Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and Mining Special Issue, No.

8, 2019,
The Geology and Economic Potential of Mineral Deposits and Occurrences of Iraq p 1  18

URANIUM DEPOSITS AND OCCURRENCES IN IRAQ

Mohammad A. Mahdi1
Received: 04/ 04/ 2018, Accepted: 06/ 12/ 2018
Key words: Uranium; Thorium; Radiometric survey; Iraq

ABSTRACT
This is a review paper on the results of the extensive exploration for radioactive minerals
in Iraq, based on previous reports and published papers. The radiometric, geological and
geochemical surveys carried out by the Nuclear Geology Department in the Iraqi Atomic
Energy Commission since 1966 and later continued by Iraq Geological Survey showed
significant radioactivity related to uranium and partly to thorium in the Zagros Suture Zone,
mostly related to acidic intrusions of igneous rocks (anorthosite) and associated metamorphic
rocks (olivine marble). The Qalat Diza region is the most prominent in this part of Iraq. The
Lower Miocene Euphrates Formation is found with remarkable radioactivity along the Hit –
Abu Jir (Euphrates) Fault Zone and related to uranium hosted in carbonate rocks in the
uppermost part of the formation. The most prominent in this region is Abu Skhair
uraniferrous deposit. Numerous areas with anomalous radioactivity are found in the Western
and Southern deserts related to Paleogene and Upper Cretaceous phosphorite exposures.
Several theories have been postulated to explain the source of syngenetic uranium enrichment
in the Euphrates Formation along the Euphrates River, but it is agreed that successive
oxidizing and reducing conditions were effective in the epigenetic uranium concentration in
these carbonate rocks. Detailed exploration in the Abu Skhair deposit led to the opening of an
underground mine and to the development of an efficient uranium extraction process despite
the poor grade of the deposit classified as a lean ore. The results obtained so far point to the
absence of commercial uranium deposits in Iraq, but the potential of phosphorites, as
uranium-bearing rocks, is very significant. Industrial experience at Al-Qaim fertilizers plant
proved that uranium can be effectively and commercially extracted as a by-product during the
production of phosphate fertilizers.

‫رواسب وشىاهد اليىرانيىم في العراق‬

‫محمد عبد االمير مهدي‬

‫المستخلص‬
‫هزِ وسلت يشاجعت عهًٍت عٍ االعًال انًكثفت انخً حًج فً انعشاق نالسخكشاف وانخحشي عٍ انخاياث انًعذٍَت‬
ً‫انًشعت حى اعذادها عهى ضىء انًعهىياث انخً افشصحها انذساساث انسابمت انخً َفزث يٍ لبم لسى انجٍىنىجٍا انُىوٌت ف‬
‫ أشاسث َخائج‬.‫ واسخكًهج الحما يٍ لبم هٍأة انًسح انجٍىنىجً انعشالٍت‬6611 ‫يُظًت انطالت انزسٌت انعشالٍت يُز عاو‬
‫انًسىحاث انسابمت انى وجىد يُاطك يحذدِ فً َطاق صاغشوط االنخحايً يشحبطت فً يعظًها باَذفاعاث نصخىس َاسٌت‬
‫حايضٍت يثم االَىسثىساٌج وانصخىس انًخحىنت انًشافمت نها يثم انًشيش انحايم نالونفٍٍ وحعخبش يُطمت لهعت دصِ يٍ أهى‬
‫ حى سصذ واسخكشاف انعذٌذ يٍ انًُاطك راث االشعاعٍت انعانٍت انًشحبطت بانٍىساٍَىو انًىجىد فً صخىس‬.‫هزِ انًُاطك‬
‫كاسبىٍَخٍت فً انجضء األعهى يٍ حكىٌٍ انفشاث (انًاٌىسٍٍ األسفم) عهى طىل َطاق فانك هٍج – أبى انجٍش انًحاري‬
‫ أثبخج انخحشٌاث وانًسىحاث األسضٍت اسحباط يعظى‬.‫نُهش انفشاث وٌعخبش ساسب انٍىساٍَىو فً يُطمت ابى صخٍش يٍ أهًها‬
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬
1
Former Expert of Iraq Geological Survey, Baghdad, Iraq, e-mail: [email protected]
GEOSURV Iraq: www.geosurviraq.iq
ISSN 1311 – 4539 1 IBGM: http://ibgm-iq.org/
Academic Scientific Journals: www.iasj.net
Uranium Deposits and Occurrences In Iraq Mohammad A. Mahdi

‫ حى‬.‫انًُاطك راث االشعاعٍت انعانٍت فً يُاطك انصحشاء انغشبٍت وانجُىبٍت بشواسب انفىسفاث انًكشىفت عهى سطح االسض‬
‫حمذٌى عذة فشضٍاث ألصم وكٍفٍت إغُاء انٍىساٍَىو انًشافك نهخشسٍب فً حكىٌٍ انفشاث غٍش اٌ هُان احفاق اٌ هُان عًهٍاث‬
‫أكسذِ حعشضج نها انطبمت انحايهت نهٍىساٍَىو سافمها اَسالخ نهٍىساٍَىو األونً ثى اعادة حشسٍب فً ظشوف اخخضانٍت سادث‬
‫ أدث انخحشٌاث انخفصٍهٍت فً ساسب ابى صخٍش‬.ٌٍ‫انًكاٌ وأدث انى إغُاء ثاَىي نهٍىساٍَىو عُذ سطح انخًاط انعهىي نهخكى‬
‫ حشٍش انُخائج‬.‫انى فخح يُجى ححج سطحً وحطىٌش يساس حكُىنىجً السخخالص انٍىساٍَىو سغى حذًَ يحخىاِ فً انصخىس‬
ً‫انًسخحصهت نغاٌت االٌ انى احخًانٍت ضعٍفت نىجىد سواسب الخصادٌت يٍ انٍىساٍَىو غٍش اٌ انصخىس انفىسفاحٍت ف‬
‫انصحشاء انغشبٍت حًثم يصذسا يهًا نهٍىساٍَىو فً انعشاق حٍث أثبخج انعًهٍاث انصُاعٍت فً يجًع انمائى نألسًذة‬
.‫انفىسفاحٍت ايكاٍَت اسُخالص انٍىساٍَىو بطشٌمت فعانت والخصادٌت كُاحج عشضً أثُاء عًهٍاث حصٍُع األسًذة‬

