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International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Meeting on
Origin of Sandstone Uranium Deposits: A Global Perspective



 SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS AND
     PERSPECTIVES ON ISL IN ARGENTINA.
OUTCOMES OF THE IAEA TECHNICAL COOPERATION
          PROJECT ARG 03/012-014.




     Luis López                     National Atomic
 lopez @cnea.gov.ar               Energy Commission




              Vienna, 29 May – 1 June 2012

                                                             1
OUTLINE
• INTRODUCTION
• SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS
  •   BASAL CHANNEL
  •   ROLL FRONT
  •   TABULAR

• ISL URANIUM PERSPECTIVES – IAEA TC
  •   PROSPECTING
  •   EXPLORATION
  •   FEASIBILITY / RESEACH & DEVELOPMENT

• FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
                                            2
INTRODUCTION

The uranium mining
activities in Argentina
began in the 1950s.

The systematic
exploration led to the
discovery of several
uranium deposits.




                          Airborne radiometric surveys
                                   (1950 – 1970)         3
INTRODUCTION
Consequently, seven
mining centres were in
operation in the country
and produced a historical
total of 2,600 tons of U.




                              4
INTRODUCTION
      In 1992, Argentina began to import uranium due to
      economic reasons, situation that progressively led
      to the closing of national production in 1997.

             350 -

             300 -
                                           USD constant 2009

             250 -
USD / kg U




             200 -

             150 -
                                                                Closing of U
             100 -                                              production in
                                                                  Argentina
              50 -

              0 -
                 -

                       -

                              -

                                     -

                                            -

                                                   -

                                                          -

                                                                   -

                                                                         -

                                                                                 -

                                                                                        -
                                                                                               l     l

               1968   1972   1976   1980   1984   1988   1992    1996   2000    2004   2008   2010 2012   5
INTRODUCTION
Currently, the CNEA, Provincial (Chubut, La Rioja,
Santa Cruz), Senior Producers and Junior Companies
are carrying out several uranium projects that have
different degrees of development.




                                                  6
URANIUM RESOURCES IN ARGENTINA (CNEA)
          Cost Category:  USD 260 / kg U


                         REASONABLY
                                                INFERRED
IDENTIFIED RESOURCES      ASSURED
                                               RESOURCES
                         RESOURCES


                          8,600 t U              11,000 t U

                               Total 19,600 t U


                        Source: NEA – IAEA Red Book, 2011 (in press)




                                                                   7
ARGENTINE         NPPs
                                a
                           ATUCHA I
                           357 Mwe
    b                 Slightly Enriched U
                  N
        a
        c                       b
                           EMBALSE
                            648 Mwe
                           Natural U



                                c
                           ATUCHA II
                        (start up 2012 - 2013)

                            745 Mwe
0       1000 km             Natural U
                                                 8
U DEMAND IN ARGENTINA
                           OPERATION     REMAINING        DEMAND
        NPP                  START       OPERATION

     Atucha I                 1974       2012 – 2027        800 t U

    Embalse                   1984       2012 – 2033      1,400 t U

    Atucha II              2012 – 2013    40 years        3,700 t U
(start up 2012 - 2013)

     CAREM                     ---        40 years          600 t U

                                                Total 6,500 t U


                 Current Consumption: 120 t U per year
                                                                      9
      - Yellow Cake IMPORTS
            KAZA, CANADA, CZECH REP



- UO2 CONVERSION
   DIOXITEK S.A.



         - FUEL FABRICATION
            CONUAR S.A.

                                      10
OUTLINE
• INTRODUCTION
 SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS
  •   BASAL CHANNEL
  •   ROLL FRONT
  •   TABULAR

• ISL URANIUM PERSPECTIVES – IAEA TC
  •   PROSPECTING
  •   EXPLORATION
  •   FEASIBILITY / RESEACH & DEVELOPMENT

• FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
                                            11
UDEPO PROPOSED CLASSIFICATION
              1. Surficial
              2. Phosphate
              3. Black shale
              4. Lignite/coal
              5. Carbonate-hosted
              6. Collapse-breccia pipe
              7. Paleoproterozoic quartz-pebble conglomerate
              8. Sandstone-hosted
              9. Proterozoic unconformity
              10. Metasediment-hosted
              11. Metasomatite-related
              12. Intrusive
              13. Granite-related
              14. Polymetallic iron oxide breccia complex
              15. Volcanic-related
              16. Other types
Source: IAEA, 2011                                             12
SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS
           IN ARGENTINA
 Basal channel:
    Cerro Solo (Chubut province)
    Los Adobes (Chubut province)
    Cerro Condor (Chubut province)
 Roll front:
     Los Colorados (La Rioja province)
     Arroyo Perdido (Chubut province)
 Tabular:
     Sierra Pintada (Mendoza province)
     Don Otto (Salta province)
     Acosta (Salta province)
     Los Chuhuidos (Neuquen province)
 Tectonic/ Lithologic
 Mafic dykes/ sills in Proterozoic sandstones
                                                 13

200 km                            24º S
                                                                              CERRO SOLO               U DEPOSIT
                                                                                          San Jorge Basin
                                                                                           (Cretaceous)

                                 32º S                                               Type: Sandstone-hosted
                                                                              Subtype: Basal channel (U,Mo, Re)


                                   40º S




                              Sedimentary Rocks
                 Quaternary              Jurassic               Devonian

                 Tertiary                Triassic               Paleozoic
                                                                Precambrian
                 Cretaceous              Mesozoic               Paleozoic


                                       48º S
                  Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                                                    Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                 Quaternary volcanics.              intrusives
                 Cretaceous-Tertiary                Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                 volcanics                          intrusives

                 Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                    undifferentiated
                 Paleozoic volcanics
                                                        54º W
         66º W
     W
 78º




                                          56º S

                                                                              Source: Benítez et al, 1993; Bianchi & Páez, 2005   14
CERRO SOLO       U DEPOSIT
Schematic Geology:


Chubut Group - Cerro
Barcino Formation (K) :
tuffs.
                                                   U   U
                                          U
                                                           U
Chubut Group - Los
Adobes Formation (K):
fluvial sediments.                                 U

Fm Cañadón Puelman (J) :
andesites.
                           Source: Benítez, 1997

                                                               15
CERRO SOLO           U DEPOSIT
Mineralalogy: uraninite - pitchblende (organic
matter, pyrite, marcasite), uranophilite (pyrite, barytine), coffinite
(pyrite, organic matter).




                                                                         16
CERRO SOLO      U DEPOSIT




Identified Resources (< USD 260 / kg U): 9,200 t U.
Average Grade: 0.20 % U.
                                                      17

200 km                            24º S




                                                                              LOS ADOBES       U DEPOSIT
                                                                                               &
                                 32º S
                                                                              CERRO CONDOR           U DEPOSIT
                                                                                    San Jorge Basin
                                   40º S                                             (Cretaceous)

                                                                                Type: Sandstone-hosted
                              Sedimentary Rocks
                 Quaternary              Jurassic               Devonian

                 Tertiary

                 Cretaceous
                                         Triassic

                                         Mesozoic
                                                                Paleozoic
                                                                Precambrian
                                                                Paleozoic        Subtype: Basal channel
                                       48º S
                  Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                                                    Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                 Quaternary volcanics.              intrusives
                 Cretaceous-Tertiary                Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                 volcanics                          intrusives

                 Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                    undifferentiated
                 Paleozoic volcanics
                                                        54º W
         66º W
     W




                                                                                  Source: Fuente & Gayone, 1999
 78º




                                          56º S
                                                                                                                  18
LOS ADOBES        U DEPOSIT




Total Production: 120 t U @ 0.12 %.

