matter elemental composition of Tarat Formation showing a mineralization pole composed of U and C.
Table 7
Electron microprobe analysis (wt%) of uraninite from Tarat sandstone from Tamari prospect.
Mineral SiO2 SO2 Al2O3 MnO FeO TiO2 MgO CaO ZrO2 PbO UO2 Total U + Pb + Ca Ti + Fe U + Pb + Ca + Zr
1.55 – 0.22 0.69 0.67 2.33 – 3.51 2.22 0.39 82.33 93.91 86.23 3.0 88.45
1.55 – 0.11 0.66 0.71 2.05 – 3.13 2.55 0.84 83.82 95.42 87.79 2.76 90.34
1.32 – 0.22 0.72 0.61 2.07 – 3.31 2.68 0.74 83.55 95.22 87.6 2.68 90.28
1.43 – 0.23 0.91 0.51 2.25 – 3.33 2.61 0.36 83.58 95.21 87.27 2.76 89.88
1.68 – 0.01 0.79 0.52 2.24 – 3.29 2.52 0.66 82.79 94.5 86.74 2.76 89.26
1.39 – 0.32 0.67 0.82 1.99 – 3.21 2.46 0.66 83.84 95.36 87.71 2.81 90.17
1.44 – 0.12 0.72 0.79 2.24 – 3.24 2.44 0.37 82.73 94.09 86.34 3.03 88.78
1.41 – 0.99 0.48 0.86 1.79 – 3.08 2.63 0.97 83.19 95.4 87.24 2.65 89.87
1.33 – 0.18 0.57 0.72 2.26 – 3.07 2.44 0.58 83.22 94.37 86.87 2.98 89.31
1.55 – 0.15 0.81 0.73 2.55 – 3.51 2.41 0.69 81.99 94.39 86.19 3.28 88.6
1.91 – 0.51 0.69 0.52 2.01 – 3.22 2.27 0.66 81.89 93.68 85.77 2.53 88.04
Uraninite 1.56 – 0.13 0.88 0.77 2.17 – 3.11 2.48 0.72 82.41 94.23 86.24 2.94 88.72
1.99 – 0.02 0.85 0.72 2.16 – 3.25 2.41 0.99 83.68 96.07 87.92 2.88 90.33
1.85 – 0.91 0.74 0.79 2.31 – 3.39 2.55 0.43 82.16 95.13 85.98 3.1 88.53
1.68 – 0.15 0.77 0.45 2.37 – 3.33 2.22 0.78 81.66 93.41 85.77 2.82 87.99
1.52 – 0.12 0.74 0.61 2.25 – 2.99 2.44 0.33 81.99 92.99 85.31 2.86 87.75
1.81 – 0.12 0.85 0.58 2.48 – 3.02 2.51 0.71 83.39 95.47 87.12 3.06 89.63
1.62 – – 0.83 0.68 2.42 – 3.21 2.28 0.44 83.03 94.51 86.68 3.1 88.96
1.72 – – 0.79 0.66 2.18 – 3.08 2.34 0.56 83.13 94.46 86.77 2.84 89.11
1.69 – 0.19 0.73 0.87 2.61 – 3.29 2.47 0.57 82.81 95.23 86.67 3.48 89.14
13.28 0.36 0.92 0.69 0.29 2.01 0.51 1.95 16.33 0.01 53.44 89.79 55.4 2.3 71.73
12.87 0.33 0.89 0.65 0.27 2.03 0.49 1.89 15.99 0.04 53.66 89.11 55.59 2.3 71.58
13.91 0.36 0.87 0.71 0.34 2.11 0.52 1.77 16.29 0.02 54.02 90.92 55.81 2.45 72.1
13.27 0.32 0.91 0.73 0.32 1.99 0.48 2.51 16.35 – 55.67 92.55 58.18 2.31 74.53
13.28 0.14 0.93 0.71 0.33 2.04 0.5 2.55 13.95 0.01 55.88 90.32 58.44 2.37 72.39
11.47 0.16 0.85 0.77 0.31 2.13 0.49 2.57 14.06 – 54.99 87.8 57.56 2.44 71.62
11.51 0.17 0.9 0.78 0.31 2.13 0.49 2.49 14.01 0.02 55.91 88.72 58.42 2.44 72.43
Average 4.50 0.07 0.41 0.74 0.58 2.19 0.13 2.97 5.77 0.46 75.58 93.42 79.02 2.78 84.80
50
Fig. 50. Geochemical profile showing variation of elemental composition (wt%) of uraninite minerals of Tarat Formation in Tamari prospect.
