Uranium and thorium enrichment in haql granite in Midyan Region Northwest of Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Thirty-four radiometric anomalies with high contents of U ahd Th were identified in an area east of Jabal Az-Zuhd in the Midyan Region, northwest of Saudi Arabia.

These anomalies occur in Haql granite and associated aplites and pegmatites, mostly near its contact with a por-phyrilic mass of the younger Midyan granite.

Fracturing, silicification and hematitization are common features in Haql granite.

Uranophane was identified at one of the anomalous localities.

High mobilization of U within the studied rocks was indicated by wide scatter in eUAJ, Th/U and K/U ratios.

It is suggested that the Haql granite was subjected to hydrothermal action causing redistribution and enrichment of U and Th.