System: heap leaching + dilute sulphuric acid solution + IX resins.
                                                                      19
CERRO CONDOR          U DEPOSIT




Total Production: 56 t U @ 0.08 %.

System: heap leaching + dilute sulphuric acid solution + IX resins.

                                                                      20

200 km                            24º S
                                                                               LOS COLORADOS                 U DEPOSIT
                                                                                              Paganzo Basin
                                                                                             (Carboniferous)
                                 32º S
                                                                                      Type: Sandstone-hosted
                                                                                          Subtype: Roll front


                                   40º S




                              Sedimentary Rocks
                 Quaternary              Jurassic                Devonian

                 Tertiary                Triassic                Paleozoic
                                                                 Precambrian
                 Cretaceous              Mesozoic                Paleozoic

                  Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                                                    Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                 Quaternary volcanics.
                 Cretaceous-Tertiary
                                       48º Sintrusives
                                            Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                 volcanics                          intrusives

                 Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                    undifferentiated
                 Paleozoic volcanics
                                                        54º W
         66º W
     W
 78º




                                          56º S
                                                                                Source: Belluco et al, 1999; Caudillo Resources, 2012 21
LOS COLORADOS           U DEPOSIT




Total Production: 55 t U @ 0.064 %.

System: heap leaching + dilute sulphuric acid solution + IX resins.

                                                                      22

200 km                            24º S


                                                                              ARROYO PERDIDO               U DEPOSIT
                                                                                           San Jorge Basin
                                                                                            (Cretaceous)
                                 32º S


                                                                                     Type: Sandstone-hosted
                                                                                        Subtype: Roll front ?

                                   40º S




                              Sedimentary Rocks
                 Quaternary              Jurassic               Devonian

                 Tertiary                Triassic               Paleozoic
                                                                Precambrian
                 Cretaceous              Mesozoic               Paleozoic


                                       48º S
                  Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                                                    Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                 Quaternary volcanics.              intrusives
                 Cretaceous-Tertiary                Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                 volcanics                          intrusives

                 Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                    undifferentiated
                 Paleozoic volcanics
                                                        54º W
         66º W
     W
 78º




                                          56º S
                                                                               Source: Benítez & Marveggio, 2005; López, 2010   23
ARROYO PERDIDO      U DEPOSIT
SW                                                  NE
 m    Gamma
                      Gamma          Gamma
25    SP       R         SP   R            SP   R
                                                     T
                                                     u
                                                     f
                                                     f
75

                                                     F
                                                     l
125   U
                                                     u
                                                     v
                                                     i
                        U                            a
      U
                                                     l
                         U              U
175
                                                     C
                                                     y
          0   200 m      U             U             c
                                                     l
                                                     e   24

200 km                            24º S
                                                                                SIERRA PINTADA                U DEPOSIT
                                                                                             San Rafael Basin
                                                                                             (Lower Permian)
                                 32º S
                                                                                          Type: Sandstone-hosted
                                                                               Subtype:Tabular (Strata-bound volc.)


                                   40º S




                              Sedimentary Rocks
                 Quaternary              Jurassic                Devonian

                 Tertiary                Triassic                Paleozoic
                                                                 Precambrian
                 Cretaceous              Mesozoic                Paleozoic

                  Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                                                    Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                 Quaternary volcanics.
                 Cretaceous-Tertiary
                                       48º Sintrusives
                                            Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                 volcanics                          intrusives

                 Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                    undifferentiated
                 Paleozoic volcanics
                                                        54º W
         66º W
     W
 78º




                                          56º S
                                                                                                                                      25
                                                                               Source: Salvarredi, 1999; Navarra, 2001-6; Kleiman, 2012
SIERRA PINTADA       U DEPOSIT
          Total Production: 1,800 t U @ 0.09 – 0.29 % U.
          System: heap leaching + dilute sulphuric acid solution +
          ion exchange resins.




                Identified Resources (< USD 130 / kg U): 10,100 t U.
                Average grade: 0.10 % U.
Source: NEA-IAEA Red Book, 2011 (in press)                             26

200 km                              24º S
                                                                                  DON OTTO            U DEPOSIT
                                                                                            Salta Basin
                                                                                       (Cretaceous - Tertiary)

                                   32º S
                                                                                     Type: Sandstone-hosted
                                                                                      Subtype: Tabular (U, V)


                                        40º S




                               Sedimentary Rocks
                  Quaternary              Jurassic                 Devonian

                  Tertiary                Triassic                 Paleozoic
                                                                   Precambrian
                  Cretaceous              Mesozoic                 Paleozoic

                   Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                  Quaternary volcanics.   48º S
                                              Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                                              intrusives
                  Cretaceous-Tertiary                Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                  volcanics                          intrusives

                  Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                     undifferentiated
                  Paleozoic volcanics
                                                           54º W
          66º W
      W
  78º




                                            56º S
                                                                                 Source: Gorustovich, 2010; López et al 2010   27
Don Otto
         25º20'
         25º20'
                    M.M. de
                    M.M. M.
                         de
                    Güemesde
                     M.
                    Güemes
                     GÜEMES
                                                                     DON OTTO
                                                                  Depósito de uranio                     U
                                       El Leñadero
                                                                     DEPOSIT
                                                                  Localidad
25º40'
                    Los Berthos        El Desecho
                    Los Berthos
                     LOS BERTHOS
                                                                  Fallas
                                               Emmy                            00       55       10 Km
                                                                                                  10 Km
                                                                   Sinclinal
                                                                    N
                                                              Bosquejo geológico del Distrito Tonco Amblayo
                                                               Bosquejo geológico del Distrito Tonco Amblayo
                                                                           Depósitos modernos Cover
                                                                            Quaternary
                                                                            Depósitos modernos
                                                                           Grupo Payogastilla
                                                                            Tertiary Sediments
                                                                            Grupo Payogastilla
         25º30'                                                            Subgrupo Santa Bárbara
         25º30'                                                             Subgrupo Santa Bárbara
                                                                                  Cretaceous
                                                      AMBLAYO              Subgrupo Balbuena
                                                                                 Tertiary
                                                       AMBLAYO
                                                    AMBLAYO                 Subgrupo Balbuena
                                                                                  Basin
                                                                           Subgrupo Pirgua
                  Pedro NICOLÁS
                       P.                                                   Subgrupo Pirgua
                  Nicolás
                  Pedro
                  Nicolás
                                                                            Precambrian
                                                                           Formación Puncoviscana        Basement
                                  Don Otto                                  Formación Puncoviscana
                                  DONOtto
                                  Don OTTO                                  U Deposit
                                                                           Depósito de uranio
                                                                            Depósito de uranio
                                             El Leñadero                    Town
                                                                           Localidad
         25º40'                             EL Leñadero
                                             El LEÑADERO
                                            El Desecho                      Localidad
                                                                           Fallas
                                                                            Fault
         25º40'                              ELDesecho
                                             El DESECHOEmmy                 Fallas    0          5         10 Km
                                                                           Sinclinal
                                                                            Syncline
                                                       Emmy
                                                       EMMY
                                                                                        0            5      10 Km
                                                                            Sinclinal                               28
DON OTTO      U DEPOSIT
Total Production: 202 t U @ 0.1 %.

System: heap leaching + dilute sulphuric acid solution +
ion exchange resins.