51
Fig. 51. Multiple plot of uraninite elements between U, Si, S, Al, Mn, Fe, Ti, Mg, Ca, Zr and Pb showing their different correlation relationship.
52
Fig. 52. Component 1 versus component 2 analysis of uraninite elemental composition of Tarat Formation showing a mineralization pole composed of U, Ca, Fe
and Pb.
Fig. 53. EPMA data of uraninite plotted in binary diagram U + Pb + Ca + Zr versus Si showing uraninite phases alteration.
53
Fig. 54. EPMA data of uraninite plotted in binary diagram U + Pb + Ca versus Si showing uraninite phases alteration.
Fig. 55. EPMA data of uraninite plotted in binary diagram U + Pb + Ca versus Ti + Fe showing uraninite phases alteration.
54
Fig. 56. EPMA data of uraninite plotted in binary diagram U + Pb + Ca + Zr versus Si showing uraninite phases alteration.
uraninite to uranophane. The binary diagram U + Pb + Ca versus Ti + Fe and Mg, reflects uranium enrichment of U–Ti complexes with respect to
(Fig. 55) shows the vertical dispersion the plotted points close to ura these elements. The zirconium contents are relatively high in the U–Ti
ninite pole followed by the second dispersion of our plotted points close complexes encountered in the Tarat formation which has probably the
to brannerite pole which indicates alteration of uraninite to brannerite same order of magnitude as those contained in uraninites (Table 8). The
and Ti + Fe versus Si binary diagram (Fig. 56) shows the horizontal association U–Zr–S–Ca in the mineralized pole (Fig. 59) indicate a
dispersion of our plotted points from pure titanium pole crossing the line crystallization from the same source of these two types of uranium
and form another gather points in coffinite pole which suggests the mineralization. The chemical composition of U–Ti oxide was plotted in
double alteration of uraninite to brannerite and coffinite. binary diagrams. The binary U + Pb + Ca + Zr versus Si diagram
(Fig. 60) indicates an alignment of points from uraninite pole to coffinite
11.4. Uranium mineralization evidenced with U–Ti oxide pole suggesting strong alteration of Urano-titanite to coffinite, the bi
nary diagram U + Pb + Ca versus Si (Fig. 61) shows an alignment
The chemical composition of U–Ti oxide is listed in (Table 7). From dispersion of plotted points more close to uraninite and uranophane
this results, we noted relatively high contents of Si ranging from 2.99 wt than coffinite which indicates the strong alteration of Urano-titanite to
% to 23.99 wt% with an average of 11.92 wt%, U contents varied from uraninite and uranophane. In the U + Pb + Ca versus Ti + Fe binary
1.99 wt% to 30.33 wt% with an average of 18.96 wt %; Al (0.43–9.73 wt diagram (Fig. 62) reflects the alignment of Urano-titanite pointed more
%, average 3.90 wt%), Ti (14.75–89.99 wt%, average 27.68 wt%) and close to rutile-anatase and brannerite poles, this reflects a strong alter
low proportions in Fe (1.38–6.26 wt%, average 3.46 wt%), Mg (0–3.12 ation of Urano-titanite to rutile-anatase and brannerite, the Ti + Fe
wt% on average 1.29 wt%), Zr (0.48–7.18 wt% wt, average 4.42 wt% versus Si binary diagram (Fig. 63) indicates the alignment of our plotted
wt), Ca (0.01–8.78 wt wt% on average 3.19 wt% wt) and S contents points from pure titanium pole to brannerite and coffinite poles which
range from (0–1.99 wt% on average 0.33 wt%). Very low concentration reflects a typical alteration of Urano-titanite to titanite, brannerite, and
of Pb and Mn generally less than 1 wt% (Fig. 57). The correlation re coffinite.
lations between U and others elements (Fig. 58) indicate, on the one
hand, strong correlations between the U, Ca and Zr contents which 11.5. Uranium mineralization evidenced with U-oxides
indicate either the crystallization of these elements from the same source
of uranium mineralization (Cavellec, 2006) or the close geochemical The electron microprobe chemical composition of uranium oxides
behavior of these elements (Elhamet, 1983; Forbes, 1989). On the other shown in the (Table 8) reveals that the U-oxides of the Tarat formation in
hand, the observed low to very low correlations between U, Al, Fe, Ti, Si, Tamari prospect is characterized by high U contents ranging from
55
Fig. 57. Geochemical profile showing variation of elemental composition (wt%) of U–Ti oxide minerals of Tarat Formation in Tamari prospect.
