HISTORICAL REVIEW AND CURRENT EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES FOR NUCLEAR MINERALS IN THE PHILIPPINES Rolando Y. Reyes 1 , Christina A. Petrache 2 , Lourdes G. Fernandez 1 , Wilfred N. Magsambol 1 , Wendy G. Lim 1 , Estrellita U. Tabora 1 ,Socorro P. Intoy 1 , Charles Darwin T. Racadio 1 and Gabriel P. Santos, Jr. 3 1 Nuclear Materials Research Section, Atomic Research Division, 2 Nuclear Services Division, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute 3 Former Head of Nuclear Materials Research Section Philippine Nuclear Research Institute NT/2/015 - Interregional IAEA-CYTED-UNECE Workshop on Recent Developments in Evaluation of Uranium and Thorium Resources, Lisbon, Portugal, 15-18 October 2012.
Transcript
HISTORICAL REVIEW AND CURRENT EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES FOR NUCLEAR
MINERALS IN THE PHILIPPINESRolando Y. Reyes1, Christina A. Petrache2, Lourdes G. Fernandez1, Wilfred N. Magsambol1,
Wendy G. Lim1, Estrellita U. Tabora1,Socorro P. Intoy1,Charles Darwin T. Racadio1 and Gabriel P. Santos, Jr.3
1Nuclear Materials Research Section, Atomic Research Division, 2Nuclear Services Division, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
3Former Head of Nuclear Materials Research Section
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
NT/2/015 - Interregional IAEA-CYTED-UNECE Workshop on Recent Developments inEvaluation of Uranium and Thorium Resources, Lisbon, Portugal, 15-18 October 2012.
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
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92,212 sq km
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
Philippine Nuclear Research InstituteMandate
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
Regulate the safe utilization
of nuclear energy
Promote the peaceful
applications of nuclear energy
Dual Mandate
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
DIRECTOR
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
ATOMIC RESEARCH
DIVISION
NUCLEAR SERVICES DIVISION
NUCLEAR REGULATORY
DIVISION
TECHNOLOGY DIFFUSION DIVISION
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE
DIVISION
Agricultural Research
Biomedical Research
Health PhysicsResearch
Applied PhysicsResearch
Chemistry Research
Nuclear MaterialsResearch
Nuclear Reactor Operations
Engineering Services
Irradiation Services
Nuclear AnalyticalTechniques
Isotope Techniques
Radiation Protection Services
Regulations and Standards
DevelopmentInspection and Enforcement
Licensing, Review and Evaluation
Nuclear Safeguards and Security
Radiological Impact Assessment
International Cooperation
Nuclear Training
Information and Library Services
Management Information System
Business Development
Budget
Accounting
Property and Procurement
Human Resource Management and Records and Communication
General Services
Planning
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
1. Conducts geo-nuclear studies on the search, recovery and processing of nuclear minerals/materials and other geochemically associated heavy elements.
2. Undertakes R&D on the application of radioactive materials in the mineral and metal industries.
3. Undertakes research using radioisotopes and nuclear techniques towards understanding the hydrological, hydrogeological, oceanographic and marine geological and geochemical processes such as sedimentation and siltation.
4. Carries out studies on the application of radioisotopes and nuclear techniques (e.g. gamma-ray spectrometer system) for mineral exploration.
5. Develops nuclear forensic analysis capabilities in support of nuclear material protection process so that in the event of an interdiction by Philippine law enforcement agencies involving illegal use or movement of radioactive material this capability may be used to develop and build a legal case against the perpetrators.
6. Conducts feasibility studies and pilot tests on the application of radioactive materials in the process industries.
7. Computerizes the compilation, recording, analysis and storage as well as map production of geo-nuclear data for public information dissemination.
8. Promotes collaborative researches with other national and local government including international agencies, universities and the private sector.
NUCLEAR MATERIALS RESEARCH SECTION
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
1953 – earliest recorded work onuranium in the Philippines was made byUSAEC in its bibliographic report“Possibilities for Uranium in thePhilippine Island”.
