INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA)
Technical Meeting on
Metasomatite Uranium Occurrences and Deposits
17 – 19 June 2013, IAEA Headquarters, Vienna, Austria
INFORMATION SHEET AND CALL FOR PAPERS
I.
INTRODUCTION
Alkali metasomatism, a common geological process, is sometimes associated with uranium
ore forming processes. Metasomatite uranium deposits are usually confined to areas of
tectono-magmatic activity affected by intense sodium, sodium – carbonate and potassium
metasomatism along deep rooted fault systems. Granite, gneiss, migmatite, metasediments or
metavolcanics could be metasomatised this manner and host uranium mineralization.
Several sub-types and classes of mineralization are found, such as (a) sodium metasomatite
with granite and metasediment or metavolcanic derived deposits; (b) potash metomomatite
deposits; and (c) skarn deposits. Uranium mineralization associated with metasomatites is
seen mainly in the Proterozoic times (1900 - 1700 Ma). A second episode is seen during 1500
– 1400 Ma and smaller discrete events occurred during 600 – 500 Ma.
The source of the fluids responsible for the metasomatism and quartz dissolution is presumed
to be metamorphic, derived from anatectic zones and ascending upwards along deep and large
fractures. Possible uranium sources include protoliths with high initial uranium, such as orthogneiss for the deposits hosted in granite, or conglomerates which can be the equivalent of
Archean to Proterozoic quartz pebble conglomerates with detrital uraninite.
Some 50 deposits worldwide are attributed to this type of deposits from several countries. The
largest know metasomatite deposits are seen in the Kirovograd District, Ukraine. Other
regions with similar deposits are Beaverlodge, Canada, Itatiaia, Brazil and the Kokchetav
Massif, Kazakhstan. Presently a small part of the global production is from this type of
deposits, but many of the metasomatite deposits are potential candidates for future production
of uranium.
Metasomatite deposits remain one of the least understood types due to the complexities in
geological, geochemical and structural control in the origin and nature. Exploration for this
type of deposit may require better understanding of nature and controls, and the use of
specialized techniques. Given the potential for discovery of hitherto unknown deposits of this
kind in many countries, better understanding of this deposit type will be helpful in assuring
low-cost uranium supplies for the growing nuclear energy programme.
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The purpose of the Technical Meeting is to provide a forum for experts from Member States
to exchange information on the latest developments in geology, geochemistry, mineralogy,
structural controls, exploration case studies, and resource evaluation of metasomatite uranium
deposits. Additionally, recent research in environmental studies, safety and social licensing
aspects related to development of this type of deposits will be discussed.
The target participants of the Technical Meeting are professionals engaged in uranium
geology, exploration and production, researchers, energy planners and officials from Member
States interested in uranium resources.
The Technical Meeting will be held in the IAEA’s Headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
II.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED
The following specific topics are identified as being of particular interest, and shall be
considered in the papers to be presented:
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III.
Geological setting and controls of metasomatite uranium deposits;
Origin of metasomatite uranium deposits;
Mineralization styles of metasomatite uranium deposits;
Recognition criteria for metasomatite uranium deposits;
Geochemical and geophysical exploration for metasomatite uranium deposits;
Exploration and production case histories of metasomatite uranium deposits; and
Socio-economic and environmental issues in production from metasomatite uranium
deposits.
ORGANIZATION
Chairman:
Mr Michel Cuney
Research Director at French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)
Henri Poincaré University – NANCY I
Research team ‘Genesis and Management of Mineral Resources’
Domaine Scientifique Victor Grignard - Entree 3B
BP 70 239 - F54 506 Vandoeuvre les Nancy Cedex, France
Phone: + 33 3 83 68 47 09
Fax: + 33 3 83 68 47 01
Email: michel.cuney@g2r.uhp-nancy.fr
Scientific Secretary:
Mr Harikrishnan Tulsidas
International Atomic Energy Agency
Vienna International Centre
1400 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 1 2600 22758
Fax: +43 1 26007
Email: T.Harikrishnan@iaea.org
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IAEA Secretariat:
Ms Michaela Neuenhaus
International Atomic Energy Agency
Vienna International Centre
1400 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 1 2600 22765
Fax: +43 1 2600 29671
Email: M.Neuenhaus@iaea.org
IV.
PARTICIPATION
Each person wishing to participate in the meeting is requested to complete the Participation
Form and the Form for Submission of a Paper (Forms A and B attached). An indication of the
intention to present a paper must be sent to the IAEA Secretariat through the competent
official authority by 15 March 2013.