56
Fig. 58. Multiple plot of U–Ti oxide elements between U, Si, S, Al, Mn, Fe, Ti, Mg, Ca, Zr and Pb showing their different correlation relationship.
57
Table 8
Electron microprobe analysis (wt%) of U–Ti from Tarat sandstone from Tamari prospect.
23.89 – 9.73 0.55 4.61 15.66 2.66 0.88 2.87 0.32 12.55 73.72 13.75 20.27 16.62
23.72 – 9.66 0.58 4.66 14.75 2.51 0.78 2.87 0.3 12.03 71.86 13.11 19.41 15.98
23.68 – 8.54 0.6 3.99 15.69 2.49 0.99 2.91 0.29 11.55 70.73 12.83 19.68 15.74
23.99 – 8.92 0.49 3.19 15.7 3.02 0.89 2.58 0.28 10.67 69.73 11.84 18.89 14.42
22.88 – 9.7 0.47 4.16 15.71 2.99 0.77 2.66 0.31 13.12 72.77 14.2 19.87 16.86
22.91 – 9.01 0.53 4.66 15.74 3.12 0.85 2.66 0.33 12.88 72.69 14.06 20.4 16.72
4.88 – 0.43 0.49 1.79 19.99 0.81 8.78 6.5 0.05 29.88 73.6 38.71 21.78 45.21
5.09 – 0.45 0.44 1.77 19.01 0.76 7.79 5.99 0.01 29.19 70.5 36.99 20.78 42.98
5.9 – 0.5 0.5 1.63 17.23 0.55 7.99 6.09 0.03 28.75 69.17 36.77 18.86 42.86
4.78 – 0.56 0.51 1.38 20.22 0.51 8.09 6.45 0.05 28.67 71.22 36.81 21.6 43.26
3.08 – 0.64 0.55 1.91 21.09 0.91 6.79 6.99 0.11 30.12 72.19 37.02 23 44.01
6.66 – 0.7 0.49 1.88 20.11 0.88 8.74 5.45 0.05 30.33 75.29 39.12 21.99 44.57
4.16 0.33 1.19 0.11 2.18 72.01 0.26 0.26 0.48 0.02 1.15 82.15 1.43 74.19 1.91
3.89 0.01 1.09 0.19 1.99 68.69 0.22 0.35 0.99 0.12 2.99 80.53 3.46 70.68 4.45
3.77 0.33 0.99 0.01 3.09 87.01 0.37 0.19 0.99 0.05 2.55 99.35 2.79 90.1 3.78
U–Ti 2.99 0.02 1.08 0.28 1.55 89.99 0.11 0.32 1.17 0.01 1.99 99.51 2.32 91.54 3.49
4.36 0.02 1.08 0.13 1.88 81.78 0.02 0.01 1.56 0.07 3.22 94.13 3.3 83.66 4.86
5.54 0.21 0.91 0.44 6.12 28.58 0.18 1.48 5.99 0.21 27.59 77.25 29.28 34.7 35.27
5.31 0.2 0.93 0.47 6.23 27.99 0 1.29 6.94 0.19 25.44 74.99 26.92 34.22 33.86
7.37 0.22 0.88 0.49 6.26 28.33 0.31 1.56 6.88 0.26 27.42 79.98 29.24 34.59 36.12
15.75 0.31 1.85 0.45 6.16 21.99 0 1.27 7.12 0.45 27.32 82.67 29.04 28.15 36.16
12.15 0.19 1.83 0.48 6.13 21.15 1.15 1.43 7.18 0.38 20.92 72.99 22.73 27.28 29.91
12.99 0.17 5.4 0.5 5.24 26.88 1.08 1.11 5.26 0.54 20.54 79.71 22.19 32.12 27.45
13.02 0.44 5.33 0.55 5.18 22.66 1.18 1.05 5.16 0.35 20.44 75.36 21.84 27.84 27
6.99 0.36 4.21 0.52 4.84 25.12 0.29 1.08 5.77 0.52 20.65 70.35 22.25 29.96 28.02
23.89 – 9.73 0.55 4.61 15.66 2.66 0.88 2.87 0.32 12.55 73.72 13.75 20.27 16.62
23.72 – 9.66 0.58 4.66 14.75 2.51 0.78 2.87 0.3 12.03 71.86 13.11 19.41 15.98
23.68 – 8.54 0.6 3.99 15.69 2.49 0.99 2.91 0.29 11.55 70.73 12.83 19.68 15.74
23.99 – 8.92 0.49 3.19 15.7 3.02 0.89 2.58 0.28 10.67 69.73 11.84 18.89 14.42
22.88 – 9.7 0.47 4.16 15.71 2.99 0.77 2.66 0.31 13.12 72.77 14.2 19.87 16.86
22.91 0.01 9.01 0.53 4.66 15.74 3.12 0.85 2.66 0.33 12.88 72.7 14.06 20.4 16.72
4.88 1.28 0.43 0.49 1.79 19.99 0.81 8.78 6.5 0.05 29.88 74.88 38.71 21.78 45.21