                                                           29

200 km                              24º S
                                                                                 ACOSTA SITE        U DEPOSITS
                                                                                         Salta Basin
                                                                                    (Cretaceous - Tertiary)
                                   32º S
                                                                                    Type: Sandstone-hosted
                                                                                  Subtype: Tabular (U, Cu, Zn)

                                        40º S




                               Sedimentary Rocks
                  Quaternary              Jurassic                 Devonian

                  Tertiary                Triassic                 Paleozoic
                                                                   Precambrian
                  Cretaceous              Mesozoic                 Paleozoic

                   Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                  Quaternary volcanics.   48º S
                                              Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                                              intrusives
                  Cretaceous-Tertiary                Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                  volcanics                          intrusives

                  Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                     undifferentiated
                  Paleozoic volcanics
                                                           54º W
          66º W
      W
  78º




                                            56º S
                                                                                      Source: Ferreira et al, 2012   30
ACOSTA SITE        U DEPOSITS

Strata-bound U mineralization
hosted by grey micaceous pelites
is associated with high contents
of Cu and Zn.




                                                31

200 km                              24º S

                                                                                 LOS CHIHUIDOS       U DEPOSITS
                                                                                         Neuquen Basin
                                                                                          (Cretaceous)
                                   32º S

                                                                                     Type: Sandstone-hosted
                                                                                    Subtype: Tabular (U, V, Cu)

                                        40º S




                               Sedimentary Rocks
                  Quaternary              Jurassic                 Devonian

                  Tertiary                Triassic                 Paleozoic
                                                                   Precambrian
                  Cretaceous              Mesozoic                 Paleozoic

                   Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                  Quaternary volcanics.   48º S
                                              Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                                              intrusives
                  Cretaceous-Tertiary                Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                  volcanics                          intrusives

                  Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                     undifferentiated
                  Paleozoic volcanics
                                                           54º W
          66º W
      W
  78º




                                            56º S
                                                                                           Source: Rojas, 1999    32
LOS CHIHUIDOS      U DEPOSITS
Features of U occurrences:

Thickness= 0.10 – 0.20 meters
U= 0.21 %
V= 0.95 – 1.20 %
Cu= 1.00 – 1.90 %




                                             33
OUTLINE
• INTRODUCTION
• SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS
  •   BASAL CHANNEL
  •   ROLL FRONT
  •   TABULAR

 ISL URANIUM PERSPECTIVES – IAEA TC
  •   PROSPECTING
  •   EXPLORATION
  •   FEASIBILITY / RESEACH & DEVELOPMENT

• FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
                                            34
TC PROJECT ON ISL
    "Geology favorability, production feasibility and
     environmental impact assessment of uranium
      deposits exploitable by the in situ leaching
                  technology (ISL)"
                    (ARG 3/012 – 14)


Associated with the IAEA Regional TC Project “Upgrading of
Uranium Exploration, Exploitation and Yellowcake Production
 Techniques taking Environmental Problems into Account”

                                                          35
LOGICAL FRAMEWORK
G
O
               The country sustainably produces the uranium to
A               cover local demand for the nuclear power plants
L

P
U
R
                     High uranium potential areas studied,
P           within the mining cycle of In Situ Leaching technology
O
S
E


O     Geology
U                                   Environmental
    favourability    Production
T                                       impact          Qualified       Operative
P   and uranium       feasibility
                                     assessment           staff        equipments
U    exploration      performed
T                                     performed
S
     performed



I   Project managing, applied geological investigation, getting exploration permits,
N
P       drilling and logging, pilot tests, hydrogeological studies, cost analysis,
U    environmental and aquifer vulnerability studies, fellowships, scientific visits,
T
S               expert missions, purchasing and setting up equipments
                                                                                        36
TC PROJECTS / INTERNATIONAL U COMMUNITY




                                          37
U PROJECTS ON ISL
 STAGE            INVESTMENT- PROFIT         PROJECTS

                         0                   U Prospecting
Generative                             1
                                           (Neuquina Basin)     D
                         5                                      E
Exploration                                                     V
Discovery                    Y               U Exploration
                                       2   (San Jorge Basin)
                                                                E
Evaluation              10   e                                  L
                             a                                  O
                             r                                  P
Pre Feasibility              s
                        15                                      M
                                            Feasibility / R&D   E
Feasibility                            3   (Don Otto Deposit)   N
                        20                                      T
Production
                        30
                                                                38
1

                                   ISL PROSPECTING PROJECT
200 km                                24º S
                                                                                      Neuquina Basin
                                                                                   (Cretaceous - Tertiary)


                                     32º S




                                          40º S




                                 Sedimentary Rocks
                    Quaternary              Jurassic                 Devonian

                    Tertiary                Triassic                 Paleozoic
                                                                     Precambrian
                    Cretaceous              Mesozoic                 Paleozoic

                     Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                    Quaternary volcanics.   48º S
                                                Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                                                intrusives
                    Cretaceous-Tertiary                Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                    volcanics                          intrusives

                    Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                       undifferentiated
                    Paleozoic volcanics
                                                             54º W
            66º W
        W
    78º




                                              56º S
                                                                                                             39
1
             ISL PROSPECTING PROJECT
         The compilation of previous information, field
    reconnaissance, the gathering of logging and sampling
       data from oil wells, chemical analyses and results
     interpretation are some of the tasks being performed.




                                                             40
1
           U PROSPECTING AREAS



     N
                                 oil drilled hole



    5 km




                                                    41
2
                                   ISL EXPLORATION PROJECT
200 km                                24º S
                                                                                   San Jorge Basin
                                                                                    (Cretaceous)


                                     32º S




                                          40º S




                                 Sedimentary Rocks
                    Quaternary              Jurassic                 Devonian

                    Tertiary                Triassic                 Paleozoic
                                                                     Precambrian
                    Cretaceous              Mesozoic                 Paleozoic

                     Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                    Quaternary volcanics.   48º S
                                                Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                                                intrusives
                    Cretaceous-Tertiary                Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                    volcanics                          intrusives

                    Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                       undifferentiated
                    Paleozoic volcanics
                                                             54º W
            66º W
        W
    78º




                                              56º S

                                                                                                     42
2
                     U ANOMALIES

Based on
airborne
radiometric
surveys and the
field geological
reconnaissance, s
ome exploration
targets with ISL
possibilities were
defined.




                                   43
2
                 SCHEMATIC CROSS - SECTION

W                Cerro Solo U deposit       ISL area of interest    E

                                                   CO2 emission




                        water flow

    Tuffs
    Fluvial sediments
                                     2 km
                                                    U
    Andesites
    Granites




                                                                   44
2   UPWELLING CO2 (U)




                        45
2                      DRILLING SURVEY
                       N
                           drilled hole
                           mineralised level
The drilling survey
performed has              0   500 m
given encouraging
results:

- 3 U mineralized
levels.

- Hypothesis of roll
front deposit type.




                                               46
2                 LOGS CROSS - SECTION
    SW                                               NE
     m    Gamma
                          Gamma       Gamma
    25    SP       R         SP   R         SP   R
                                                      T
                                                      u
                                                      f
                                                      f
    75

                                                      F
                                                      l
    125   U
                                                      u
                                                      v
                                                      i
                            U                         a
          U
                                                      l
                             U           U
    175
                                                      C
                                                      y
              0   200 m      U          U             c
                                                      l
                                                      e   47
3             ISL FEASIBILITY / R & D PROJECT
    
    200 km                              24º S




                                                                                     Don Otto U Deposit
                                                                                       (Cretaceous)
                                       32º S




                                            40º S




                                   Sedimentary Rocks
                      Quaternary              Jurassic                 Devonian

                      Tertiary                Triassic                 Paleozoic
                                                                       Precambrian
                      Cretaceous              Mesozoic                 Paleozoic

                       Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
                      Quaternary volcanics.   48º S
                                                  Mesozoic-Cenozoic
                                                  intrusives
                      Cretaceous-Tertiary                Paleozoic-Mesozoic
                      volcanics                          intrusives

                      Mesozoic volcanics                 Precambrian
                                                         undifferentiated
                      Paleozoic volcanics
                                                               54º W
              66º W
          W
      78º




                                                56º S


                                                                                                          48
3
         DON OTTO     U
           DEPOSIT
    - Type: Sandstone Hosted.