INTRODUCTION
Exploration for radioactive minerals has rapidly developed in a relatively short time since
the beginning of the last century because of the global interest in uranium as a vital source of
energy. The extensive exploration activities for important uranium ores, covered many parts
of the world in the past decades and revealed important data about the nature of these ores and
the conditions of their formation in the earth crust, besides the estimation of their resources.
As for Iraq, the interest in the exploratory activities for uranium ores dates back to the
beginning of the fifties of the past century. The first geological studies were carried out in the
Iraqi Zagros Suture Zone, where the geological structures are accompanied by certain
phenomena and lithology suitable for radioactive ores formation. In addition, the black shale
deposits found in different localities of northern Iraq were considered another expected source
for uranium. The early exploration works in the Zagros Mountains terrain were carried out by
foreign companies including Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC), followed by the work of the Site
Investigation Co. (UK) in 1955 and the Russian experts in the late fifties and early sixties.
The actual start of performing mineral exploration activities for radiometric ores in Iraq
was after establishing the Nuclear Geology Department in the Iraqi Atomic Energy
Commission in 1966. An exploration work plan was set out by a committee of Iraqi
geological experts. According to the recommendations of the scientific committee, several
strategic exploration projects were proposed and accomplished in the following years.

EXPLORATION HISTORY
 Airborne Radiometric Survey (1973 – 1974)
The airborne radiometric survey was executed by a French company (C.G.G.) who
carried out aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric surveys for most parts of Iraq except for the
eastern and northeastern regions for the benefit of Iraq Geological Survey (Formerly known
as The State Company of Geological Survey and Mining). The results of this airborne survey
were (35) radiometric anomalies distributed in various parts of the area covered by the
airborne radiometric survey (Table 1 and Fig.1).

 Radiometric ground surveys

Radiometric carborne and footborne surveys started before the airborne survey in 1974
and continued after that. Verification measures of the radiometric anomalies detected in the
airborne survey or in some areas of important geological nature were reassured. Radiometric
surveys were performed in Al-Qaim, Sinjar and Qalat-Dizeh before 1974. Verification
measures to check the anomalies from the airborne radiometric survey were also carried out
by a number of specialists using ground radiometric surveys during (1974 – 1986).
Al-Samaraei et al. (1975) surveyed the R8 anomaly located SW of Rutba town (Western
Desert), Al-Shibil and Al-Samaraei (1976) verified R28, R31, R32, R33, R34 anomalies at
Al-Salman – Jill areas (Southern Desert), and Abdul Kadir et al. (1976) verified R7 and R8

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Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and Mining Special Issue, No.8, 2019,
The Geology and Economic Potential of Mineral Deposits and Occurrences of Iraq p 1  18

anomalies at Akashat area and southwestern of Rutbah town. Abdul Fattah (1977) verified
R25 anomaly at Al Ma'aniya – Waksah and R2, R1, R15, R18 anomalies at Taqtaqanah and
Milutiyat areas. Al-Najim and Abid Al-Wahid (1982) investigated R7 anomaly at Akashat
area and also the radiometric anomalies R17, R18, R19, R20, R21, R22 and R23 in the
Western Desert, Nukhaib (and its southern parts) and Wadi Al-Ubaiyedh area. Al-Atiya and
Mahdi (1977 – 1981) verified R9, R10, R11 and R14 radiometric anomalies at Shithatha,
Al-Rahaliya and Hit. Mahdi and Al-Kazzaz (1984) verified the radiometric anomalies at
Al-Shannafiya area. The results of these studies defined the origin of radiometric anomalies in
correlation with different kinds of exposed rocks and soil in the surveyed areas of Iraq.

Table 1: Results of the radiometric surveys (C.G.G., 1974)

Values of Anomalies Correlation with Rocks and Containing
No. Anomalies Anomaly Source
Concentrations Sediments
R7, R8, R18, R19, R21, R22,
R23, R24, R25, R6, R26, Correlated with Primary Originated Uranium in phosphate
1 Uranium 10 – 200 ppm
R27, R28, R29, R30, R31, rocks
R32, R33, R34
Correlated with primary uranium showings in the upper part
R5, R9, R11, R12, R13, R14, 20 – 200 ppm of the Euphrates Formation.
2 Uranium
R15, R16, R20, R1, R10 30 – 300 ppm Correlated with uranium and radium in or around water
springs and bitumen seepages
Correlated with uranium or potassium present in clayey
3 R17, R4, R3, R2 Uranium + Potassium 10 – 30 ppm
depression sediments
Correlated with uranium or thorium present in heavy
4 R35 Uranium + Thorium 30 – 400 ppm
minerals present in the sandstones of the Amij Formation

Fig.1: Location of the airborne radiometric anomalies (C.G.G., 1974) superimposed

on regional geological map of Iraq (simplified after Jassim et al., 1986)

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Uranium Deposits and Occurrences In Iraq Mohammad A. Mahdi

 Geochemical surveys
Different geochemical surveys covering very large areas have been performed at Qalat
Diza area (about 115 Km2) by taking water samples from streams and springs and from
valley-fill deposits. The hydrochemical survey covered all drilled and hand dug wells in the
Western Desert, the Southern Desert and Al-Jazera area. More than (70) water samples have
been collected and analyzed for uranium and other elements (e.g., Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn).
Geochemical surveys showed to be effective in defining radiometric anomalies in those areas,
and they also verified the precision of the previous radiometric survey results (Al-Atiya et al.,
1976).

 Detailed uranium exploration and pilot mining operations

Based on various exploratory works, the area of Abu Skhair, south of Najaf City, has
been selected for detailed subsurface exploration. The drilling results delineated a lean
uranium deposit associated with the carbonates of the Euphrates Formation (Lower Miocene).
The Abu Skhair uranium deposit was discovered accidentally in (1977) when the gamma-log
of a well, drilled in the Abu Skhair region for groundwater survey, showed anomalous
radiation at 70 m depth within the carbonate rocks of the Euphrates Formation (Lower
Miocene) (Al-Atiya and Mahdi, 2005). The anomaly was followed by subsurface exploration
that lasted for about ten years where about 400 exploratory wells were drilled, documented
and logged. The reserves were estimated and the physical properties were determined. The
final stages witnessed mine design and development of uranium extraction process. The mine
was opened in 1988 and closed after ten years without actually producing any uranium ore,
except what was excavated while tunneling. Samples for pilot plant ore dressing were
collected and uranium, as a yellow cake, was recovered with significant purity. However, the
deposit is far from being considered as an economic target, being a “lean ore” of no
commercial value (Al-Atiya and Mahdi, 2005).

URANIUM OCCURRENCES AND DEPOSITS

 The Zagros Suture Zone and the Imbricate Zone
These parts of northern Iraq were not covered by airborne radiometric survey. Most of the
exploration work for radioactive minerals was carried out by footborne radiometric surveys,
geochemical surveys and direct geological prospecting (Fig.2). Most of the exploration work
was carried out in the Zagros Suture Zone, NE of Iraq and especially in the Qalat Diza area.

