Development of a new near infrared (NIR) tool for quantifying coffinite (USiO4) in a moderately complex uranium ore analogue

The uranium ore mineral coffinite (USiO4·nH2O) has previously been characterized using infrared spectral techniques however the spectral behavior of coffinite in relation to concentration and commo2nly associated mineral assemblages is poorly understood. This study addresses some uncertainties by quantifying the coffinite content in a series of 18 artificial mineral mixtures using near infrared (NIR). In the process, a limit of detection for coffinite was determined to be ~ 0.15 wt% (~ 0.1% U3O8), with limits of quantification restricted by mixture composition and instrument capability. Methods defined in this study were applied to a metasomatic albitite uranium ore deposit where the presence of coffinite detected via NIR was validated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques.