ABSTRACT

In 1968 minerals' explorers flocked back to South Texas to have another look at the Tertiary sedimentary prism that is between the outcrops of the Jackson and Goliad Formations. In a trend belt already 200 miles long and 50 miles wide uranium has been discovered in quantities which challenge the traditional position of the established mining districts of the Colorado Plateau and Wyoming.

History, background, and a review of 1968 developments set the South Texas uranium scene. The lure of major opportunities for future discoveries finds Texas sharing in a greatly stepped-up minerals activity that is based on growing world demand for nuclear fuels.

The geologist who would try to set the complex uranium phenomenon in a simple framework faces several alternatives, all credible; and not the least part of the dilemma is the coincidence of oilfield structural features with the occurrence of ore. Despite an element of inexactitude in the state of the art, the prospector today brings to uranium exploration refinements in tools and techniques which leave little to chance that significant mineralization will be overlooked.

Oil companies with an eye on diversification have moved vigorously into the uranium play. The economics case presented by familiar, relatively shallow sediments of the Texas coastal plain offers excellent profit opportunity; and there is confidence that the emerging uranium industry will see steady, responsible growth in the future.

1. Published with permission of the Company.

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