 Qalat Diza region: Several localities within the Qalat Diza region showed interesting
radiometric anomalies and anomalous uranium and thorium concentrations (Table 2).
Mineralologic and petrographic studies have shown that there is a correlation between the
radiometric anomalies in most of these locations with olivine marble and granite-pegmatite
intrusions Thorium concentrations are much higher than uranium concentrations in these
intrusions (Table 2) (Mahdi and Al-Delaimi, 2010).
The northeastern slopes of Shakha Rash Mountain contain high radiometric anomalies
reaching up to 3500 c/s in pegmatite granite intrusions in gneiss penetrated by diorite and
monazite. A new radioactive mineral has been discovered in this area, named Iraqite
{KCa2(La, Ce, Th)Si8O20}, found at the contact zones between coarsely crystallized granitic
rocks and impure dolomitic marble which contains olivine and diopside (Al-Hermizy et al.,
1976). Some of the rocks at Geli Kiwi Mountain consist of serpentine marble with dunite. The
radioactivity of these rocks reached to 700 c/s and uranium concentration reached up to
24 ppm and thorium concentration up to 860 ppm. At Deebza Mountain, which lies about
5.5 Km to the north of Hero village, the radiation intensity in some olivine marble reached up

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Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and Mining Special Issue, No.8, 2019,
The Geology and Economic Potential of Mineral Deposits and Occurrences of Iraq p 1  18

to 2700 c/s in comparison with the general background radiation of 50 c/s. Uranium
concentration reached up to 830 ppm. At Kani Muwish locality, which is 1 Km NE of Belco
village, the thickness of the radioactive ore-bearing rocks is in the range of 50 – 100 cm,
extending to more than 70 meters and consists of anorthosite and probably pegmatite syenite.
The radiation intensity of these rocks reached up to 3000 c/s in comparison with the
radioactivity of the general background of 40 c/s. The uranium concentration reached up to
513 ppm and thorium concentration to 500 ppm. The radiometric anomaly at Wadi Nesi
location, 3.5 Km NE of Hero village, is correlated with fault surfaces in olivine-bearing
marble. The maximum radiation intensity is about 1200 c/s and uranium concentration
reached up to 2640 ppm. Thorium is much higher than uranium and reach to 10170. The
confirmed width of the anomaly is about 1 Km.

Fig.2: Location of mineral prospecting and exploration for radioactive minerals

in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GEOSURV-Iraq)

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Uranium Deposits and Occurrences In Iraq Mohammad A. Mahdi

Table 2: Uranium and thorium concentrations in radioactive rocks of Qalat Diza localities
(Abdul Kadir et al., 1975 and Al-Hermezi et al., 1976)

Uranium

Thorium
Sample

ppm

ppm
Accompanied

No.
Location Type of Radioactive Rocks Notes
Igneous Rocks

II 650 3140 olivine marble-granite-dunite Dunite

Olivine marble
I 1010 10170 olivine marble-granite-dunite Dunite
Nesi radioactive mineral
5a 2640 8830 olivine marble-granite-dunite Dunite
(Qalat Dizah) uranothorite
5b 1250 7530 olivine marble-granite-dunite Dunite
Ro 1590 8550 olivine marble-granite-dunite Dunite
A1 307 Nil olivine marble-granite Dunite
AB 650 Nil olivine marble Dunite
Deebza Mountain A5 830 Nil olivine marble Dunite Olivine marble accompanied
(Qalat Dizah) A10 210 Nil olivine marble Dunite by different kinds of veins
A13 230 Nil olivine marble Dunite
At 432 Nil olivine marble Dunite
D1 845 50 Green rock
D2 6 226 zoisite gneiss
veins of pegmatite granite rocks in
A1 750 30500
Shakha Rash – marble Thin veins of very high
Ultrabasic rocks
(Qalat Dizah) veins of pegmatite granite rocks in radiation
A2 850 27300
marble
veins of pegmatite granite rocks in
A3 38 470
marble
3a 148 160 olivine marble Pyroxenite
A1 4.2 180 olivine marble Olivine marble Serpentinite marble
Keli Kiwi AB 5.5 24 olivine marble Olivine marble accompanying dunite, similar
(Qalat Dizah) A12 24 860 olivine marble Olivine marble to the rocks of Deebza
At 4.7 260 olivine marble Olivine marble Mountain
A5 113 825 olivine marble Olivine marble
C15 67 250 anorthosite – pegmatite
C16 103 630 pegmatite syenite
Kani Mewish Diorite, olivine,
C23 118 250 pegmatite syenite Anorthosite
(Qalat Dizah) gabbro and dunite
C25 613 500 pegmatite syenite
C18 222 50 pegmatite syenite

The radiation intensity at Shakha Rash Mountain reaches up to 3500 c/s in comparison to
the general background radiation of the rocks in the area which reaches up to 50 c/s. At the
northeastern slope of the mountain, some of the of alkaline pegmatite intrusions in marble and
ultrabasic rocks contain laminated graphite with a radiation intensity of 3500 c/s. Tests upon a
number of granules in these rocks show that they contain 97000 ppm thorium and 5300 ppm
uranium. Iraqite was discovered in this locality and reported to contain 0.68% uranium and
24.6% thorium (Al-Hermezi et al., 1976). Previous studies suggested that this mineralization
had taken place because of replacement process of some elements in some minerals like
zircon and xenotime (Mohammad and Ibrahim, 1976).
The radiation intensity in the dug trenches at Kani Mewish reached up to 3000 c/s. The
radioactive rocks are veins of (50 – 100) cm thickness of various compositions including
anorthosite and may be biotite-rich syenite pegmatite. These veins are found in diorite, gabbro
and dunite and the radiation increases with depth. Previous studies have shown that the
radioactivity is caused by the existence of zircon in the veins, and the results showed that the
radioactive equilibrium is for uranium, and this gives the possibility of the existence of other
source of uranium (Al-Kazzaz and Husain, 1976). The radioactive intensity at Deebza
Mountain is about 2700 c/s in the olivine marble rocks where uranium concentration reached
to 30 ppm, while thorium concentrations are very low.
– Penjween area: The Dmamna locality in the Penjween area shows radioactivity in the
range of (200 – 800) c/s and with concentrations of 40 ppm uranium in granite rocks. Mineral

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The Geology and Economic Potential of Mineral Deposits and Occurrences of Iraq p 1  18

studies have shown that high concentrations of uranium are correlated with the increase in
iron oxide content (Al-Shibil and Kettanah, 1972).
– Rawanduz area: The dolomitic limestone and black shale rocks containing carbonaceous
components near Barserin and Naokelekan villages showed distinguished radiometric
anomalies. The radiation intensity ranged between (200 – 400) c/s and uranium
concentrations ranged between (20 – 100) ppm with an average of 60 ppm in thin veins of
coal (Al-Kazzaz etai., 1972). The radiation intensity in Galala – Rayat localities was within
the general radiation background (Abdul Kadir et al., 1971).