    - Subtype: Tabular U-V.




                                49
3
                PROJECT PURPOSE

     The main purpose is to address studies and pilot
      tests to determine the block leaching feasibility to
      recover the uranium from the remaining resources
      of the deposit.

     This project is not based on the uranium
      production itself but on developing a technology
      that could help for the uranium exploitation of
      similar deposits located in the district.




                                                             50
3                                                                                                                                                                                     U RESOURCES
                    SECTOR LA YESERA                                                                                              SECTOR TAPÓN NORTE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       SECTOR TAPÓN SUR                                                                         1




                                                                      CH.43                  Nivel +50                                                                                                                                                     Nivel +50




                                                                                                                     CH.40
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Quebrada del Tapón




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   CH.34
                           CH.45




                                                                                                                                                                                                                       CH.36




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           CH.33
                                                                                           Nivel "0"                                                                                                                                                         Nivel "0"




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                CH.26




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             CH.22
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                CH.25
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                CH.27
                                                                                           Nivel -40
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Nivel -40
                                                                                                                                                                                                 TN-60 I
CH.47




        CH.46




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Chiflón
                                                                                                                                                                      TN-80 II




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        CH.26




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        CH.25
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 CH.30




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                                                                                                                                            TN-80 III                            pa
                                                                                                                                                                     Ram
                                                                                              Nivel -80
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Nivel -80
                                                                                                                                           TN-120 III




                                                                                                                                                                                         CH.37




                                                                                                                                                                                                               CH.36
                TN-120 X           TN-120 IX     TN-120 VIII            TN-120 VII          TN-120 VI     TN-120 V           TN-120 IV                               TN-120 II




                                                                                                                                                             CH.38
                                                                                                                                             CH.39
                                                                                                                                           TN-140 III                 TN-140 II                                  Nivel -120
                                                                        TN-140 VII
                TN-160 X           TN-160 IX       TN-160 VIII

                                                                       TN-180 VII          TN-180 VI      TN-180 V       TN-180 IV         TN-180 III                 TN-180 II




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             SECTOR CENTRAL                                                                                                                                SECTOR SUR
                                   1                  SECTOR NORTE


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Nivel +50
                Nivel +50
                                                                    0-XVI




                 Nivel "0"
                                                                 Cortaveta C                                                                                                                                                         Cortaveta B                                                                                                                        Cortaveta A             O- III a               O- IV a                       Nivel "0"
                                                         CH.17




                                                                    CS-40-1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Nivel -40
                Nivel -40
                                                                                   CH.16




                                                                    CS-80-1




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   CH.5
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        CH.7




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      CH.2
                 Nivel -80                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Nivel -80
                                                                              CS-90-1
                                                                               Ram                                                                                                    CS-100 VII                          CS-100 V    CS-110 IV            CS-110 III          CS-100 II
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       YACIMIENTO DON OTTO
                                                                                                CH.15




                                                                                     pa
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                                                                                                                                                                         CH.11




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 DPTO. SAN CARLOS - SALTA
                                               Nivel -120
                                                                                                                                                                                             Nivel -120                                                                                                                                                                                                               CORTE VERTICAL DE LABOREOS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ESTIMACION DE RESERVAS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Al 31-08-81 t.c.f. 0,05% U O
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               3   8


                    RAR                                                                                            PR                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Paño c/explotación                                                 Recursos

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Perspectivas                                                       Reservas



                    IR                  Mined Out                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                0                    50         100               150m

                  Perfil Longitudinal del Yacimiento Don Otto.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             3º NIVEL MINERALIZADO




                                                                                           Current Identified Resources: 216 t U
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 51
3                                                   U RESOURCES
TOR LA YESERA                                                                     SECTOR TAPÓN NORTE
            RAR                     PR

              IR                    Mined Out


                                             Nivel +50
                            CH.43




                                                                    CH.40




                                                                                                                                                             CH.36
                                             Nivel "0"


                                            Nivel -40
                                                                                                                                           TN-60 I
                                                                                                                       TN-80 II
                                                                                         TN-80 III
                                                                                                                       R   ampa

                                                                                                                                                              Nivel -80
                                                                                                  TN-120 III           TN-120 II




                                                                                                                                   CH.37




                                                                                                                                                     CH.36
TN-120 IX   TN-120 VIII       TN-120 VII    TN-120 VI    TN-120 V           TN-120 IV


                                                                                          CH.39




                                                                                                               CH.38
                                                                                                                                                               Nivel -120
                                                                                        TN-140 III                     TN-140 II
                              TN-140 VII
TN-160 IX     TN-160 VIII


                             TN-180 VII    TN-180 VI     TN-180 V       TN-180 IV       TN-180 III                     TN-180 II




                                                                                                                                                                            52   SE
1                SECTOR NORTE
3
            SAMPLING
    - Petrological Studies.
    - Petrophysical Determinations.
    - Chemical Analyes.




                                      53
3
                         STUDIES ON PELITES




                                              633 Counts / Min




Studies by J-L Lescuyer and R. Sol (AREVA)                   54
3                 STUDIES ON PELITES
    Natural        U mineral   Natural
    Ligth                      Light         U mineral




                   U mineral   Ultraviolet
    Ultraviolet
    Ligth                      Ligth         U mineral




                                                         55
3
                     STUDIES ON SANDSTONES




                                             3124 Counts / Min




Studies by J-L Lescuyer and R. Sol (AREVA)                       56
3                   STUDIES ON SANDSTONES
    Natural                    Natural
    Light                      Light       U mineral
              U mineral




    Ultraviolet                Ultraviolet
    Ligth                      Ligth       U mineral
             U mineral




                                                       57
3

                    REMAKS ON DETERMINATIONS
    - The weak compaction of the sediments allowed the
      circulation of fluids enriched in Uranyl (UO2)+2 ions.

    - The sedimentary environment allowed the
      precipitation of yellow products both in the
      preserved porosity (sandstones) and microporosity
      (pelites).




