Reconnaissance during 1952 for uranium-bearing carbonaceous rocks in parts of Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming

Abstract

A reconnaissance for uranium-bearing carbonaceous rocks was made during the 1952 field season in 23 areas in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Uranium in small amounts occurs in several of the areas examined, but no deposits were found that might have commercial possibilities. As much as 0.03 percent uranium is in the ash of coal in the Caribou Mountain area in southwestern Idaho; 0.012 percent in the ash of coal in the Burnt Fork area of southwestern Wyoming; and 0.009 percent in the ash of coal from near Driggs in eastern Idaho. Seven additional areas were examined in which beds of coal or carbonaceous shale contained more than 0.002 but less than 0.007 percent uranium in the ash. Unweathered samples of bituminous sandstone from the Vernal area, Utah, contain minor quantities of uranium. ilities.