 Zakho area: Radiometric anomalies, up to 700 c/s, were found near Banik Village in
black shales which contain with high content of asphalt (Khulaif and Taha, 2006).

 Uranium deposits and occurrences along the Euphrates River

The results of the radiometric airborne survey of Iraq by (C.G.G.) showed a group of
radiometric anomalies of different intensities extending from Al-Qaim town in the NE to
Samawah City in the SE. These radiometric anomalies are mostly associated with outcrops of
Middle and Lower Miocene age (Table 3). The Upper Member of the Euphrates Formation
and sometime the Ghar Formation are characterized by different uranium concentrations. The
area forms a longitudinal strip of numerous radioactive anomalies extending along the west
bank of the Euphrates River. The strip is (50 – 60) Km wide and about (600) Km long (Fig.3).
This area is characterized by numerous radiometric anomalies and uranium occurrences which
have been investigated over decades during the past century. The radioactivity is connected
with certain lithological and stratigraphic units, located within the carbonate rocks of the
Euphrates Formation (Lower Miocene) and the Nfayil Formation (Middle Miocene) as well as
around spring-water deposits. They are mostly found in Hit – Abu Jeer, Shithatha and Al-
Shannafiya localities (Tables 3 and 4).

Fig.3: Geological, structural and radiometric map west of the Euphrates River
(Compiled by Al-Bassam et al., 2006 from: C.G.G., 1974; Buday and
Jassim, 1984; Jassim et al., 1986 and Fouad et al., 1986)

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Uranium Deposits and Occurrences In Iraq Mohammad A. Mahdi

Table 3: Specifications of radiometric anomalies in the Euphrates

Miocene Belt (C.G.G., 1974)
Anomaly Anomaly Radioactive Anomaly
Area Notes
No. Causes Intensity Extension
Al-Qa'im R5 U more than 1200 Euphrates Formation Wide areas
Scattered
Hit - Abu Jeer R9 U 500 – 3000 Sulfur Springs
locations
Euphrates Formation – Wide and isolated
Shithatha R11 U+K 400 – 1200
Sulfur Springs areas
Taqtaqanah R16 U 250 Euphrates Formation Specific area
Abu Skhair ? K ? Recent Deposits Specific area
Recent Deposits – Sulfur
Shannafiya R20 U 250 – 400 Wide area
Springs

Table 4: Uranium concentration and its equivalent in springs water and deposits in
some areas west of the Euphrates River (Al-Atiya et al., 1976)
Spring Water Spring Deposits
No. Location Spring Spring Water Quality
U3O8 ppb pH U3O8 ppm
1 Al Khalidiyah 13.7 - -
2 Al- Marj 0.29 6.3 -
3 Kubaisa 0.42 - 8
4 Zazoo'o 0.4 7.2 7 Sulfuric
Hit - Abu Jeer

5 Mamooriya 0.1 7 -
6 Hit 2.72 7.2 2
7 Asforiyah 0.55 7.5 7
8 Awazil 0.1 - -
9 Jabha 2.4 7.5 24 Na-Ca-Cl
10 Jabha 0.1 11
11 Abu Jeer 0.1 3
12 Abu Jeer 0.1 10
13 As Sarga (Rahaliya) 2.8
14 Rahaliya (borehole) 4.97
15 Imam Ahmed Ibn Hashim 4.7
Shithatha

16 Sdaha 5.6
(7 – 8) 17 SO4,Ca,Mg,Na,Cl
17 Mnaiseeb 6.1
18 Al Barakah 4.4
19 Haji Sharif 4.38
20 Al Maleh 5.3
21 Al Aasi 5.7 7.1
22 Abu Labak 2.7 6.8
23 Al Qa'im 3.2 7.6 12
Al-Shannafiya

24 Dhubab 1 7.9 < 10

25 Al Mahari 6.4 7 14
26 Dawood 9 7.4 < 10 SO4,Ca,Na,Cl
27 Um Dhrook 7.8 7.1 < 10
28 Jsoom 8.5 7.4
29 Dheej 7.6 7.2
30 Al Hasooni 15.3 7.5 < 10
31 Shweerj 9.5 7.4 < 10

The radioactive anomalies detected by the C.G.G. (1974) are distributed along the
Hit – Abu Jir (Euphrates) Fault Zone (Fig.3), which consists of a system of faults with strike
slip general character, evidenced by pressure ridges and sag ponds on surface and the
presence of positive and negative flower structures in subsurface (Fouad, 2004). In the Anah
 Al-Qaim area these faults are related to the evolution of the Anah Graben and were
reactivated during the inversion of the Anah Graben in the Miocene (Fouad et al., 1986. The
age of the Euphrates Fault Zone is believed to be Campanian associated with an extension
phase that affected the interior of the Arabian Plate, at that time and was reactivated in the

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Early Miocene (Fouad, 2004). Evidence of the Early Miocene rejuvenation of the Euphrates
Fault Zone can be seen as episodes of synsedimentary tectonic disturbance reflected by
brecciated and/ or undulated horizons and slump structures in the upper parts of Unit C of the
Euphrates Formation (Fouad et al., 1986 and Hassan et al., 2002).
 Uranium deposits in the Al-Qaim area: A series of different radiometric investigations
and geological activities were intermittently carried out in Al-Qaim area from 1968 till 1990.
These activities covered about (300) Km2 which lies between Wadi Al-Jarwa from the east
and Wadi Al-Qaim from the west. A dolostone layer, within the upper part of the Euphrates
Formation (Lower Miocene), shows distinguished radioactivity and a good geographical
extension between Wadi Al-Jarwah and Al-Qaim town. The thickness of this layer ranges
between (1.15 m – 4.25 m). It contains high concentrations of uranium ranging between
(10 – 264) ppm, with an average of (70) ppm. Mineral investigations during 1983 – 1984
resulted in defining a uranium-bearing layer within dark grey dolostone containing organic
materials and important concentrations of uranium. The average of uranium concentrations in
this layer is (247) ppm with average thickness of about (2.78) m (Abdul-Kadir and
Mohammad, 1985; Al-Kazzaz and Mahdi, 1991).
Brecciated rocks, at the Upper part of the Euphrates Formation, adjacent to the Euphrates
River, contain a considerable concentration of uranium and some other radioactive elements.
Uranium concentrations range between (20 – 716) ppm. Distinguished radiometric activity in
the soil surrounding sulfuric springs was detected and believed to have resulted from surface
concentrations of uranium equivalent (radium). These concentrations decrease at depth and
away from the sulfuric spring (Table 4). The spring waters mostly contain radium, but not
uranium, specifically those of (Na – Cl) water type, which contain bituminous materials.