A preliminary survey by MGBwith support from USAEC investigatedbase and precious metal mines andmineralized districts for abnormalradioactivity.1954 – the Hunting's Geophysics, Ltd.conducted an airborne radiometricsurvey in six (6) specific areas coveringa total area of about 5,000 sq kms.In late 1954 – the initial discovery ofuranium occurrence was made by thePhilippine Iron Mines, Inc. at theBessemer copper-molybdenum orebodyin Larap Area and the mineral identifiedwas uraninite.
- Areas of Intrusive Igneous Rocks- Areas covered by Huntings Survey, 1954- Confirmed occurrences of uranium minerals (Cameron, 1965)- Reported Radioactive Anomalies
LAMAN AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS)LABUGAON RIVER ANOMALY
BULACAN AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS)
MARINDU QUE AERIALSURVEY (HUN TINGS)
PAGADIAN - LAKE W OODAERIAL SURVEY (HUNTIN GS)
MATI AERIAL SURVEY ( HUNTINGS) Mat i Iron Mine s
LARAP AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS) LARAP MINE FIRST FEDO MINE SUBMAKIN PROSPECT CAPACUAN MINE NECAFE CLAIM VARIOUS PROSPECTS AND OUTCROPS BULAWAN TRAVERSE SURVEY
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0100 100 200 300 kms
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MINDORO
V I S A Y A S
M I N D A N A O
PALAWAN
ROMBLON
MA SBATE SAMAR
LEYTE
BOHOL
PANAY
NEGROSCEBU
S U L U S E A
M I N D A N A O S E A
N
P H I L I P P I N E S E A
Areas covered by the Huntings Geophysics Ltd. Survey of 1954 and occurrences ofradioactive mineral/anomalies.
HISTORICAL REVIEW
URANINITE
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
1964 – on the request of the Phil. govt.,the IAEA in coordination with PAEC andMGB undertook a pre-investment studyon the six areas covered by Hunting'sGeophysics.
In this study, Dr. James Cameron, theIAEA expert, reported an indicatedreserve of 200 tons U3O8 contained in500,000 tons of ore with a grade of0.04% U3O8 in the Larap Area andoutlined geologically favorable areas foruranium prospecting in the country.1971 – the Sumiko Consultants Co. Ltd.of Japan and a local company, SouthSeas Oil and Mineral Exploration DevtCo Inc conducted airborne magneticand radiometric surveys in Samar andNegros Islands. Radiometric anomalieswere encountered in the vicinities of theBagacay copper mine in Samar.
HISTORICAL REVIEW- Areas of Intrusive Igneous Rocks- Areas covered by Huntings Survey, 1954- Confirmed occurrences of uranium minerals (Cameron, 1965)- Reported Radioactive Anomalies
LAMAN AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS)LABUGAON RIVER ANOMALY
BULACAN AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS)
MARINDU QUE AERIALSURVEY (HUN TINGS)
PAGADIAN - LAKE W OODAERIAL SURVEY (HUNTIN GS)
MATI AERIAL SURVEY ( HUNTINGS) Mat i Iron Mine s
LARAP AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS) LARAP MINE FIRST FEDO MINE SUBMAKIN PROSPECT CAPACUAN MINE NECAFE CLAIM VARIOUS PROSPECTS AND OUTCROPS BULAWAN TRAVERSE SURVEY
L E G E N D
S C A L E
0100 100 200 300 kms
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L U Z O N
MINDORO
V I S A Y A S
M I N D A N A O
PALAWAN
ROMBLON
MA SBATE SAMAR
LEYTE
BOHOL
PANAY
NEGROSCEBU
S U L U S E A
M I N D A N A O S E A
N
P H I L I P P I N E S E A
Areas covered by the Huntings Geophysics Ltd. Survey of 1954 and occurrences ofradioactive mineral/anomalies.