5.09 1.99 0.45 0.44 1.77 19.01 0.76 7.79 5.99 0.01 29.19 72.49 36.99 20.78 42.98
5.9 1.84 0.5 0.5 1.63 17.23 0.55 7.99 6.09 0.03 28.75 71.01 36.77 18.86 42.86
4.78 0.99 0.56 0.51 1.38 20.22 0.51 8.09 6.45 0.05 28.67 72.21 36.81 21.6 43.26
3.08 1.72 0.64 0.55 1.91 21.09 0.91 6.79 6.99 0.11 30.12 73.91 37.02 23 44.01
6.66 1.48 0.7 0.49 1.88 20.11 0.88 8.74 5.45 0.05 30.33 76.77 39.12 21.99 44.57
Average 11.92 0.33 3.90 0.46 3.46 27.68 1.29 3.19 4.42 0.20 18.96 75.82 22.36 31.14 26.78
Table 9
Electron microprobe analysis (wt%) of U-oxide from Tarat Formation from Tamari prospect.
7.81 0.55 2.42 0.66 1.02 4.22 0.75 3.66 2.72 0.39 62.81 87.01 66.86 5.24 69.58
7.85 0.66 2.44 0.74 1.12 4.66 0.33 2.89 3.01 0.44 63.83 87.97 67.16 5.78 70.17
4.03 0.65 0.69 0.81 0.48 4.64 0.38 3.65 2.91 0.46 79.1 97.8 83.21 5.12 86.12
4.05 – 0.71 0.87 0.44 4.55 0.44 4.11 3.07 – 66.01 84.25 70.12 4.99 73.19
2.77 – 0.35 0.73 0.53 4.21 0.14 4.08 2.38 – 65.42 80.61 69.5 4.74 71.88
2.76 – 0.72 0.49 0.55 1.66 0.41 3.27 2.81 0.33 72.77 85.77 76.37 2.21 79.18
2.87 – 0.38 0.67 0.53 4.01 0.99 4.09 2.45 0.21 57.24 73.44 61.54 4.54 63.99
7.68 0.53 2.35 0.66 0.54 4.53 0.45 3.18 3.21 0.19 67.28 90.6 70.65 5.07 73.86
4.33 – 0.57 0.88 0.94 3.99 0.9 3.28 2.56 – 72.93 90.38 76.21 4.93 78.77
4.88 – 0.33 0.57 0.44 1.87 0.76 3.11 3.12 0.28 80.01 95.37 83.4 2.31 86.52
U-Ox 2.34 – 0.24 0.88 0.68 2.89 0.31 2.88 2.66 0.18 77.99 91.05 81.05 3.57 83.71
11.91 0.26 0.91 0.62 0.16 2.05 0.55 2.57 15.21 – 55.27 89.51 57.84 2.21 73.05
11.9 0.22 0.93 0.59 0.21 2.01 0.52 2.49 15.22 – 44.99 79.08 47.48 2.22 62.7
11.89 0.25 0.89 0.55 0.2 2.03 0.52 2.55 15.21 – 55.3 89.39 57.85 2.23 73.06
11.9 0.26 0.87 0.56 0.16 1.99 0.55 2.56 14.89 0.01 55.32 89.07 57.89 2.15 72.78
11.91 0.29 0.91 0.62 0.16 2.01 0.55 2.48 15.19 – 55.09 89.21 57.57 2.17 72.76
5.1 0.23 0.17 0.88 0.22 4.06 0.33 2.82 6.77 0.12 70.47 91.17 73.41 4.28 80.18
4.99 0.22 0.43 0.83 0.26 3.96 0.39 2.77 5.43 0.11 70.33 89.72 73.21 4.22 78.64
4.46 0.08 0.18 0.97 0.3 4.87 0.4 3.31 5.48 0.03 69.99 90.07 73.33 5.17 78.81
5.91 0.06 0.22 0.85 0.31 3.4 0.39 3.33 7.5 0.04 70.77 92.78 74.14 3.71 81.64
5.88 0.12 0.44 1.03 0.36 3.39 0.41 2.91 7.48 0.11 66.78 88.91 69.8 3.75 77.28
4.77 0.11 0.33 1.06 0.32 3.38 0.55 2.79 8.12 2.01 61.52 84.96 66.32 3.7 74.44
6.66 0.18 0.29 0.71 0.3 4.11 0.32 3.22 7.99 1.92 70.5 96.2 75.64 4.41 83.63
6.65 0.22 0.32 0.76 0.26 4.09 0.59 2.78 8.11 1.95 61.56 87.29 66.29 4.35 74.4
Average 6.47 0.20 0.75 0.75 0.44 3.44 0.50 3.12 6.81 0.37 65.55 88.40 69.04 3.88 75.85
58
Fig. 59. Component 1 versus component 2 analysis of U–Ti oxide elemental composition of Tarat Formation showing a mineralization pole composed of U, Ca, S
and Zr.