 Uranium occurrences in the Shithatha area: Anomaly (R11) (airborne survey C.G.G.,
1974) was correlated to some outcrops and sulfuric springs at Shithatha – Rahaliya area.
Geochemical, radiometric and geological prospecting activities were performed by drilling
about (20) exploratory borehole in Shithatha areas (Al-Atiya et al., 1977; Al-Atiya and
Mahdi, 1977 – 1981). The results show that the radiometric intensity at Shithatha area and its
arable lands ranges between (20 – 400) c/s. and the concentration of (U3O8) in soil
components near the springs ranges between (10 – 55) ppm, whereas the equivalent
concentrations range between (10 – 54) ppm. The radioactive anomaly in the limestone of the
Euphrates Formation is distributed in three uranium-bearing zones. Uranium concentration in
the first zone ranges between (10 – 200) ppm, whereas in the other two zones, which are
subsurface zones consisting of marl and limestone, the average uranium concentration is
71 ppm and 28 ppm, respectively. The exposed rocks of the Euphrates Formation at Abu
Sfayah quarry, located about three kilometers to the south of Shithatha town, contain an
average concentration of uranium exceeding (70) ppm and consist of tough recrystallized
fossiliferous dolostone.
The groundwater in the Shithatha area dissolves uranium of the Euphrates Formation and
transports it by spring water flowing to the surface. In the course of time, and as a result of
quick evaporation, high radiometric anomalies were formed around the springs where they
reached in some locations to more than (800) c/s as in a location near Bardaweel spring.
Sulfatic springs of the Shithatha area have the composition (Ca, Mg, Na, Cl and SO4) and
contain high concentrations of uranium equivalent (radium). Some of the springs contain
anomalous uranium concentrations which reached up to (50) ppb as in Ein Al-Barakah which
is located at a distance of (4) Km to the west of the Shithatha town. The radioactive

9
Uranium Deposits and Occurrences In Iraq Mohammad A. Mahdi

equilibrium in the area is for uranium equivalent which represents an average of (84%) and
that for uranium by an average of about (10%).
All of the previous studies did not recommend further investigations in the Shithatha and
Rahaaliya areas because the results showed that the source of the radioactive anomalies in
these areas is the primary (syngenetic) uranium concentrations present in the Euphrates
Formation. These uranium concentrations are considered economically insignificant in view
of the difficulties encountered in uranium extraction from these rocks, as proved in Al-Qaim
deposits where the uranium recovery did not exceed 7%.
 Radioactive anomaly at Taqtaqanah area: Anomaly (R16) at Taqtaqanah area has the
same characteristics as that of Shithatha area. Footborne radiometric survey was carried out
by Abdul-Fattah (1978). Al-Kazzaz and Mahdi (1982) performed surface and subsurface
exploratory investigations by drilling of (20) exploratory boreholes in order to define the
uranium-bearing layer and study the causes of the radiometric anomaly. The results showed
the existence of two uranium anomalous layers within the upper part of Euphrates Formation.
The first layer contains uranium concentrations in the range of (20 – 292) ppm and the
thickness ranges from 20 cm to 40 cm. It consists of solid dolomitic limestone which contains
iron oxides, while the second layer consists of porous granular limestone which contains iron
oxides and lower uranium concentrations than the first layer. The uranium concentration in
the second layer ranges between (20 – 118) ppm and its thickness is about (30) cm.

 Radiometric anomaly at Al-Shannafiya area: The radiometric airborne survey of Iraq

defined anomaly (R20) in several locations west of Al-Shannafiya town (C.G.G., 1974). The
results of the radiometric survey showed the primary correlation of the radiometric anomaly
with the locations of springs in the area and with some of the outcrops (Al-Najim and Abid
Al-Wahid, 1984). These activities were followed by (Mahdi and Al-Kazzaz, 1984) by more
exploration activities focusing upon the sources of the anomaly and assessing their
significance. The results indicated that the radiometric anomaly is correlated with the
locations of springs and surrounding soil and the intensity becomes lower away from the
springs and with depth. The spring deposits contain high concentrations of radium of up to
(86) ppm whereas some spring water in the area contain uranium concentrations up to about
(15) ppm and the kind of water is (Cl, Na, Ca and SO4). The source of this water is thought to
be deep and it might be a mixture from two sources which is similar to the water of Shithatha
area. On the other hand, dolomitic limestone in some layers of the Euphrates and Ghar
formations contain uranium concentrations up to (59) ppm in the surface outcrops, but
uranium was not detected in the subsurface layers. The study results of Al-Shannafiya showed
that radiometric evidences in the area are economically insignificant because the host rocks do
not contain valuable uranium concentrations.

 Uranium deposits in the Abu Skhair Area: Abu Skhair area is located 18 Km SW of
Al-Najaf City (Fig.4). The area is characterized a plane surface containing recent deposits
which are a mixture of clays, fine sand and vegetative organic materials resulted from root
residues of grass, plants and trees. These deposits are black in some locations especially in
Al-Jibsah Marsh. The area is surrounded from the east and northeast by the extension of Tar
Al-Najaf highland which is comprised of pebbly sand and sandstone deposits of the Dibdibba
Formation (Pliocene – Pleistocene). The Abu Skhair uranium deposit was discovered
accidentally in (1977) when the gamma-log of a well, drilled in the Abu Skhair region for
groundwater survey, showed anomalous radiation at 70 m depth within the carbonate rocks of
the Euphrates Formation (Lower Miocene) (Al-Atiya et al., 1983; Al-Atiya and Mahdi, 2005).

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Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and Mining Special Issue, No.8, 2019,
The Geology and Economic Potential of Mineral Deposits and Occurrences of Iraq p 1  18

The anomaly was followed by subsurface exploration that lasted for about ten years where
about 400 exploratory wells were drilled. The final stages witnessed mine design and
development of uranium extraction process. A pioneer underground mine was opened and
(5) tons of uranium-rich deposits was produced for uranium extraction tests using a pilot plant
unit. The mine was opened in 1988 and closed after ten years, according to the decision of the
International Security Council, without actually producing any uranium ore, except what was
excavated while tunneling.