Studies by J-L Lescuyer and R. Sol (AREVA)                     58
3         DRILLING PROGRAM
                               North

    Mineralized Area




     Planned Borehole
     Executed Borehole
                             1 Km

                                       59
3        DRILLING PROGRAM
    W                       E




        Borehole




                                60
3                                DRILLING PROGRAM
                                                                                        North
                                                                            Level
                                                                                    0
                                                                           -40
                             -160
                                                  -140                     -80
                                                              -160        -120
evel 0                                                                           -150
                                                                         -160
                                                                                            -160
0



    -150
              -160                                                       Borehole 4

                        Borehole 1          Borehole 2
                                                            Borehole 3
                                                                                                        Referencias
hole 4
                                                                                                             Emplaz
                                                                                         Borehole 5      -160 Cota d
                              Referencias
                                                                                                      E+20/19+12
                                                                                                              Denom
                                     Emplazamiento equipo perforación                                        Planne
           Borehole 5         -160 Cota de impacto
                           E+20/19+12
                                   Denominación sondeo                                                       Execut

                                     Planned                                                                         Sc
                                                            50 m
                                     Executed                                                                    0
                                          Scale                                                             61
                                      0              50m.
3
                                                                           DRILLING PROGRAM
                                                                                                                            BOREHOLE 3                      E
                                                                                                                                                                 2570

                                                                                                                                                                 2550
                                                                        North
                                                            Level
                                                                    0
                                                           -40
                                                                                                                                                                 2530
             -160
                                  -140                     -80                                             W         3
                                              -160        -120                                                                                              2510
                                                                 -150
                                                         -160
                                                                            -160                                                                      Level LEVEL 0
                                                                                                                                                            2490

0                                                        Borehole 4

        Borehole 1          Borehole 2                                                                                                              -40
                                            Borehole 3
                                                                                        Referencias                      22º
                                                                                             Emplazamiento equipo perforación
                                                                         Borehole 5      -160 Cota de impacto
              Referencias
                                                                                      E+20/19+12
                                                                                              Denominación sondeo
                     Emplazamiento equipo perforación                                        Planned
                                                                                                                                              -80
le 5          -160 Cota de impacto
           E+20/19+12
                   Denominación sondeo                                                     REFERENCE
                                                                                            Executed

                     Planned                                                                       Scale
                                            50 m
                     Executed                                                                  0           50m.
                                                                                                               Mealla Fm.
                      0
                          Scale
                                     50m.
                                                                                                                                     -120

                                                                                                               Yacoraite Fm.              0     20        40 m

                                                                                                                                   -160
                                                                                                               U mineralization


                                                                                                                                                                        62
3
             DRILLING PROGRAM RESULTS
                            Borehole 2
    Mineralized   Reference         Apparent      Average Grade
      Layer       Level (m)       Thickness (m)       (% U)
        2           - 143                1            0.068
        1           - 166                1            0.020

                            Borehole 4
    Mineralized   Reference         Apparent      Average Grade
      Layer       Level (m)       Thickness (m)       (% U)
        3           - 166                1            0.040
        2           - 162                1            0.068

                                                              63
OUTLINE
• INTRODUCTION
• SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS
  •   BASAL CHANNEL
  •   ROLL FRONT
  •   TABULAR

• ISL URANIUM PERSPECTIVES – IAEA TC
  •   PROSPECTING
  •   EXPLORATION
  •   FEASIBILITY / RESEACH & DEVELOPMENT

 FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
                                            64
ARGENTINE URANIUM DEPOSITS
                             Uranium Resources – t U
                     < 500    500 – 1.000   1,000-10,000   10,000 – 100,000   > 100,000   Total

G   < 0,03            3           9             65               32              6        115
r
a   0.03 – 0.10       13          26            96               31              6        172

d
    0.10 – 1.00       33         106            282              89              7        517
e
s   1.00 – 5.00       5           3             13               10              0         31


%   > 5.00            0           0              1                0              2         3

U
    Grand Total       54         144            457              162             21       838

Source: IAEA, 2009                                                                          65
URANIUM RESOURCES BY DEPOSITS
                       CNEA, ARGENTINA
                 Cost Category:  USD 260 / kg U

     RESOURCES                       IDENTIFIED          UNDISCOVERED



CERRO SOLO                            9,200 t U                  ---

SIERRA PINTADA                       10,200 t U                  ---
OTHER                                    200 t U            11,600 t U


                                    19,600 t U0             11,600 t U


                                   Source: NEA – IAEA Red Book, 2011 (in press)



                                                                             66
URANIUM PRODUCTION IN ARGENTINA                 1952 - 1997




                                             Granite
                                              10%        Other
                                                       sandstone
                                                         26%
                 Sierra Pintada
                    64%




                                                          Total: 2,600 t U

Source: NEA-IAEA Red Book, 2011 (in press)                                   67
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

It can be pointed out
that the existence of
extensive basins with
high uranium potential
and different
mineralization models
configures promising
conditions to develop
new uranium
resources in
Argentina.

                                     68
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

In this context, the
uranium deposits
related to
sandstones, now a
days constitute the
most attractive
exploration targets
in the country.


                                     69
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
ISL technology would
constitute a more
sustainable option for
uranium production.

As an exploration
strategy, new surveys
should be addressed to
Upper Cretaceous -
Tertiary basins,
including
hydrogeological studies.
                                      70
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

The role of the
IAEA Technical
Cooperation is
highly relevant for
improving the
capability of
Argentina to
strategically plan
and efficiently carry
out its uranium
mining projects.
                                    71
National Atomic
                        Energy Commission




                THANK YOU!




   Luis López
lopez@cnea.gov.ar
                                            72
73
74
SIERRA PINTADA   U DEPOSIT

 Tuff        Mineralogy: uraninite,
             brannerite, coffinite,
             uranophane, Fe and Ti
             oxides.




