Srn-Nd isotope systematics in uranium-rare earth element mineralization at the Mary Kathleen uranium mine, Queensland

Abstract

Sm-Nd isotope and rare earth element geochemical data for U-rare earth element ore of the Mary Kathleen mine and surrounding country rocks reveal a complex history of meta- somatic alteration and multistage U-rare mineralization in metasedimentary rocks of the host Corella Formation. Widespread high-temperature contact metasomatism and skarn formation related to the emplacement of the U-rich, 1,730-m.y. A-type Burstall Granite produced large volumes of banded calc-silicate skarn. An Sm-Nd age of 1,766 ± 80 m.y. (2c) was obtained on skarn produced at the time of granite emplacement. Sm-Nd data on other skarn types, including massive garnet-diopside skarn which hosts the Mary Kathleen minerali..