Indicated reserve of 200tons U3O8 contained in500,000 tons of ore with agrade of 0.04% U3O8
SAMAR ISLAND
NEGROS ISLAND Bagacay copper mine
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
HISTORICAL REVIEW
1965 – feasibility study to launch a nuclearprogramme was conducted.1976 – contract was signed by NationalPower Corp. and Westinghouse to build thePhilippine’s first NPP.1977 – nuclear power program wasestablished and a systematic uraniumexploration by geochemical methods wasstarted, an orientation survey in Larap Areaand reconnaissance survey in Samar Islandwere conducted by PAEC, MGB, BEDPNOC-EDC and supported by IAEA.1978-79 – a regional survey covering anarea of 5,000 sq km was carried-out innorthwestern Luzon.1979 – two private companies joined thesearch for uranium, Benguet Corp. inpartnership with Getty Oil (USA), andUltrana Nuclear Minerals Corp with ties toWestern Nuclear (USA).
Technical Specifications:
• Nuclear Thermal Output – 1,876 MWt
• Net Electrical Output – 620 MWe
• Two-loop Pressurized Water Reactor
• Safe Shutdown Earthquake – 0.4 g
• Operating Basis Earthquake – 0.2 g
• Main contractor - Westinghouse
- Areas of Intrusive Igneous Rocks- Areas covered by Huntings Survey, 1954- Confirmed occurrences of uranium minerals (Cameron, 1965)- Reported Radioactive Anomalies
LAMAN AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS)LABUGAON RIVER ANOMALY
BULACAN AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS)
MARINDU QUE AERIALSURVEY (HUN TINGS)
PAGADIAN - LAKE W OODAERIAL SURVEY (HUNTIN GS)
MATI AERIAL SURVEY ( HUNTINGS) Mat i Iron Mine s
LARAP AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS) LARAP MINE FIRST FEDO MINE SUBMAKIN PROSPECT CAPACUAN MINE NECAFE CLAIM VARIOUS PROSPECTS AND OUTCROPS BUL AWAN TRAVERSE SURVEY
L E G E N D
S C A L E
0100 100 200 300 kms
W E
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P I
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L U Z O N
MINDORO
V I S A Y A S
M I N D A N A O
PALAWAN
ROMBLON
MA SBATE SAMAR
LEYTE
BOHOL
PANAY
NEGROSCEBU
S U L U S E A
M I N D A N A O S E A
N
P H I L I P P I N E S E A
Areas covered by the Huntings Geophysics Ltd. Survey o f 1954 and occurrences ofradioactive mineral/anomalies.
Orientation surveyin Larap area
ReconnaissanceSurvey in Samar
Regional survey innorthwestern Luzon
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
HISTORICAL REVIEW
1979-1982 – The Benguet-Getty partnershipconducted airborne radiometric and magneticsurveys over their 2,500 sq km permit area inCamarines Norte. Follow-up geochemical andground radiometric surveys, including diamonddrilling were also undertaken.
- The Ultrana-Western Nuclear ties carried-outgeological, geochemical and ground radiometricsurveys on its 1,500 sq km permit area inCentral Negros and Buruanga Peninsula inAklan.
- PNOC-EDC conducted reconnaissancegeochemical survey in Mindoro and semi-detailed geochemical surveys in northern Samarand northern Mindoro.
- MGB conducted reconnaissance geochemicalsurveys in Catanduanes and Leyte Islands aswell as semi-detailed survey in northwesternLeyte.1980-1984 - PAEC undertook semi-detailed anddetailed geochemical surveys over the severalanomalous areas delineated in the northwesternLuzon.
