EXTECH IV ATHABASCA URANIUM DEPOSIT DATABASE
Geological Survey of Canada, Saskatchewan Industry and Resources, and Alberta Geological Survey


Database name: Uranium Deposits, Athabasca Basin
Custodial agency: Geological Survey of Canada
Compilers: Sunil S. Gandhi
Release date: 2007-03-02
   
Deposit name(s): Sue Uranium Deposits (occurrence name); Sue A, B, C, D (CQ) and E deposits (occurrence name); McLean Lake Project (occurrence name)
Longitude / Latitude: -103.80347 / 58.26375
Political location(s): Canada; Province or state: Saskatchewan; Nearest community: Rabbit Lake mine-mill complex (8 km NW)
NTS map data: 064L05 (Cunning Bay)
Deposit clan (type): Unconformity-associated
Deposit (sub) types: Unconformity-associated - Proterozoic - clay-bound; located along two parallel graphitic horizons in 2 km long east-northeast strike zone, beneath the Athabasca Group; A and B are sandstone-hosted; C and D are basement- hosted; E is at the unconformity; Reference: Wheatley, K.; Williamson, A.; Tourigny, G.; Wilson, S.; Breton, G., 2006: Geology of the McClean Lake/Sue Deposits; C, Section Athabasca Basin Uranium Deposits, In Abstracts Volume for the 2006 CIM Uranium Field Conference, September 11-12, Saskatoon; Uranium: Athabasca Deposits & Analogues, Edited by Quirt, D., Abstracts Volume, Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Saskatoon Section, CIM Geological Society, 164 p., p. 1 - 16
Deposit status: producer; Size category: large; Status comments: The estimated size category applies collectively to Sue A, B, and C.
Geologic province: Churchill - Hearne Craton
Geologic subprovince: Wollaston Domain (Fold Belt)
Geologic district: Eastern Athabasca Basin
Deposit object located: drillhole
Commodities: U; Ni; Co; As; Cu; Pb
Mineralization styles: podiform; vein(s); disseminated; aggregates; breccia - matrix; adsorption (clay)
Geological ages: Early Mesoproterozoic - Middle Mesoproterozoic (mineralization)
Tectonic setting: continental basin-unconformity; stable; Formal name: sub-Athabasca unconformity-related (mineralization)
continental marginal deformation zone-fold belt; convergent; Formal name: Transition Zone of Wollaston and Mudjatik Domains (country rocks)
Coincident features: unconformity (Sue A and B deposits immediately above the unconformity; Sue C and CQ deposits just below it); Coincident feature name: Sub-Athabasca unconformity
fault(s) (Sue deposits or zones localized in fault zones along two graphitic horizons, within a strike length of 1.3 km); Coincident feature name: Sue Trend
lithology (Sue A and B zones in sandstone above eastern graphite horizon along basement ridge formed by faulting); Coincident feature name: graphitic schist
lithology (Sue C and D zones along the western graphitic horizon 80 to 100 m west of Sue A and B deposits; Sue E zone located at junction of two graphitic horizo); Coincident feature name: graphitic schist
unconformity
paleoregolith
Regional tectonic structure: remobilized Archean granitic dome (massive core, and foliated, gneissic and migmatitic margins; deposits in paragneisses on west side ) Tectonic structure name: Collins Bay granitic dome
synform in host metasedimentary sequence (McClean North, South and Sue deposits located at nose of the SW plunging synform) Tectonic structure name: Telegraph Lake synformal pericline
ductile and brittle-ductile fault zone (NNE-trending anastomosing deformation zone dips steeply to east; post-Athabasca reactivation on some reverse faults) Tectonic structure name: Sue Trend
Host rocks: (1) metamorphic; graphitic schist (2 graphitic horizons; up to 25 m wide); Depositional setting: platform-shelf; Metamorphic grade: amphibolite (upper) - granulite
Host rock protoliths:carbonaceous pelite (graphite content variable from 1 to 70 %; horizons pinch and swell, up to 25 m wide; meet in south at Sue E zone); Host rock protolith name: part of unit of Wollaston Supergroup

(2) metamorphic; paragneiss (non-graphitic intermediate paragneiss wirh pegmatoids); Depositional setting: platform-shelf; Metamorphic grade: amphibolite (upper) - granulite
External host rock forms:schistose-gneissic metasediments
Host rock protoliths:pelite and semipelite (interbedded with the mineralized graphitic horizons); Host rock protolith name: part of unit of Wollaston Supergroup
Internal host rock structures:foliated to gneissic; schistose
Individual lithologies:metapelite (highly deformed and metamorphosed, and in part altered during paleoweathering and mineralization)
metasemipelite (highly deformed and metamorphosed, and in part altered during paleoweathering and mineralization)