          Sandstone



                                     U




                      Source: Salvarredi, 1999   75

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05 l. lopez

  • 1. International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Meeting on Origin of Sandstone Uranium Deposits: A Global Perspective SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS AND PERSPECTIVES ON ISL IN ARGENTINA. OUTCOMES OF THE IAEA TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROJECT ARG 03/012-014. Luis López National Atomic lopez @cnea.gov.ar Energy Commission Vienna, 29 May – 1 June 2012 1
  • 2. OUTLINE • INTRODUCTION • SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS • BASAL CHANNEL • ROLL FRONT • TABULAR • ISL URANIUM PERSPECTIVES – IAEA TC • PROSPECTING • EXPLORATION • FEASIBILITY / RESEACH & DEVELOPMENT • FINAL CONSIDERATIONS 2
  • 3. INTRODUCTION The uranium mining activities in Argentina began in the 1950s. The systematic exploration led to the discovery of several uranium deposits. Airborne radiometric surveys (1950 – 1970) 3
  • 4. INTRODUCTION Consequently, seven mining centres were in operation in the country and produced a historical total of 2,600 tons of U. 4
  • 5. INTRODUCTION In 1992, Argentina began to import uranium due to economic reasons, situation that progressively led to the closing of national production in 1997. 350 - 300 - USD constant 2009 250 - USD / kg U 200 - 150 - Closing of U 100 - production in Argentina 50 - 0 - - - - - - - - - - - - l l 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2010 2012 5
  • 6. INTRODUCTION Currently, the CNEA, Provincial (Chubut, La Rioja, Santa Cruz), Senior Producers and Junior Companies are carrying out several uranium projects that have different degrees of development. 6
  • 7. URANIUM RESOURCES IN ARGENTINA (CNEA) Cost Category:  USD 260 / kg U REASONABLY INFERRED IDENTIFIED RESOURCES ASSURED RESOURCES RESOURCES 8,600 t U 11,000 t U Total 19,600 t U Source: NEA – IAEA Red Book, 2011 (in press) 7
  • 8. ARGENTINE NPPs a ATUCHA I 357 Mwe b Slightly Enriched U N a c b EMBALSE 648 Mwe Natural U c ATUCHA II (start up 2012 - 2013) 745 Mwe 0 1000 km Natural U 8
  • 9. U DEMAND IN ARGENTINA OPERATION REMAINING DEMAND NPP START OPERATION Atucha I 1974 2012 – 2027 800 t U Embalse 1984 2012 – 2033 1,400 t U Atucha II 2012 – 2013 40 years 3,700 t U (start up 2012 - 2013) CAREM --- 40 years 600 t U Total 6,500 t U Current Consumption: 120 t U per year 9
  • 10. - Yellow Cake IMPORTS KAZA, CANADA, CZECH REP - UO2 CONVERSION DIOXITEK S.A. - FUEL FABRICATION CONUAR S.A. 10
  • 11. OUTLINE • INTRODUCTION  SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS • BASAL CHANNEL • ROLL FRONT • TABULAR • ISL URANIUM PERSPECTIVES – IAEA TC • PROSPECTING • EXPLORATION • FEASIBILITY / RESEACH & DEVELOPMENT • FINAL CONSIDERATIONS 11
  • 12. UDEPO PROPOSED CLASSIFICATION 1. Surficial 2. Phosphate 3. Black shale 4. Lignite/coal 5. Carbonate-hosted 6. Collapse-breccia pipe 7. Paleoproterozoic quartz-pebble conglomerate 8. Sandstone-hosted 9. Proterozoic unconformity 10. Metasediment-hosted 11. Metasomatite-related 12. Intrusive 13. Granite-related 14. Polymetallic iron oxide breccia complex 15. Volcanic-related 16. Other types Source: IAEA, 2011 12
  • 13. SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS IN ARGENTINA  Basal channel: Cerro Solo (Chubut province) Los Adobes (Chubut province) Cerro Condor (Chubut province)  Roll front: Los Colorados (La Rioja province) Arroyo Perdido (Chubut province)  Tabular: Sierra Pintada (Mendoza province) Don Otto (Salta province) Acosta (Salta province) Los Chuhuidos (Neuquen province)  Tectonic/ Lithologic  Mafic dykes/ sills in Proterozoic sandstones 13
  • 14.  200 km 24º S CERRO SOLO U DEPOSIT San Jorge Basin (Cretaceous) 32º S Type: Sandstone-hosted Subtype: Basal channel (U,Mo, Re) 40º S Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Triassic Paleozoic Precambrian Cretaceous Mesozoic Paleozoic 48º S Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Mesozoic-Cenozoic Quaternary volcanics. intrusives Cretaceous-Tertiary Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W 78º 56º S Source: Benítez et al, 1993; Bianchi & Páez, 2005 14
  • 15. CERRO SOLO U DEPOSIT Schematic Geology: Chubut Group - Cerro Barcino Formation (K) : tuffs. U U U U Chubut Group - Los Adobes Formation (K): fluvial sediments. U Fm Cañadón Puelman (J) : andesites. Source: Benítez, 1997 15
  • 16. CERRO SOLO U DEPOSIT Mineralalogy: uraninite - pitchblende (organic matter, pyrite, marcasite), uranophilite (pyrite, barytine), coffinite (pyrite, organic matter). 16
  • 17. CERRO SOLO U DEPOSIT Identified Resources (< USD 260 / kg U): 9,200 t U. Average Grade: 0.20 % U. 17
  • 18.  200 km 24º S LOS ADOBES U DEPOSIT & 32º S CERRO CONDOR U DEPOSIT San Jorge Basin 40º S (Cretaceous) Type: Sandstone-hosted Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Cretaceous Triassic Mesozoic Paleozoic Precambrian Paleozoic Subtype: Basal channel 48º S Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Mesozoic-Cenozoic Quaternary volcanics. intrusives Cretaceous-Tertiary Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W Source: Fuente & Gayone, 1999 78º 56º S 18
  • 19. LOS ADOBES U DEPOSIT Total Production: 120 t U @ 0.12 %. System: heap leaching + dilute sulphuric acid solution + IX resins. 19
  • 20. CERRO CONDOR U DEPOSIT Total Production: 56 t U @ 0.08 %. System: heap leaching + dilute sulphuric acid solution + IX resins. 20
  • 21.  200 km 24º S LOS COLORADOS U DEPOSIT Paganzo Basin (Carboniferous) 32º S Type: Sandstone-hosted Subtype: Roll front 40º S Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Triassic Paleozoic Precambrian Cretaceous Mesozoic Paleozoic Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Mesozoic-Cenozoic Quaternary volcanics. Cretaceous-Tertiary 48º Sintrusives Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W 78º 56º S Source: Belluco et al, 1999; Caudillo Resources, 2012 21
  • 22. LOS COLORADOS U DEPOSIT Total Production: 55 t U @ 0.064 %. System: heap leaching + dilute sulphuric acid solution + IX resins. 22
  • 23.  200 km 24º S ARROYO PERDIDO U DEPOSIT San Jorge Basin (Cretaceous) 32º S Type: Sandstone-hosted Subtype: Roll front ? 40º S Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Triassic Paleozoic Precambrian Cretaceous Mesozoic Paleozoic 48º S Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Mesozoic-Cenozoic Quaternary volcanics. intrusives Cretaceous-Tertiary Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W 78º 56º S Source: Benítez & Marveggio, 2005; López, 2010 23
  • 24. ARROYO PERDIDO U DEPOSIT SW NE m Gamma Gamma Gamma 25 SP R SP R SP R T u f f 75 F l 125 U u v i U a U l U U 175 C y 0 200 m U U c l e 24