Camarines Norte
Central Negros
Buruanga
MindoroNorthern Samar
Northern MindoroCatanduanes
Leyte
Northwestern Leyte
NorthwesternLuzon
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
HISTORICAL REVIEW
Mid ‘80s – depression of the uranium market.April 26, 1986 – Chernobyl AccidentMay 1986 – Phil Govt decided to mothball BNPPJuly 1986 – finally decided not to operate BNPPAll uranium exploration activities were stoppedPhilippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)was reorganized into the Philippine NuclearResearch Institute (PNRI) but retained themandate “to continue the search forindigenous nuclear minerals”.Late 1986-96 – PNRI conducted a modest low-level geochemical exploration for uranium inBohol, Cebu, Masbate, Romblon Island group,Bicol Region, Southern Batangas and westernTarlac.Late 1996-99 – PNRI was tasked to look forREE and with funding support from the DOST-PCIERD, conducted reconnaissance geologicaland geochemical surveys in northern Palawan,covering 5,000 sq km. Uranium and thoriumwere included in the survey.
LOWPRICE
OFURANIUM
BoholCebu
MasbateRomblon
BicolBatangas
Tarlac
NorthernPalawan
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
HISTORICAL REVIEW
Late 1997 – PNRI received through theIAEA TC project, GR256 portable andGR650 carborne gamma ray spectrometricsystems.
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
HISTORICAL REVIEW- Areas of Intrusive Igneous Rocks- Areas covered by Huntings Survey, 1954- Confirmed occurrences of uranium minerals (Cameron, 1965)- Reported Radioactive Anomalies
LAMAN AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS)LABUGAON RIVER ANOMALY
BULACAN AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS)
MARINDU QUE AERIALSURVEY (HUN TINGS)
PAGADIAN - LAKE W OODAERIAL SURVEY (HUNTIN GS)
MATI AERIAL SURVEY ( HUNTINGS) Mat i Iron Mine s
LARAP AERIAL SURVEY (HUNTINGS) LARAP MINE FIRST FEDO MINE SUBMAKIN PROSPECT CAPACUAN MINE NECAFE CLAIM VARIOUS PROSPECTS AND OUTCROPS BUL AWAN TRAVERSE SURVEY
L E G E N D
S C A L E
0100 100 200 300 kms
W E
S T
P
H I
L I P
P I
N E
S
E A
L U Z O N
MINDORO
V I S A Y A S
M I N D A N A O
PALAWAN
ROMBLON
MA SBATE SAMAR
LEYTE
BOHOL
PANAY
NEGROSCEBU
S U L U S E A
M I N D A N A O S E A
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P H I L I P P I N E S E A
Areas covered by the Huntings Geophysics Ltd. Survey o f 1954 and occurrences ofradioactive mineral/anomalies.
2000-01 – the Marinduque Island, whereradioactive anomalies were reported by theaerial Hunting's Geophysics, a combinedcarborne and ground gamma ray spectrometricsurvey technique was undertaken.
MarinduqueIsland
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
Location and Geologic Setting of Marinduque Island, including Survey Tracks
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
+ BOAC
+MOGPOG
+STA. CRUZ
+GASAN
+TORRIJOS
+BUENAVISTA
MT. MALINDIG
CalancanBay
SayaoBay log (U/K)
-2.5
-2.0
-1.5
-1.0
-0.5
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
+ GASAN
Tumagabok
CalancanBay
Siltation dam
+ BOAC
+MOGPOG
+STA. CRUZ
+BUENAVISTA
+TORRIJOS
MT. MALINDIG
SayaoBay
U (ppm)
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Tumagabok
CalancanBay
MT. MALINDIG
BUENAVISTA+
+GASAN +TORRIJOS
+ BOAC
+MOGPOG +STA. CRUZSiltation dam
SayaoBay
Th (ppm)
0369121518212427303336
SayaoBay
CalancanBay
IsaoPili
San Antonio pit
Tapian pit
Tumagabok
Duyay
Tabionan
Mt. Malindig
+MOGPOG
+BOAC
+STA.CRUZ
+GASAN
+BUENAVISTA
+TORRIJOS
Siltation dam
K (%)
0.00.51.01.52.02.53.03.54.04.55.05.56.06.5
SayaoBay
CalancanBay
+BOAC
+MOGPOG
+STA. CRUZ
+GASAN
+TORRIJOS
+BUENAVISTA
MT. MALINDIG
Tumagabok
Isao-Pili
San Antonio Pit
Tapian Pit
log (Th/K)
-1.6
-1.2
-0.8
-0.4
0.0
0.4
0.8
1.2
1.6
2.0
2.4 CalancanBay
+BOAC
+MOGPOG
+STA. CRUZ
+ GASAN +TORRIJOS
+BUENAVISTA
MT. MALINDIG
SayaoBay log (U/Th)
-2.8
-2.4
-2.0
-1.6
-1.2
-0.8
-0.4
0.0
0.4
0.8
1.2
1.6
0 15 km
1495000
1480000
1465000
1465000
1480000
1495000
380000
380000
400000
400000
Distribution of Radiometric Signatures in Marinduque Island
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
HISTORICAL REVIEW2004-05 – the small Island of Batanwas surveyed using the groundgamma ray spectrometric technique.