Participants are required to prepare a paper on the topic related to metasomatite uranium
deposits and to make a presentation of their paper. Each presentation should have a duration
of approximately 30 minutes and should preferably be prepared in Microsoft PowerPoint
format. Contributed papers and presentations should be submitted in English with an
electronic version provided to the Scientific Secretary prior to the meeting.
V
PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS
The designated participants should provide an abstract of approximately 250 words for their
paper as well as the completed Form for Submission of a Paper (Form B attached) to the
Scientific Secretary by 15 March 2013 at the latest.
VI.
VENUE AND ACCOMODATION
The meeting will be held at the IAEA’s Headquarters in M0E1 Press Room, Vienna
International Centre (VIC). Participants are advised to arrive one hour prior to the convening
time of the meeting to allow for timely registration. They should present an official photo
identification document in order to be admitted to the VIC premises.
The IAEA Meetings and Conferences website
http://www-pub.iaea.org/mtcd/meetings/vicservices.asp can be accessed for more detailed
information on Vienna and the VIC.
VII.
VISA ARRANGEMENTS
Participants are also advised that they may require a valid passport and Schengen visa for
entry into Austria. Accordingly, it is advisable to begin the immediate preparation of travel
arrangements and necessary authorizations. The Secretariat should be contacted as soon as
possible if a formal invitation letter is needed in order to facilitate the visa request. The
Agency recommends that participants apply for visas in a timely manner, if necessary.
VIII. EXPENDITURES
In accordance with established rules, Governments, national authorities, private companies or
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individual sources are expected to bear the travel and other costs of designated participants in
the meeting. Limited funds are, however, available to help cover the cost of participants from
Member States eligible to receive technical assistance under the IAEA’s technical cooperation
programme. Such assistance can be offered, upon specific request, to one participant per country
provided that, in the IAEA’s view, this participant will make an important contribution to the
meeting. The application for financial support should be made at the time of the designation of
the participant.
It should be noted that compensation is not payable by the IAEA for any damage to or loss of
personal property. The IAEA also does not provide any health insurance coverage for
participants in meetings, workshops or training courses or for consultants. Arrangements for
private insurance coverage on an individual basis should therefore be made. The IAEA, will,
however, provide insurance coverage for accidents and illnesses that clearly result from any
work performed for the IAEA.
IX.
WORKING LANGUAGE
The working language of the meeting will be English. All communications, abstracts, and
papers must be sent in English.
FORM A
T1-TM-45453
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
Technical Meeting on
Metasomatite Uranium Occurrences and Deposits
17 – 19 June 2013, IAEA Headquarters, Vienna, Austria
To be sent to competent official authority (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Atomic Energy Authority) for
transmission to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna International Centre, 1400 Vienna, Austria
PARTICIPATION FORM
DEADLINE: 15 March 2013
Family name:
All initials of given name:
Institution:
Full address:
Mr
Ms
For urgent communications please indicate:
Phone No.:
Telefax No.:
Email:
Nationality:
Designating government or organization:
Mailing address (if different from address of institution):
Do you intend to present a paper?
YES
□
NO
□
YES
□
NO
□
Title of the paper:
An abstract of my paper is attached?
FORM B
T1-TM-45453
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
Technical Meeting on
Metasomatite Uranium Occurrences and Deposits
17 – 19 June 2013, IAEA Headquarters, Vienna, Austria
FORM FOR SUBMISSION OF A PAPER
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 15 March 2013
TITLE OF THE PAPER
AUTHOR(S) INITIAL(S) AND FAMILY
NAME(S)
SCIENTIFIC ESTABLISHMENT(S) IN WHICH WORK HAS BEEN
CARRIED OUT
TOWN/COUNTRY
1.
3.
3.
AUTHOR WHO WILL PRESENT THE PAPER
Mailing Address:
Mr./Ms.
Initial(s):
For urgent communications please indicate:
Family Name:
Telefax No.:
E-Mail:
Telex No.:
I HEREBY AGREE TO ASSIGN TO THE INERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
 THE COPYRIGHT OR
 THE NON-EXCLUSIVE, ROYALTY FREE LICENSE
TO PUBLISH THE ABOVE-MENTIONED PAPER, AND CERTFY THAT NO OTHER RIGHTS HAVE BEEN GRANTED WHICH COULD CONFLICT WITH THE
RIGHT HEREBY GIVEN TO THE AGENCY.
DATE:
(SIGNATURE OF MAIN AUTHOR)