Fig.4: Geological map of the Abu Skhair area showing location of the
uranium mine (extracted from Al-Bassam et al., 2013)

The results of the exploratory boreholes in the area showed two groundwater-bearing
layers (limestone and dolomitic limestone) located at the upper part of the Euphrates
Formation and forming two aquifers (upper and lower), separated by a (3) m thick marl layer,
Uranium concentration in the groundwater of this area is about (250) ppb. Four carbonate
layers containing abnormal concentrations of uranium have been identified (Fig.5). The first
(upper) one is the main layer containing uranium deposits and it was the target of detailed
assessment and reserve estimation because of its high uranium concentrations in comparison
with the other layers.
The main uranium-bearing layer at Abu Skhair area is (0.2 – 4.7) m thick and consists of
dolomitic limestone of dark grey color, rich in organic materials and bioclasts of oysters,
Uranium concentration in this layer varies and reaches up to 0.4% (U3O8). The stratigraphic
status of the main uranium layer in the area is determined by the contact zone between the
Euphrates and the Ghar formations of Lower Miocene age (Ctyroky and Karim, 1971 and
Buday, 1980). This layer is stratigraphically located between the upper part of the Euphrates
Formation and the lower part of the Ghar Formation. The lithology of the Euphrates
Formation in its upper part consists of dolomitic limestone rich in shelly fossils of pelycepods

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Uranium Deposits and Occurrences In Iraq Mohammad A. Mahdi

and gastropods. The rocks of the Ghar Formation, overlying the main uranium-bearing layer,
consist of gray clayey sandstone. The other uranium-bearing layers within the Euphrates
Formation, located below the main layer, are noticeably poor in uranium concentrations as
compared to the upper main layer. Thus, the exploration results concerning these layers were
not taken into consideration in the technical estimation of the uranium deposit at Abu Skhair
area.
No. of Radioactive
Characteristics of the Uranium Bearing Layers Facies
Zone

Dolomitic limestone, clayey, gray to black in color, contains

1
organic materials, shells and crushed fossils.

Dolomitic limestone, yellow in color, cavernous, contains

2
fossils of oyster shells and forms an aquifer.

Dolomitic limestone, grey in color and contains organic

3
materials

Dolomitic limestone, brown in color, very hard and contain

4
fossils and forms an aquifer.

Fig.5: Columnar section showing the lithological characteristics of the uranium-bearing

layers in the Abu-Skhair deposit (not to scale)
The nature of uranium mineralization in the main layer of the Abu Skhair deposit was
studied by (Mohammad, 1983) and The Centre for Technical Studies of Special Materials
(CETEM). Uranium distribution in this layer is agglomerated in the cavities and microscopic
cracks of the crushed oyster shell, besides its random distribution in the textural components
of the rocks, which is governed by the distribution of organic and clay materials. Two main
phases of uranium mineralization were identified: The first one is in the form of uraninite
(UO2) which is not common (CETEM, 1986) and the second is in the form of adsorbed
uranium on the organic and clay materials (Mohammad, 1983). The radioactive equilibrium
of uranium in this layer is missing and it tends mainly towards uraninite (U 3O8) at the expense
of radium radioactive sequence (eU3O8). It was noted that the lack of radioactive equilibrium
tended to increase with increasing uranium concentrations. The factor of radioactive
equilibrium could be in the range of < 2 to 4.6.

 Uranium showings in the Western and Southern Deserts

Extensive exploration activities have been carried out using ground radiometric surveys
and drilling of numerous boreholes to investigate the origin of 35 radiometric anomalies
identified in the Western and Southern deserts of Iraq by airborne geophysical survey
(C.G.G., 1974) (Fig.1). The follow-up results showed that (19) of the radiometric anomalies
are correlated with uranium of primary origin present in the widely exposed phosphate rocks

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Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and Mining Special Issue, No.8, 2019,
The Geology and Economic Potential of Mineral Deposits and Occurrences of Iraq p 1  18

especially in the Western Desert. The uranium concentration in these phosphorites ranges
between (20 – 100) ppm with an average of (60) ppm (Abdul-Kadir et al., 1976; Al-Najim
and Abid Al-Wahid, 1982; Al-Bassam, 2007). Yellow uranium oxides (metatyuyamunite) are
noticed in the surface of cracks and rock joints formed due to uranium mobilization from its
phosphatic primary sources.

 Wadi Amij area (anomaly R35): This radiometric anomaly is correlated with heavy
minerals of zirconium and titanium in the sandstone of the Amij Formation (Middle Jurassic)
where the radiometric intensity of the sandstone reached up to (500) c/s. It is proved that the
radiometric anomalies are correlated with the presence of radioactive monazite and zircon
granules (Ismael, 1996).

 South and southwest of Rutba areas: A radiometric footborne survey is performed in the
area located southwest of Rutba town. The survey covered H3, Msad Rag'gas, Shuaib
Al-Tarfat and other locations south of Rutba town. The radiometric anomalies coincide with
the exposures of phosphatic rocks of the Digma (Upper Cretaceous) and Akashat (Paleocene)
formations. The radiometric intensity of these locations ranged between (50 – 200) c/s
corresponding to an average uranium concentration in the rocks of (80) ppm (Al-Samaraei
et al., 1975). To follow-up the radiometric anomalies in this area, (28) exploratory boreholes
were drilled and (550) rock slides, prepared from samples of boreholes cores, were studied in
order to delineate the distribution of phosphatic zones and their uranium content (Abdul-Kadir
et al., 1976). The first phosphatic zone contains up to (180) ppm uranium; the highest
uranium concentrations were found in phosphoclasts and ooids, but there is irregular
correlation between uranium and P2O5.
 Al-Salman and Al-Jill areas: The exploration activities in these areas aimed at the
verification of four radiometric anomalies (R33, R32, R31 and R28) by carborne and
footborne radiometric surveys. The radiometric activity detected in the rocks of the Umm Er
Radhuma and Dammam formations ranged between (160 – 180) c/s, and the highest radiation
intensity reached to (680) c/s which is about (3 – 4) times the radiation intensity of the
surrounding environment. The average uranium concentration is (60) ppm and P2O5 ranged
between (5 – 7) wt.%. Al-Kazzaz and Al-Khafaji, (1987) used the (Track etch) method to
define the radiation intensity depending on radon gas sensing to count alpha particle radiation
emitted from radon gas decomposition in the anomaly areas R24, R23, R28. The study
identified significant traces of radon gas leakage. The radiation intensity reached up to
(160) c/s with a uranium average concentration of (65) ppm in dolomitic phosphatic rocks.