BATAN ISLAND
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
LARAP U DEPOSIT
Semi-detailed Survey
LEGEND
Detailed SurveyBurgos area
Tamdagan areaBatac area
Cabugao - Sinait areaBaay - Licuan area
Narvacan - Boliney area
San Gabriel area
Aringay area
Ambalanga River area
Northern Samar area
Northern Leyte area
P A L A W A N
MANILA
L U Z O N
V I S A Y A S
M I N D A N A O
Northern Mindoro area
LARAP U DEPOSIT
0 5050 100 150 200 kms
S C A L E
1200
100
Reconnaissance Survey
HISTORICAL REVIEW
So far about 60% of the country hasbeen covered by some airborneradiometric, carborne and footbornegamma ray survey techniques but mostlyby reconnaissance geochemical surveysincluding the intermittently surveyedeastern Luzon and Cagayan Valleyareas, finished in late 2010.
EASTERNLUZON
CAGAYANVALLEY
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
REE-ThoriumPotential Area NORTHERN
PALAWAN
Currently assessing the REE – Thpotential of Ombo and Erawan beachareas in northwestern Palawan
OMBO AREA
ERAWAN AREA
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENTCURRENT ACTIVITIES
Euhedral tabular-prismaticreddish black allanite.
Subhedral prismatic yellowmonaziteBLACK HEAVY BEACH SAND
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Currently conducting a reconnaissancegeochemical and ground gamma rayspectrometric surveys for nuclearminerals and other associated valuableminerals in southern Palawan coveringan area of 5,000 sq kms.
SOUTHERNPALAWAN
97,530 sq km
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Currently exploring the possibility ofextracting uranium, REE and othervaluable minerals from phosphoric acid.
About one (1) million metric tons ofphosphate raw ore per year is beingprocessed by the Philippine PhosphateFertilizer Corp. (Philphos) for theproduction of fertilizers.
Phosphate raw ore gave 58.7 – 68.7 ppm U using aportable RS-230 Super Spec gamma ray spectrometerwith 2x2” BGO detector.Fluorimetric analysis gave 62.9 – 68.3 ppm U.Other sources of phosphate ore sent by Philphosgave 57.9 – 93.9 ppm U by fluorimetric analysis
Two fold positive gain – (1) possible economic benefitfrom the extraction of uranium and other resources,and (2) eliminates potential risk from the build-up ofuranium in the soil due to continuous application ofphosphate fertilizers.
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
USING THE UNFC2009 SYSTEM
Indicated reserve of 200 tonsU3O8 contained in 500,000tons of ore with a grade of0.04% U3O8 in Larap.
1. The indicated reserve of 200 tons U3O8 in theLarap area, studies had shown that U can onlybe economically mined as a by-product of theprimary copper-molybdenum deposit. However,there are no indications that the Bessemer Cu-Mo deposit of the defunct Philippine Iron Mineswill be operated.Classification – E3(?) F2.3 G3
2. The REE – Thorium mineralized beach areas innorthern Palawan still need further explorationwork and evaluation as to their economicviability.Classification – E3.2 F3 G4
3. All areas explored in the past, including thecurrent exploration work being conducted insouthern PalawanClassification – E3.2 F3 G4
