Рathfinder elements of uranium mineralization from albitite formation of the Ukrainian shield and their impact on the environment

Abstract

The uranium ore albitites were studied emphasizing the regularities of concentration and dissemination of various elements in the process of formation and destruction of deposits for this formation. The elements typification was made with the following groups identified: radioactive, siderophilic, chalcophilic, rare elements, rare earth elements, and elements-mineralizes. Their impact on the environment was considered. Almost all known uranium deposits of the albitite formation of the Ingulskyi megablock of the Ukrainian Shield have always been considered as mono-elemental, exclusively uranium associations. However, gold, bismuth mineralization, as well as associated with monazite thorium, are found in commercial quantities within albitites deposits. These components could have been of a related commercial value. Enhancing amount of vanadium, strontium, lead and some other elements are also often met. In the process of uranium mining all mentioned elements, including uranium, are followed into refuse heaps and tailings. Taking into account geological and geochemical conditions, the region of albitites deposits development is seemed to be favorable for formation of near surface uranium and pathfinder elements concentrations. The uranium mining tailings enriched in uranium and heavy metals are being stored within the sanitary zones of operating mines and considered as to be favorable for oxidation and decomposition under the conditions of hypergenesis. The mentioned processes can last for an indefinite time taking into account mineral composition of loose deposits, climate changes, and fluctuations in the level of groundwater in the region. And, if natural secondary concentrations of uranium and its pathfinder elements can be considered as mineral resources, then dissemination of these elements in waters, soils and biological objects is likely to be attributed to very harmful processes. At the same time, the removal of heavy metals by atmospheric waters is absolutely predictable, with their subsequent migration into the groundwater system, gradual penetration into soils and biological objects, which undoubtedly carries a potential threat to the environment.