Metallogenic conditions of in-situ leachable sandstone-type uranium deposits and dynamic evolution of the Turpan-Hami basin

Abstract： Analyses of the climate, geomorphologic features, groundwater dynamics, tectonics and structure, development conditions of interlayer oxidation zones and geological and geochemical characteristics of the ore target beds suggest that the metallogenic conditions of in-situ leachable sandstone-type uranium deposits in the north of the Turpan-Hami basin are notably different from those in the south (the slope zone of Aydingkol Lake, Liaonang depression and Nangfu depression). The basic cause is related to the difference in dynamic evolution in the southern and northern parts of the basin. According to the characteristics of tectonic subsidence, tectonic sequences and influence by plate motion, the tectonic evolution of the basin can be divided into five stages, of which the third stage (Carboniferous to Triassic), the compression-type foreland basin sedimentary stage, laid the foundation of the differences in tectonic evolution between the south and north of the basin, and had profound influence on the distribution of Meso-Cenozoic in-situ leachable sandstone-type uranium deposits, the fourth stage (Jurassic to Cretaceous), the weak extensional-type downfaulted basin stage, provided the material foundation for the formation of uranium deposits in the south of the basin, and the fifth stage (Paleogene to Quaternary), the Cenozoic compressional-type foreland basin stage, provided the sufficient exterior dynamic force for the formation and enrichment of the uranium deposits in the south of the basin.