07.01.2015 Views

Proposed Title 1: - Queen's University

Proposed Title 1: - Queen's University

Proposed Title 1: - Queen's University

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Figure 4.15. Conceptual genetic model for U mineralization in the SAVMF. A. Deformation,<br />

metamorphism and metasomatism of the basement lithologies during the 1860-1840 Ma<br />

Nimbuwah tectonic event. The pre-ore alteration Src 1 -Qtz 1 -Chl 1 -Cal 1<br />

formed from<br />

metamorphic fluids between 150 o and 300 o C. B. Deposition of the El Sherana Group during<br />

extensional tectonism associated with the Nimbuwah event is followed by basin-diagenesis<br />

during burial. Subsequently, reactivation of the El Sherana-Palette fault system more focused<br />

in zones of pre-existing tectonic weakness that were previously affected by an early pre-ore<br />

alteration, created structural traps for fluid flow, hydrothermal alteration and U<br />

mineralization. The ore-forming fluids originated in the El Sherana Basin and descended<br />

downward into the basement rocks along fracture systems. Interaction of the oxidizing<br />

basinal brine with reducing lithologies of the Koolpin Formation led to deposition of the ore<br />

metals at ca. 1820 Ma. C. U 1 was altered during multiple stages of fluid overprinting related<br />

to fault reactivation during successive regional thermotectonic events that occurred over a<br />

period of at least 1.8 Gyrs. These alteration events resulted in subsequent alteration of the<br />

deposits and the formation of the post-ore mineral assemblage including widespread<br />

secondary uraninite occurring as fracture-filling veinlets.<br />

Koolpin Formation<br />

Carbonaceous Shale<br />

178

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!