 Nekhaib – Al-Lusuf area: A number of exploration boreholes were drilled to investigate

the airborne radiometric anomalies in the area (Khdair and Mohammad, 1984). Three
boreholes were drilled with depths ranging from (160 – 180) m. Radiometric well logging of
these boreholes were performed to select the sampling intervals. The boreholes penetrated the
Zahra Formation (Pliocene – Pleistocene), Dammam Formation (Eocene), Umm Er Radhuma
Formation (Paleocene) and Tayarat Formation (Upper Cretaceous). The well-logging process
showed two radioactive zones. The radioactive intensity in the first zone is four times the
surrounding background (25) c/s. This zone consists of clayey limestone with a thickness of
(1 – 2) m and at a depth of (29) m. The radioactive intensity of the second zone is five times
the general intensity of the surrounding background.

 Akashat area (anomaly R7): Carborne radiometric exploration survey was carried out to
verify the source of anomaly R7 in the Akashat area. The results indicate that the anomaly

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Uranium Deposits and Occurrences In Iraq Mohammad A. Mahdi

coincides with the Paleocene phosphorite exposures in the area (Al-Najim and Abid
Al-Wahid, 1982).

 South of Nekhaib – Al-Birreet area: A detailed subsurface investigation to follow up the

radiometric anomalies has also been performed (Al-Kazzaz and Al-Khafaji, 1987) by drilling
eight boreholes at Al-Birreet area near Keyhole (KH 417). Most of the rocks penetrated
during the drilling belong to Tayarat and Hartha formations (Upper Cretaceous), which
consist of organic-rich dolomitic limestone. Some anomalous zones of different uranium
concentrations were identified. The thickness of these zones ranges between (15 – 70) cm and
they contain high percentage of organic materials with uranium concentrations in the range of
(14 – 284) ppm.

ORIGIN OF URANIUM MINERALIZATIOIN IN THE LOWER MIOCENE ROCKS

 Syngenetic uranium mineralization
Several theories have been presented to explain the uranium source and syngenetic
uranium enrichment in certain horizons of the Euphrates Formation (Lower Miocene) along
the western parts of the Euphrates River basin. The average concentration of uranium in this
kind of rocks is generally low (e.g., about 80 ppm in the Abu Skhair deposit). Thus, it did not
attract the attention of exploration surveys, but it is considered an important source of
uranium for the epigenetic deposits if suitable conditions are found. The syngenetic uranium
enrichment is considered a phenomenon that characterizes the Euphrates Formation along the
Euphrates River basin, where uranium anomalies have been identified (Al-Kazzaz and Mahdi,
1991).
 Phosphate rocks as source of uranium: This theory is presented by Mahdi and
Al-Delaimi (2005) who suggested the exposed marine phosphorites, as a source of syngenetic
uranium mineralization in the Lower Miocene rocks. They suggest that upon exposure of
these Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene deposits in the Early Miocene, uranium was leached
and mobilized by surface waters during wet periods via great rivers flowing from the west,
where the phosphorites are exposed, towards the shores of the Early Miocene sea in the east.
Mahdi and Al-Delaimi (2005) also included the igneous rocks of the Arabian Shield to be a
possible source of uranium transported by fluvial systems towards the Early Miocene sea.

 Subsurface magmatic igneous rocks as a source of uranium: This theory is presented

by Al-Atiya et al. (1977) where a primary uranium source of magmatic origin close to the
basement rocks was suggested. In this theory uranium was leached by hydrothermal solutions
and travelled long distances upward, through fractures and faults. The dispersed uranium may
have been trapped in certain horizons where favorable conditions for uranium accumulation
existed. A uranium trap was speculated below bitumen accumulation in some areas such as
Hit. The depth of the primary source of uranium was suggested by Al-Atiya et al. (1977) to be
about 3500 m, based on temperature of spring water and on thermal gradient. They considered
spring water as of hydrothermal origin and they suggest that uranium was transported by these
waters and concentrated in shallower horizons, rich in hydrocarbon accumulation.

 Subsurface Paleozoic clastic rocks as source of uranium: A model is proposed by

Al-Bassam et al. (2006) that consider the thick uraniferrous Paleozoic clastic rocks as source
rocks, lying several kilometers underneath. The late Early Miocene tectonic unrest triggered
fracturing and faulting that allowed for uranium-rich groundwater, trapped in the Paleozoic
aquifers, to ascend to surface in the shallow parts of the late Early Miocene sea, together with
bitumen and H2S seepages. Uranium was precipitated in the interstitial pore environment,

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Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and Mining Special Issue, No.8, 2019,
The Geology and Economic Potential of Mineral Deposits and Occurrences of Iraq p 1  18

below sediment-water interface, where carbonate ion concentration was low, (following the
precipitation of lime mud), uranium concentration was high and strong reductants were
available (bitumen and H2S). Short-lived tectonically-induced regressive phases led to
episodes of emergence in the peritidal environment, which caused significant increase in the
uranium concentration in the pore water environment leading to thin horizons of anomalous
uranium concentration superimposed on a generally higher than background uraniferrous
carbonates. Early diagenetic dolomitization trapped the uranium, as urano-organic phases or
cryptocrystalline pitchblende, inside the minute dolomite crystals, which generally kept them
from oxidation and remobilization.

 Epigenetic uranium mineralization

The second type of uranium deposits is epigenetic. Two theories are proposed in this
respect for Al-Qaim deposit. The earlier one is postulated by Al-Fadhli and Abdul Kadir,
(1969a). They argued about an epigenetic origin for Al-Qaim deposits and according to their
hypothesis uranium ion-bearing solutions (pH about 7  8) was derived from the source area
(uranium-bearing phosphate rocks of the Rutba area) by mean of groundwater. Later
Al-Fadhli and Abdul Kadir (1969b) suggested that uranium was precipitated at and below the
fluctuated paleo-water table within the pervious and semi-pervious rocks of the Euphrates
Formation.
In the Abu Skhair deposit, detailed field and laboratory studies show that the Euphrates
Formation suffered oxidation processes in its upper layer containing syngenetic uranium
deposits. This resulted in secondary (epigenetic) enrichment of uranium, where the
radiometric equilibrium of uranium is sharply inclined towards the radium series. The
aforementioned case of oxidation and uranium enrichment was accompanied by a partial
erosion of the upper syngenetic uranium-bearing layer, shown in the corrosive, uneven and
cavernous contact surface of the oxidized layer with the syngenetic uranium layer below. This
is considered as evidence of a short-term discontinuity in the deposition process (hiatus) in the
area at the top of the Euphrates Formation. Following the oxidation process and the
depositional discontinuity, a state of reducing conditions dominated the system, indicated by
dark gray color, dominant presence of pyrite and organic materials including chops of wood
and plant residues, suggesting growth of vegetation cover in the area (Al-Atiya and Mahdi,
2005).