Fig. 60. EPMA data of U–Ti oxide plotted in binary diagram U + Pb + Ca + Zr versus Si showing U–Ti oxides phases alteration.
(57.09–80.01 wt%. Average 65.55 wt%), Zr contents (2.38–15.22 wt.t concentration values of Mg and S are generally less than 1 wt% (Fig. 64).
%, with an average of 6.81 wt%), Ca (2.49–4.11 wt%, with an average of From correlations results between U and other elements (Fig. 65), U
3.12 wt%), Si (2.34–11.91 wt%, with an average of 6.41 wt%), Ti exhibits low correlation with Si and Zr which is related to similar
(1.66–4.66 wt%, with an average of 3.44 wt%) Lower concentration of geochemical behavior of these elements during mineralization. The low
Al (0.17–2.44 wt%, with an average of 0.75 wt%), Mn (0.49–1.06 wt%, correlation of S, Al, Mn, Fe, Ti and Zr reflect uranium enrichment
with an average of 0.75 wt%), Fe (0.16–1.12 wt%, with an average of relative to these elements. Therefore, these elements have high con
0.44 wt%) and Pb (0–2.01 wt%, with an average of 0.37 wt%). The centration suggesting that these elements were acquired during the
59
Fig. 61. EPMA data of U–Ti oxide plotted in binary diagram U + Pb + Ca versus Si showing U–Ti oxides phases alteration.
Fig. 62. EPMA data of U–Ti oxide plotted in binary diagram U + Pb + Ca versus Ti + Fe showing U–Ti oxides phases alteration.
crystallization of U-oxides instead of during their alteration. The goethite (Hsi and Langmuir, 1985; Waite et al., 1994; Lenhart and
observed excellent positive correlation of U, Fe, Ca and Mn in the Honeyman, 1999; Dunk et al., 2002; Wazne et al., 2003; Nico et al.,
mineralized pole (Fig. 66) is related to the presence of high concentra 2009; Kelly, 2010; Vodyanitskii, 2011; Li and Kaplan., 2012; Cumber
tions of complexing ligands such as carbonate, oxalate, hydroxide, fulvic land et al., 2016) and Mn-oxides (Al-Attar and Dyer, 2002; Misaelides
and humic acids (Lenhart et al., 2000; Wazne et al., 2003; Guillaumont et al., 2002; Webb et al., 2006; Wang et al., 2006). This can lead to
et al., 2003; Grenthe et al., 2004), dissolved U(VI) readily adsorbs onto immobilization of U 6+ and inhibit further bacterial reduction (Ortiz-
and/or co-precipitates with Fe-oxides such as ferrihydrite, hematite and Bernad et al., 2004; Boland et al., 2011). Considering the high contents
60
Fig. 63. EPMA data of U–Ti oxide plotted in binary diagram Ti + Fe versus Si showing U–Ti oxides phases alteration.