(3) metamorphic; paragneiss (highly silicified; in part pegmatoid); Metamorphic grade: amphibolite (upper) - granulite
Host rock protoliths:pelite and semipelite (occurs on west side of mineralized graphitic horizons); Host rock protolith name: part of unit of Wollaston Supergroup

(4) metamorphic; orthogneiss (remobilized archean granitic gneiss); Metamorphic grade: amphibolite (upper) - granulite
External host rock forms:gneissic
Host rock protoliths:granitic pluton (in fault contact with the eastern mineralized graphitic horizon); Host rock protolith name: Collins Bay Granitic Dome
Internal host rock structures:foliated to gneissic
Individual lithologies:granite (medium to coarse grained)

(5) surficial; laterite (weathered profile 10-20 m thick); Host series: paleoregolith; Depositional setting: subaerial; Metamorphic grade: unmetamorphosed
External host rock forms:red hematitic upper zone grading to green zone bel
paleoregolith
Host rock protoliths:metasedimentary rocks (various metasedimentary rocks and pegmatoid bodies); Host rock protolith name: part of unit of Wollaston Supergroup
Internal host rock structures:weathered fragile mass
Individual lithologies:laterite (variation in composition reflects protoliths except near paleosurface where lateritiztion is intense )

(6) sedimentary; sandstone-siltstone-conglomerate (unconformably overlying crystalline basement); Depositional setting: fluviatile; Metamorphic grade: unmetamorphosed
External host rock forms:thin to thick bedded
Host rock protoliths:arenites (flat-lying, 50-75 m thick; basal member deposited in paleovalleys, and B member in braided plain); Host rock protolith name: Manitou Falls Formation
Internal host rock structures:crossbedding
Individual lithologies:quartz arenite (quartz > 90 %; well cemented by silica, clay and hematite; heavy mineral-rich layers occur locally)
Related igneous rocks: (1) intrusive; gabbro suite (syn- or post-mineralization); Initials: Mackenzie diabase dyke; Magma series: calc-alkaline
Individual lithologies:diabase (dyke north of the deposit; part of the NW-trending, 1270 Ma old Mackenzie dyke swarm)
Metallogenic signatures: U-Ni-Co-Cu-As
U
Alteration signatures: chlorite alteration: dark green aggregates; What was altered: mafic silicates
argillic alteration: Massive earthy-red clay envelope the ore bodies; What was altered: sandstone and metasedimentary rocks
hematization: hematite, limonite (goethite); What was altered: mafic silicates and magnetite
silicification: partly silicified paragneiss and pegmatoids common; What was altered: paragneiss
Mineralogy: (alteration - undifferentiated): clay
(massive ore): uraninite, pitchblende, coffinite, niccolite, chalcopyrite, pyrite
(vein mineralization): uraninite, pitchblende
Deposit shape: zone of elongate pods
Deposit dimensions:length: 1,500 metre
width: 75 metre
height: 50 metre
Qualified comments: (Applies to: mineralization) Unconformity Associated Uranium: (A,B=Type 1; C=Type 2) of SMDI; Sue A and B are in the sandstone at the unconformity, whereas the larger Sue C deposit is controlled by fractures in the basement. Sue A and B deposits are polymetallic (Ni-Co-Ag-Cu-Pb-Mo) similar to the arsenide-rich Key Lake deposits; Sue B deposit has two lenses, the larger upper one is in a horizon 20 m above the unconformity. Sue C deposit is controlled by subvertical NNE-trending ductile and brittle faults; it contains only minor amounts of Ni, Co, As, Pb, V, Mo and Cu; disseminated mineralization to the south in CQ zone.