URANIUM RESOURCES OF IRAQ

Two uranium deposits have been investigated in detail in Iraq; both of which are strata-
bound to the carbonate rocks of the Euphrates Formation (Lower Miocene). The first one is
the Al-Qaim deposit, located at the southern side of the Euphrates River near Al-Qaim town
in Al-Anbar Governorate, and the second is the Abu Skhair deposit, located near Abu Skhair
town in Najaf Governorate. Both deposits contain “lean uranium ore” but the Abu Skhair
deposit was followed up by more detailed investigations which led to the opening of an
underground mine and uranium extraction tests on a pilot plant scale.

 Al-Qaim deposit
Detailed investigations and prospecting for uranium have been carried out in the area
between Wadi Al-Qaim and Wadi Al-Jarwa, which resulted in reserve estimation on category
C2 by 6000 tons U3O8 in an area of 20 Km2, average thickness of 1 m and average grade of
80 ppm U. Further work identified a 3.4 m thick dolomitic layer covering an area of 105 Km 2,
containing 117 ppm U and reserves of 1683 tons U3O8 estimated on category C2. A third

15
Uranium Deposits and Occurrences In Iraq Mohammad A. Mahdi

location in the neighborhood, 0.5 Km2 in area, was investigated and assessed on category C1,
where the average thickness of the U-bearing bed is 1.75 and the uranium concentration is
247 ppm (Al-Kazzaz and Mahdi, 1991).

 Abu Skhair deposit

Detailed mineral exploration and assessment have been carried out in the Abu Skhair
deposit in the period (1978 – 1987). The results of these investigations pointed out to a
uraniferrous clayey fossiliferous dolomitic limestone bed, 0.5 – 4.7 m thick (average = 1.5 m)
with up to 3969 ppm uranium concentration. In 1984 the uranium reserves were estimated
considering four uranium grades and a thickness range between 1.15 – 1.50 m (Al-Atiya
et al., 1984) (Table 5). Further work at Hor Al-Jibsa (Fig.4) estimated 230 tons of U3O8
reserves on category C1 considering 1 m thick layer with 200 ppm U concentration and
covering an area of 0.5 Km2 (Mahdi and Al-Hamad, 1987).
Table 5: Reserve estimation of the Abu Skhair uranium deposit
(Al-Atiya et al., 1984)

Uranium
Category of reserve Reserves Area Number of Thickness
concentration
estimation* (ton) (Km2) boreholes (m)
(ppm)
6619 66.11 661 6.1 621
6629 1.6 16 6.61 299
C2
6661 2.1 61 6.61 216
6919 9.61 66 6.21 611
* Russian norms

CONCLUSIONS
 Uranium occurrences and deposits in Iraq are of three main geological associations; in the
Zagros Suture Zone they are related to acidic igneous intrusions (mainly anorthosite) and
associated metamorphic rocks (mainly olivine-marble). Along the Euphrates River basin
they are related to Lower Miocene carbonate rocks of the Euphrates Formation, and in
most of the Western and Southern deserts they are related to marine sedimentary
phosphorites of Upper Cretaceous – Paleogene age (mainly Akashat Formation of
Paleocene age).
 The uranium occurrences of igneous and metamorphic origin in the Zagros Suture Zone
are interesting, but they are not investigated in detail and their subsurface extensions are
not known. Hence it is difficult to assess their potential as economic raw material for
uranium and other radioactive elements. The showings at Qalat Diza region are
encouraging and deserve further work.
 All the uranium deposits and occurrences associated with the carbonate rocks of the
Euphrates Formation, especially those investigated in detail at Abu Skhair and Al-Qaim,
are lean uranium deposits. They cannot be considered as commercially economic deposits,
especially with the problems of uranium extraction from carbonate rocks.
 The main resource of uranium in Iraq is the enormous Paleocene phosphorite deposits of
the Western Desert (Akashat Formation). The proved reserves are estimated by about
10000 m.t. with an average uranium concentration of ~50 ppm (Al-Bassam, 2017).
Uranium in phosphorites can be easily extracted from phosphoric acid, as by-product
during the production of phosphate fertilizers. More than 150 tons of uranium was
recovered as yellow cake (Jalhoom et al., 2017), but the plant was destroyed during the

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Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and Mining Special Issue, No.8, 2019,
The Geology and Economic Potential of Mineral Deposits and Occurrences of Iraq p 1  18

1991 war. New industrial projects of phosphate fertilizers industry should consider the
essential need to include a uranium-extraction unit from phosphoric acid.

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Al-Samaraei, N., Mahdi, M.A. and Al-Najim, N.M., 1975. Carborne radiometric survey of SW Rutba area.
GEOSURV, int. rep. no. 1630 (in Arabic).
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Valley. GEOSURV, int. rep. no. 1615 (in Arabic).
Al-Shibil, T. and Al-Samaraei, N., 1976. Carborne radiometric survey of the Al-Salman – Al-Jil area, Southern
Desert. GEOSURV, int. rep. no. 1454 (in Arabic).
Al-Kazzaz H.M. and Husain, A.J. 1976. Exploratory investigation of radioactive material in Wadi Nesi and Kani
Muwish localities at Qalat Diza area with special emphasis on radioactivity, geology and petrography.
GEOSURV, int. rep. no. 1221 (in Arabic).
Al-Kazzaz, H.M. and Mahdi, M.A., 1982. Preliminary exploration for radioactive ore minerals in the Taqtaqanah
area, Najaf Governorate. GEOSURV, int. rep. no. 1221 (in Arabic).

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Uranium Deposits and Occurrences In Iraq Mohammad A. Mahdi

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Interpretation report. GEOSURV, int. rep. no. 2642.
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Anah area. GEOSURV, int. rep. no. 1527.
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About the author

Mr. Mohammad A. Mahdi graduated from University of Baghdad in 1967

with B.Sc. degree in Geology. He joined the Nuclear Geology Department
in the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission in 1971, and then he moved to
GEOSURV in 1979. After along field experience in performing many
radiometric surveys and mineral explorations in different parts of Iraq, he
was assigned as an expert in mineral investigation. During the last seven
years, he was the head of Quality Management Division at GEOSURV. He
has more than 80 documented reports and published papers.
e-mail: [email protected]

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