of Fe-oxides in Tarat sandstone, U association with Fe-oxide phases water redox conditions were more likely to be oxic-suboxic during the
might indeed be an important aspect leading to its accumulation and deposition of the Tarat sedimentary materials (Yuan, 2017). In addition,
resilience in the sediment under oxic to suboxic conditions (Och et al., there are large amounts of galena and its association with organic matter
2016). The diagenetic cycles of Fe- and Mn-oxides, on the other hand, and uraninite pores (Fig. 40), this reflects that the hydrothermal fluids
are unlikely to exert significant direct influence on the U diagenetic that deposited the uranium in these pores were responsible for the for
cycle (Klinkhammer, G.P and Palmer, 1991), other than the release of U mation of galena (Spirakis, 1996; Min, 2005; Wang, 2018; Y. ChenYin
during the reductive dissolution of Fe- and Mn-oxides. et al., 2019). The EPMA data of pyrite is showing in Table 10. From this
The plot of U-oxides EPMA data in binary diagram U + Pb + Ca + Zr results it is observed that pyrite contains high concentration of S ranging
versus Si (Fig. 67) shows a linear alignment of the plotted points from from 25.94 wt% to 4.16 wt% with an average of 33.98 wt%, Fe is ranged
uraninite to coffinite reflecting a partial alteration of U-oxide into from 24.72 wt% to 25.22 wt% with an average of 25.06 wt%, Si is
uraninite-coffinite. In the U + Pb + Ca + Zr versus Si binary diagram ranging from 3.88 wt% to 4.16 wt% with an average of 4.06 wt%, Ti
(Fig. 68), we observed the scatted dispersion of the projected points contents varied from 3.64 wt% to 4.88 wt% with an average of 4.27 wt
close to uraninite, uranophane and coffinite, suggesting a triple partial %, Ca contents is ranged from 5.55 wt% to 6.02 wt% with an average of
alteration of U-oxide into uraninite, uranophane, and coffinite. The bi 5.9 wt%, Zr values ranged from 2.75 wt% to 2.9 wt% with an average of
nary diagram U + Pb + Ca versus Ti + Fe (Fig. 69) shows a scatter 2.76 wt%, and U (6.99 wt% to 8.14 wt% with an average of 7.62 wt%).
dispersion of the projected points close to rutile-anatase pole and a little The concentration values of Al, Mn, and Mg are generally less than 1 wt
amount of point are found close to coffinite and brannerite poles, which % and the contents of Pb are practically under detection limit (Table 10).
reflects the partial alteration of U-oxide in titanite, brannerite, and From the correlation analysis results (Fig. 71) U exhibits moderate
coffinite. The Ti + Fe versus Si binary diagram (Fig. 70) shows the correlation relationship with Si (r = 0.647), S (r = 0.640), Zr (r = 0.548),
scatter dispersion of the plotted points close to brannerite pole and fewer Ca (r = 0.588) and Fe (r = 0.788), however, these elements correlated
points attached to coffinite indicating a partial alteration of U-oxide to with U are also found associated within the mineralized pole (Fig. 72).
brannerite and coffinite. This indicates either the acquisition of these elements as impurities
during mineralization or recrystallization. U exhibits also low to very
low correlation with Al, Mn, Ti and Mg which may be related to the
11.6. Uranium mineralization evidenced with pyrite enrichment of pyrite in U concentration and depletion in Al, Mn, Ti and
Mg. However, authigenic pyrite resulting from sulfidation of Fe-oxide
The abundance of authigenic pyrite minerals associated with organic and Fe-silicate minerals by hydrothermal fluids is widely observed and
matter and U mineralization (Figs. 38 and 40) suggests that the bottom-
61
Fig. 64. Geochemical profile showing the variation of elemental composition (wt%) of U-oxide minerals of Tarat Formation in Tamari prospect.
62
Fig. 65. Multiple plot of U-oxide elements between U, Si, S, Al, Mn, Fe, Ti, Mg, Ca and Zr showing their different correlation relationship.
63
Fig. 66. Component 1 versus component 2 analysis of U-oxide elemental composition of Tarat Formation showing a mineralization pole composed of U, Ca, Pb
and Mn.
Fig. 67. EPMA data of U-oxide plotted in binary diagram U + Pb + Ca + Zr versus Si showing U-oxides phases alteration.
evidenced by different forms of crystallized pyrite in the study area 11.7. Uranium mineralization evidenced with galena
(Forbes et al., 1988; Forbes P. 1989; Elhamet, 1983; Yahaya, 1992; Salze
et al., 2018). The WDS analysis indicates the enrichment pyrite in Ni and Detrital mineral of galena is found in epigeny of the detrital grain of
the incorporation of this element in pyrite characteristic of reducing quartz (Fig. 39A), kaolinite (Fig. 39 B, C, and D), or in the intergranular
conditions which is in favor of uranium mineralization (Howard, 1977; pores of the detrital grains of quartz (Fig. 39 E and F). The chemical
Amrhein et al., 1993; Province et al., 2021). composition of galena is listed in Table 11. From these results, there is
high concentration of U ranging from 25.94 wt% to 27.68 wt% with an
64
Fig. 68. EPMA data of U-oxide plotted in binary diagram U + Pb + Ca versus Si showing U-oxides phases alteration.