  • 25.  200 km 24º S SIERRA PINTADA U DEPOSIT San Rafael Basin (Lower Permian) 32º S Type: Sandstone-hosted Subtype:Tabular (Strata-bound volc.) 40º S Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Triassic Paleozoic Precambrian Cretaceous Mesozoic Paleozoic Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Mesozoic-Cenozoic Quaternary volcanics. Cretaceous-Tertiary 48º Sintrusives Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W 78º 56º S 25 Source: Salvarredi, 1999; Navarra, 2001-6; Kleiman, 2012
  • 26. SIERRA PINTADA U DEPOSIT Total Production: 1,800 t U @ 0.09 – 0.29 % U. System: heap leaching + dilute sulphuric acid solution + ion exchange resins. Identified Resources (< USD 130 / kg U): 10,100 t U. Average grade: 0.10 % U. Source: NEA-IAEA Red Book, 2011 (in press) 26
  • 27.  200 km 24º S DON OTTO U DEPOSIT Salta Basin (Cretaceous - Tertiary) 32º S Type: Sandstone-hosted Subtype: Tabular (U, V) 40º S Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Triassic Paleozoic Precambrian Cretaceous Mesozoic Paleozoic Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Quaternary volcanics. 48º S Mesozoic-Cenozoic intrusives Cretaceous-Tertiary Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W 78º 56º S Source: Gorustovich, 2010; López et al 2010 27
  • 28. Don Otto 25º20' 25º20' M.M. de M.M. M. de Güemesde M. Güemes GÜEMES DON OTTO Depósito de uranio U El Leñadero DEPOSIT Localidad 25º40' Los Berthos El Desecho Los Berthos LOS BERTHOS Fallas Emmy 00 55 10 Km 10 Km Sinclinal N Bosquejo geológico del Distrito Tonco Amblayo Bosquejo geológico del Distrito Tonco Amblayo Depósitos modernos Cover Quaternary Depósitos modernos Grupo Payogastilla Tertiary Sediments Grupo Payogastilla 25º30' Subgrupo Santa Bárbara 25º30' Subgrupo Santa Bárbara Cretaceous AMBLAYO Subgrupo Balbuena Tertiary AMBLAYO AMBLAYO Subgrupo Balbuena Basin Subgrupo Pirgua Pedro NICOLÁS P. Subgrupo Pirgua Nicolás Pedro Nicolás Precambrian Formación Puncoviscana Basement Don Otto Formación Puncoviscana DONOtto Don OTTO U Deposit Depósito de uranio Depósito de uranio El Leñadero Town Localidad 25º40' EL Leñadero El LEÑADERO El Desecho Localidad Fallas Fault 25º40' ELDesecho El DESECHOEmmy Fallas 0 5 10 Km Sinclinal Syncline Emmy EMMY 0 5 10 Km Sinclinal 28
  • 29. DON OTTO U DEPOSIT Total Production: 202 t U @ 0.1 %. System: heap leaching + dilute sulphuric acid solution + ion exchange resins. 29
  • 30.  200 km 24º S ACOSTA SITE U DEPOSITS Salta Basin (Cretaceous - Tertiary) 32º S Type: Sandstone-hosted Subtype: Tabular (U, Cu, Zn) 40º S Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Triassic Paleozoic Precambrian Cretaceous Mesozoic Paleozoic Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Quaternary volcanics. 48º S Mesozoic-Cenozoic intrusives Cretaceous-Tertiary Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W 78º 56º S Source: Ferreira et al, 2012 30
  • 31. ACOSTA SITE U DEPOSITS Strata-bound U mineralization hosted by grey micaceous pelites is associated with high contents of Cu and Zn. 31
  • 32.  200 km 24º S LOS CHIHUIDOS U DEPOSITS Neuquen Basin (Cretaceous) 32º S Type: Sandstone-hosted Subtype: Tabular (U, V, Cu) 40º S Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Triassic Paleozoic Precambrian Cretaceous Mesozoic Paleozoic Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Quaternary volcanics. 48º S Mesozoic-Cenozoic intrusives Cretaceous-Tertiary Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W 78º 56º S Source: Rojas, 1999 32
  • 33. LOS CHIHUIDOS U DEPOSITS Features of U occurrences: Thickness= 0.10 – 0.20 meters U= 0.21 % V= 0.95 – 1.20 % Cu= 1.00 – 1.90 % 33
  • 34. OUTLINE • INTRODUCTION • SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS • BASAL CHANNEL • ROLL FRONT • TABULAR  ISL URANIUM PERSPECTIVES – IAEA TC • PROSPECTING • EXPLORATION • FEASIBILITY / RESEACH & DEVELOPMENT • FINAL CONSIDERATIONS 34
  • 35. TC PROJECT ON ISL "Geology favorability, production feasibility and environmental impact assessment of uranium deposits exploitable by the in situ leaching technology (ISL)" (ARG 3/012 – 14) Associated with the IAEA Regional TC Project “Upgrading of Uranium Exploration, Exploitation and Yellowcake Production Techniques taking Environmental Problems into Account” 35
  • 36. LOGICAL FRAMEWORK G O The country sustainably produces the uranium to A cover local demand for the nuclear power plants L P U R High uranium potential areas studied, P within the mining cycle of In Situ Leaching technology O S E O Geology U Environmental favourability Production T impact Qualified Operative P and uranium feasibility assessment staff equipments U exploration performed T performed S performed I Project managing, applied geological investigation, getting exploration permits, N P drilling and logging, pilot tests, hydrogeological studies, cost analysis, U environmental and aquifer vulnerability studies, fellowships, scientific visits, T S expert missions, purchasing and setting up equipments 36
  • 37. TC PROJECTS / INTERNATIONAL U COMMUNITY 37
  • 38. U PROJECTS ON ISL STAGE INVESTMENT- PROFIT PROJECTS 0 U Prospecting Generative 1 (Neuquina Basin) D 5 E Exploration V Discovery Y U Exploration 2 (San Jorge Basin) E Evaluation 10 e L a O r P Pre Feasibility s 15 M Feasibility / R&D E Feasibility 3 (Don Otto Deposit) N 20 T Production 30 38
  • 39. 1  ISL PROSPECTING PROJECT 200 km 24º S Neuquina Basin (Cretaceous - Tertiary) 32º S 40º S Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Triassic Paleozoic Precambrian Cretaceous Mesozoic Paleozoic Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Quaternary volcanics. 48º S Mesozoic-Cenozoic intrusives Cretaceous-Tertiary Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W 78º 56º S 39
  • 40. 1 ISL PROSPECTING PROJECT The compilation of previous information, field reconnaissance, the gathering of logging and sampling data from oil wells, chemical analyses and results interpretation are some of the tasks being performed. 40
  • 41. 1 U PROSPECTING AREAS N oil drilled hole 5 km 41
  • 42. 2  ISL EXPLORATION PROJECT 200 km 24º S San Jorge Basin (Cretaceous) 32º S 40º S Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Triassic Paleozoic Precambrian Cretaceous Mesozoic Paleozoic Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Quaternary volcanics. 48º S Mesozoic-Cenozoic intrusives Cretaceous-Tertiary Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W 78º 56º S 42
  • 43. 2 U ANOMALIES Based on airborne radiometric surveys and the field geological reconnaissance, s ome exploration targets with ISL possibilities were defined. 43
  • 44. 2 SCHEMATIC CROSS - SECTION W Cerro Solo U deposit ISL area of interest E CO2 emission water flow Tuffs Fluvial sediments 2 km U Andesites Granites 44
  • 45. 2 UPWELLING CO2 (U) 45
  • 46. 2 DRILLING SURVEY N drilled hole mineralised level The drilling survey performed has 0 500 m given encouraging results: - 3 U mineralized levels. - Hypothesis of roll front deposit type. 46
  • 47. 2 LOGS CROSS - SECTION SW NE m Gamma Gamma Gamma 25 SP R SP R SP R T u f f 75 F l 125 U u v i U a U l U U 175 C y 0 200 m U U c l e 47
