Exploration of REE Using Radioactivity; Case Study: Baghak Mine, Sangan

In current study, sampling from Baghak mine in Sangan mines has been carried out based on radioactivity and radiation measurement method. In most projects that have been carried out in Iran for the uranium prospecting, especially in the central part of Iran, enrichment of rare earth elements (REEs) are known in keeping with uranium as a common feature. The association of these elements with U has caused to investigate their connections with other types of mineralizations. In fact the goal of this study is to survey the presence or absence of such a connection in a skarn mine which is a different case study from the central part of Iran. In case of their presence, this will lead to a new exploration method and sampling pattern for REEs. The results show that in addition to existence of this connection in some mineralizations of the Central Iran, an acceptable correlation is also observed between the REEs and radioactive elements in another iron skarn deposit. Finally, it can be explained that according to existence of such a connection between rare earth and radioactive elements in several different types of mineralizations, and based on the geochemical similarities, the need for more accurate studies is completely felt in order to introduce radiation measurement methods as effective approaches to explore REEs. The idea and the introduced method for the exploration of REEs in this study can provide a new viewpoint for the decision makers in this industry upon using further studies in this respect.