65
Table 10
Results of correlation analysis of pyrite of Tarat Formation from Tamari prospect.
Pyrite 4.12 34.01 0.55 0.26 25.11 3.64 0.33 6.02 1.94 0 7.34 83.32
3.88 33.86 0.66 0.19 24.72 4.88 0.29 5.55 2.01 0 6.99 83.03
4.16 34.06 0.49 0.2 25.22 3.91 0.27 6.02 1.68 0 8.14 84.15
4.11 33.99 0.64 0.26 25.22 4.67 0.33 6.02 1.94 0 8.03 85.21
Average 4.06 33.98 0.58 0.22 25.06 4.27 0.3 5.9 1.89 0 7.62
average of 27.16 wt%, Pb ranged from 31.89 wt% to 32.46 wt% with an 11.8. Uranium ore stages and sequence paragenesis
average of 32.25 wt%, and lower concentration of Si is ranging from
1.87 wt% to 2.04 wt% with an average of 1.99 wt%, S contents varied Microscopic and geochemical evidence that mineralogical composi
from 2.86 wt% to 3.84 wt% with an average of 3.59 wt%, Ti contents are tion of the Tarat formation hosted sandstone uranium ore deposit can be
ranged from 1.15 wt% to 1.19 wt% with an average of 1.16 wt%, Ca categorized as pre-ore stage, ores stage and post ore stage mineralization
values varied from 1.87 wt% to 3.28 wt% with an average of 2.93 wt% (Fig. 75).
and Zr values ranged from 2.75 wt% to 2.9 wt% with an average of 2.76 The pre-ore stage is characterized by the detrital framework grains in
wt%. In general elements like Al, Mn, Fe, and Mg have concentrations the Tarat sandstone are approximately more than 70% of quartz
less than 1 wt% (Table 11). The results of correlation analysis between U (Fig. 14A, B and C) associated with minor amounts of pore-filling and
and other elements (Fig. 73) show a strong correlation relationship be replacement calcite and quartz overgrowths, which is generally inter
tween U and Mn, Ca, Mg with respectively the following correlation preted to indicate that detrital Alkali-feldspar and other unstable min
coefficient r = 0.940, 0.933, 0.751. However, U is found associated with erals were dissolved or altered before or during burial diagenesis (Hiatt
Pb and S in the same mineralization pole (Fig. 74). This indicates that and Kyser, 2007; Hoeve and Quirt, 1984; Jefferson et al., 2007; Chu
the galena of Tarat Formation is radiogenic associated with elements et al., 2015). In terms of relative timings, the dissolution and alteration
like U, Pb, and S that have similar geochemical behavior with U during of unstable minerals and feldspar, and iron oxides precipitation may be
uranium mineralization (Salze, 2008; Fuchs et al., 2016 and Fuchs, related to the second diagenetic stage. At this stage, the chemical
2017). compaction that allows pressure solution to provide the silica for quartz
cementation was activated. Therefore, quartz cement started to precip
itate in open pores before carbonate cementation. This is evidenced by
the presence of well-developed quartz overgrowths and corroded by
66
Fig. 71. Multiple plot of pyrite elements between U, Si, S, Al, Mn, Fe, Ti, Mg, Ca and Zr showing their different correlation relationship.
67
Fig. 72. Component 1 versus component 2 analysis of pyrite elemental composition of Tarat Formation showing a mineralization pole composed of U, Si, Fe, S
and Ca.
Table 11
Results of correlation analysis of galena of Tarat Formation from Tamari prospect.