  • 48. 3 ISL FEASIBILITY / R & D PROJECT  200 km 24º S Don Otto U Deposit (Cretaceous) 32º S 40º S Sedimentary Rocks Quaternary Jurassic Devonian Tertiary Triassic Paleozoic Precambrian Cretaceous Mesozoic Paleozoic Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Quaternary volcanics. 48º S Mesozoic-Cenozoic intrusives Cretaceous-Tertiary Paleozoic-Mesozoic volcanics intrusives Mesozoic volcanics Precambrian undifferentiated Paleozoic volcanics 54º W 66º W W 78º 56º S 48
  • 49. 3 DON OTTO U DEPOSIT - Type: Sandstone Hosted. - Subtype: Tabular U-V. 49
  • 50. 3 PROJECT PURPOSE  The main purpose is to address studies and pilot tests to determine the block leaching feasibility to recover the uranium from the remaining resources of the deposit.  This project is not based on the uranium production itself but on developing a technology that could help for the uranium exploitation of similar deposits located in the district. 50
  • 51. 3 U RESOURCES SECTOR LA YESERA SECTOR TAPÓN NORTE SECTOR TAPÓN SUR 1 CH.43 Nivel +50 Nivel +50 CH.40 Quebrada del Tapón CH.34 CH.45 CH.36 CH.33 Nivel "0" Nivel "0" CH.26 CH.22 CH.25 CH.27 Nivel -40 Nivel -40 TN-60 I CH.47 CH.46 Chiflón TN-80 II CH.26 CH.25 CH.30 CH.28 CH.19 CH.22 CH.21 CH.20 CH.23 TN-80 III pa Ram Nivel -80 Nivel -80 TN-120 III CH.37 CH.36 TN-120 X TN-120 IX TN-120 VIII TN-120 VII TN-120 VI TN-120 V TN-120 IV TN-120 II CH.38 CH.39 TN-140 III TN-140 II Nivel -120 TN-140 VII TN-160 X TN-160 IX TN-160 VIII TN-180 VII TN-180 VI TN-180 V TN-180 IV TN-180 III TN-180 II SECTOR CENTRAL SECTOR SUR 1 SECTOR NORTE Nivel +50 Nivel +50 0-XVI Nivel "0" Cortaveta C Cortaveta B Cortaveta A O- III a O- IV a Nivel "0" CH.17 CS-40-1 Nivel -40 Nivel -40 CH.16 CS-80-1 CH.5 CH.7 CH.2 Nivel -80 Nivel -80 CS-90-1 Ram CS-100 VII CS-100 V CS-110 IV CS-110 III CS-100 II YACIMIENTO DON OTTO CH.15 pa CH.14 CH.10 CH.13 CH.12 CH.11 DPTO. SAN CARLOS - SALTA Nivel -120 Nivel -120 CORTE VERTICAL DE LABOREOS ESTIMACION DE RESERVAS Al 31-08-81 t.c.f. 0,05% U O 3 8 RAR PR Paño c/explotación Recursos Perspectivas Reservas IR Mined Out 0 50 100 150m Perfil Longitudinal del Yacimiento Don Otto. 3º NIVEL MINERALIZADO Current Identified Resources: 216 t U 51
  • 52. 3 U RESOURCES TOR LA YESERA SECTOR TAPÓN NORTE RAR PR IR Mined Out Nivel +50 CH.43 CH.40 CH.36 Nivel "0" Nivel -40 TN-60 I TN-80 II TN-80 III R ampa Nivel -80 TN-120 III TN-120 II CH.37 CH.36 TN-120 IX TN-120 VIII TN-120 VII TN-120 VI TN-120 V TN-120 IV CH.39 CH.38 Nivel -120 TN-140 III TN-140 II TN-140 VII TN-160 IX TN-160 VIII TN-180 VII TN-180 VI TN-180 V TN-180 IV TN-180 III TN-180 II 52 SE 1 SECTOR NORTE
  • 53. 3 SAMPLING - Petrological Studies. - Petrophysical Determinations. - Chemical Analyes. 53
  • 54. 3 STUDIES ON PELITES 633 Counts / Min Studies by J-L Lescuyer and R. Sol (AREVA) 54
  • 55. 3 STUDIES ON PELITES Natural U mineral Natural Ligth Light U mineral U mineral Ultraviolet Ultraviolet Ligth Ligth U mineral 55
  • 56. 3 STUDIES ON SANDSTONES 3124 Counts / Min Studies by J-L Lescuyer and R. Sol (AREVA) 56
  • 57. 3 STUDIES ON SANDSTONES Natural Natural Light Light U mineral U mineral Ultraviolet Ultraviolet Ligth Ligth U mineral U mineral 57
  • 58. 3 REMAKS ON DETERMINATIONS - The weak compaction of the sediments allowed the circulation of fluids enriched in Uranyl (UO2)+2 ions. - The sedimentary environment allowed the precipitation of yellow products both in the preserved porosity (sandstones) and microporosity (pelites). Studies by J-L Lescuyer and R. Sol (AREVA) 58
  • 59. 3 DRILLING PROGRAM North Mineralized Area Planned Borehole Executed Borehole 1 Km 59
  • 60. 3 DRILLING PROGRAM W E Borehole 60
  • 61. 3 DRILLING PROGRAM North Level 0 -40 -160 -140 -80 -160 -120 evel 0 -150 -160 -160 0 -150 -160 Borehole 4 Borehole 1 Borehole 2 Borehole 3 Referencias hole 4 Emplaz Borehole 5 -160 Cota d Referencias E+20/19+12 Denom Emplazamiento equipo perforación Planne Borehole 5 -160 Cota de impacto E+20/19+12 Denominación sondeo Execut Planned Sc 50 m Executed 0 Scale 61 0 50m.
  • 62. 3 DRILLING PROGRAM BOREHOLE 3 E 2570 2550 North Level 0 -40 2530 -160 -140 -80 W 3 -160 -120 2510 -150 -160 -160 Level LEVEL 0 2490 0 Borehole 4 Borehole 1 Borehole 2 -40 Borehole 3 Referencias 22º Emplazamiento equipo perforación Borehole 5 -160 Cota de impacto Referencias E+20/19+12 Denominación sondeo Emplazamiento equipo perforación Planned -80 le 5 -160 Cota de impacto E+20/19+12 Denominación sondeo REFERENCE Executed Planned Scale 50 m Executed 0 50m. Mealla Fm. 0 Scale 50m. -120 Yacoraite Fm. 0 20 40 m -160 U mineralization 62
  • 63. 3 DRILLING PROGRAM RESULTS Borehole 2 Mineralized Reference Apparent Average Grade Layer Level (m) Thickness (m) (% U) 2 - 143 1 0.068 1 - 166 1 0.020 Borehole 4 Mineralized Reference Apparent Average Grade Layer Level (m) Thickness (m) (% U) 3 - 166 1 0.040 2 - 162 1 0.068 63
  • 64. OUTLINE • INTRODUCTION • SANDSTONE-HOSTED URANIUM DEPOSITS • BASAL CHANNEL • ROLL FRONT • TABULAR • ISL URANIUM PERSPECTIVES – IAEA TC • PROSPECTING • EXPLORATION • FEASIBILITY / RESEACH & DEVELOPMENT  FINAL CONSIDERATIONS 64
  • 65. ARGENTINE URANIUM DEPOSITS Uranium Resources – t U < 500 500 – 1.000 1,000-10,000 10,000 – 100,000 > 100,000 Total G < 0,03 3 9 65 32 6 115 r a 0.03 – 0.10 13 26 96 31 6 172 d 0.10 – 1.00 33 106 282 89 7 517 e s 1.00 – 5.00 5 3 13 10 0 31 % > 5.00 0 0 1 0 2 3 U Grand Total 54 144 457 162 21 838 Source: IAEA, 2009 65
  • 66. URANIUM RESOURCES BY DEPOSITS CNEA, ARGENTINA Cost Category:  USD 260 / kg U RESOURCES IDENTIFIED UNDISCOVERED CERRO SOLO 9,200 t U --- SIERRA PINTADA 10,200 t U --- OTHER 200 t U 11,600 t U 19,600 t U0 11,600 t U Source: NEA – IAEA Red Book, 2011 (in press) 66
  • 67. URANIUM PRODUCTION IN ARGENTINA 1952 - 1997 Granite 10% Other sandstone 26% Sierra Pintada 64% Total: 2,600 t U Source: NEA-IAEA Red Book, 2011 (in press) 67
  • 68. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS It can be pointed out that the existence of extensive basins with high uranium potential and different mineralization models configures promising conditions to develop new uranium resources in Argentina. 68
  • 69. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS In this context, the uranium deposits related to sandstones, now a days constitute the most attractive exploration targets in the country. 69
  • 70. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS ISL technology would constitute a more sustainable option for uranium production. As an exploration strategy, new surveys should be addressed to Upper Cretaceous - Tertiary basins, including hydrogeological studies. 70
  • 71. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS The role of the IAEA Technical Cooperation is highly relevant for improving the capability of Argentina to strategically plan and efficiently carry out its uranium mining projects. 71
  • 72. National Atomic Energy Commission THANK YOU! Luis López lopez@cnea.gov.ar 72
  • 73. 73
  • 74. 74
  • 75. SIERRA PINTADA U DEPOSIT Tuff Mineralogy: uraninite, brannerite, coffinite, uranophane, Fe and Ti oxides. Sandstone U Source: Salvarredi, 1999 75