DEEP URANIUM MINERALIZATION POTENTIAL IN THE ATHABASCA BASIN OF SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA

The Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada is well known for hosting unconformity-type uranium deposits. These deposits are the highest-grade uranium resources known and account for 46% of world reserves. The uranium deposits in the eastern Athabasca Basin are located along a semi-arcuate line near the edge of the Athabasca Basin. The deposits are often associated with fault lines and are often located at or close to an unconformity between Athabasca Group sedimentary sequences, which are aged about 1,760 Ma to 1,500 Ma, and the underlying Pre-Cambrian metamorphosed basement rocks. The depth of uranium deposits in the eastern Athabasca Basin range from surface mineable to 640m.

Oriental Uranium Inc. acquired uranium exploration licenses for 455 km² that are in an area west of the known high-grade deposits. Regional geological and mineralization data indicates potential of uranium deposits. Historical drillhole data adjacent to the licensed areas show mineralization anomalies as well. The depth of unconformity at the Oriental site is 1,000 m, or more.

VTEM-based exploration methods are less than reliable at depths of 1,000 m, or more. Oriental Uranium Inc. contracted Geotech in 2014 to perform an airborne geophysical survey using their ZTEM system. The ZTEM system can generate data to depths up to 1,500 m. The initial analysis of the acquired data suggest the presence of (a) linear structures oriented in NE – SW and (b) an electro-magnetic signature associated with unconformity-hosted conductors that have historically been associated with uranium mineralization elsewhere in the basin. Pending futher analysis, Oriental Uranium plans a drilling program next year to confirm geophysical results.

The paper summarizes the methods used, data obtained and analyses performed, which lead to the conclusion the uranium mineralization may be present at the Oriental Uranium site.