Galena 2.02 3.8 0.09 0.46 0.15 1.16 0.21 3.28 2.75 32.45 27.66 74.03
2.02 3.67 0.1 0.41 0.15 1.19 0.23 2.99 2.67 31.99 26.88 72.3
2.01 3.81 0.11 0.39 0.14 1.17 0.31 1.87 2.9 32.46 25.94 71.11
2.04 3.84 0.13 0.46 0.14 1.15 0.24 3.28 2.75 32.46 27.68 74.17
1.87 2.86 0.1 0.46 0.13 1.17 0.18 3.26 2.76 31.89 27.68 72.36
Average 1.99 3.59 0.1 0.43 0.14 1.16 0.23 2.93 2.76 32.25 27.16
carbonate cement (calcite and dolomite) (Figs. 23 and 24A, B). The (Pb–MoO4) cemented the quartz grains and kaolinite (Figs. 32A and
presence and growth of illite and chlorite on edge of kaolinite reflects its 33A) highlights a late fluid circulation. As no evidence of secondary
later origin than kaolinite (Fig. 25E and F). The interstratification oxidation and uranium minerals dissolution was observed in the
mixed-layer clay mineral (illite-smectite, chlorite-smectite) and cemented parts of the host-rock but their chemical composition in
kaolinite partially embedded and grown on authigenic silica indicates its dicates that they are associated with high U, Mo and V peaks. Therefore,
later origin than quartz cementation (Fig. 19E and F). The chlorite Fe the solution involved in the cementation was unlikely under reducing
and kaolinite occur also within mineralized intervals, that formed at the conditions.
expense of uranium mineralization (Figs. 25D and 28C, D).
The ore-stage mineralization is characterized by the precipitation of 12. Conclusion
Uraninite, U-oxide, U–Ti oxide, U–Ti–V oxide, U–Ti–V–Mo oxide, pyrite,
and galena. Uraninite precipitated in the interstices of sandstone and It is established that the largest uranium orebodies occur in Unit 4 of
replaced carbonaceous debris and matrix material during development the Tarat-Formation which is characterized by a sandstone host depos
of the altered tongue. Precipitation of the ore-stage pyrite and galena ited in fluvial-deltaic deposional environment rich in organic matter. In
appear to slightly precede formation of primary uranium mineral addition minerals associated with the deposit have been identified. The
(Fig. 28 A, B, C, and D). obtained results are summarized as follows:
The post ore stage is related to total or partial hematization of
original feldspars to kaolinite or the presence of scattered hematite in 1. Field observations in association with stratigraphic correlation
the argillized matrix of the rock (Fig. 15A and B and 24C, D). Finally, the studies showed that the Tarat Formation is essentially composed of
uranium mineralization occurs as Iriginite (U–Mo) and The powellite four (4) successive Units. The largest uranium orebodies occur in the
68
Fig. 73. Multiple plot of galena elements between U, Si, S, Al, Mn, Fe, Ti, Mg, Ca, Zr and Pb showing their different correlation relationship.
Unit4 (U4) which is characterized by reduced gray fine consolidated plutons along major accidents of Arlit, which are considered the
sandstone alternating clay-silt. The host sandstone is deposited in the source of the sediments and uranium;
fluvial-deltaic depositional environment rich in organic matter. The 2. Minerals associated with this deposit are principally classified as
sandstone which accumulated in the upper Paleozoic sedimentary detrital, authigenic, and ore-stage mineralization. The detrital min
part (Carboniferous) lies on the Precambrian basement composed of erals include quartz, feldspar, plagioclase, muscovite, heavy min
crystalline and crystallophyllic rocks of the Air Massif, annular erals, carbonaceous debris, and clay. Authigenic minerals, which
complexes of Zinder-Nigeria region, volcanic alkaline emissions formed generally during the diagenesis phenomenon are clay, pyrite,
formed from emission of acid magmas and the emplacement of chlorite, quartz overgrowth, calcite, and dolomite. Ore-stage min
erals are uraninite, galena, U-oxide, U–Ti oxide. Uranium
69
Fig. 74. Component 1 versus component 2 analysis of galena elemental composition of Tarat Formation showing a mineralization pole composed of U, S, and Pb.
Fig. 75. Uranium mineral paragenesis of Tarat Formation in Tamari prospect area.
70
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Fellowship Programme Engineering cycle 2015 A (ERI/MSP/PPF/BQ/ Kogbe, C.A., 1991. “No Title.”.
15.105), UNESCO/China The Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowship et Cai, C., Li, H., Qin, M., Luo, X., Wang, F., Ou, G., 2007a. “Biogenic and petroleum-
related oreforming processes in Dongsheng uranium deposit, NW China.”. Ore Geol.
Programme (ERI/MSP/PPF/FEL-China16/274-46/LNM) and CV Raman Rev.
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Fellowship (DST/INT/CVRF/2016). We acknowledge the efforts of the Geochemical Evidence for Coupled Bacterial Uranium Mineralization and
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