(Applies to: discovery and development) Discovery of the 'Sue Trend' during 1988-1991. Discovery of Sue A, B and C zones during 1988-1989; Sue C open pit mined from 1997 to 2002, and produced 249900 t ore averaging 4.5 % U (11247 t U) from depth of 70 to 80 m; trend 010, dip steep to E. The Sue A and B zones contain 55000 and 90100 t of ore averaging 1.26 and 0.73 % U, viz., 692 and 654 t U, respectively, and are scheduled for open pit mining in 2003; ore zones 65 to 75 m below surface. Sue A was mined from the same pit in 2005; stripping of Sue E pit began in 2006.
Links to other databases: SMDI; Key value: 2529
GSC U-Th File (Prasad); Key value: 10324
References:
Bennett, R. W., 2002
Geological Atlas of Saskatchewan, Version 5 (2002)
Government of Saskatchewan, CD-ROM

Boudemont, D.; Piquard, J. P.; Ey, F.; Zimmerman, J., 1993
The Sue Uranium Deposits, Saskatchewan, Canada
Exploration and Mining Geology, Volume 2, p. 179 - 202

Boudemont, D.; Pacquet, A., 1996
The Sue D and E Uranium Deposits, Northern Saskatchewan: Evidence for Structurally Controlled Fluid Circulation in the Athabasca Basin
C, Section Uranium Deposit Studies and Exploration Techniques, In Advances in Saskatchewan Geology and Mineral Exploration: Proceedings of a Symposium held in Saskatoon, November 21 and 22, 1996 (MinExpo '96 Symposium), Edited by Ashton, K. E.; Harper, C. T., Special Publication, Saskatchewan Geological Society, Saskatchewan Geological Society, 14, 163 p., p. 85 - 94

Cumming, G. L.; Kristic, D.; Wilson, J. A., 1987
Age of the Athabsca Group, Northern Alberta
In Program with Abstracts: Joint Annual Meeting, Geological Association of Canada-Mineralogical Association of Canada, Edited by Anonymous, Program with Abstracts, Joint Annual Meeting, Geological Association of Canada and Mineralogical Association of Canada, Geological Association of Canada, 12, p. 35 - 35

Dunn, C. E., 1983
Detailed Biogeochemical Studies for Uranium in the NEA/IAEA Athabasca Test Area
Section Detailed Studies, In Uranium Exploration in Athabasca Basin, Edited by Cameron, E. M., Paper, Geological Survey of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, 82-11, 310 p., 8 maps, p. 259 - 272

Dunn, C. E., 1983
Uranium Biogeochemistry of the NEA/IAEA Athabasca Test Area
Section Regional Studies, In Uranium Exploration in Athabasca Basin, Edited by Cameron, E. M., Paper, Geological Survey of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, 82-11, 310 p., 8 maps, p. 127 - 132

Dyck, W., 1983
Geochemical Studies of Lakes near the Midwest and McClean Uranium Deposits
Section Detailed Studies, In Uranium Exploration in Athabasca Basin, Edited by Cameron, E. M., Paper, Geological Survey of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, 82-11, 310 p., 8 maps, p. 243 - 257

Gandhi, S. S., 1995
An Overview of the Exploration History and Genesis of Proterozoic Uranium Deposits in the Canadian Shield
Exploration and Research for Atomic Minerals, Department of Atomic Energy, India, Volume 8, p. 1 - 48

LeCheminant, A. N.; Heaman, L. M., 1989
Mackenzie Igneous Events, Canada: Middle Proterozoic Hotspot Magmatism Associated with Ocean Opening
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Volume 96, p. 38

Macdonald, C., 1985
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Sub-Athabasca Regolith near Wollaston Lake
Chapter 2, Section Unconformity-type Deposits in Saskatchewan, In Geology of Uranium Deposits, Edited by Sibbald, T. I. I.; Petruk, W., Special Volume, The Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, The Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 32, 268 p., p. 155 - 158

Macdonald, C. C., 1980
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Precambrian Regolith in the Athabasca Basin
M. Sc. Thesis, University of Saskatchewan, 151 p..

Prasad, N., 2002
Uranium File: Canmindex
Geological Survey of Canada, Canadian Mineral Occurrence Index (Canmindex), CD-ROM

Saracoglu, N.; Wallis, R. H.; Brummer, J. J..; Golightly, J. P., 1983
Discovery of the McClean Uranium Deposits
Section Introductory Papers, In Uranium Exploration in Athabasca Basin, Edited by Cameron, E. M., Paper, Geological Survey of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, 82-11, 310 p., 8 maps, p. 51 - 70

Saracoglu, N.; Wallis, R. H.; Brummer, J. J.; Golightly, J. P., 1985
The McClean Uranium Deposit, Northern Saskatchewan - Discovery
Chapter 2, Section Unconformity-type Deposits in Saskatchewan, In Geology of Uranium Deposits, Edited by Sibbald, T. I. I.; Petruk, W., Special Volume, The Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, The Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 32, 268 p., p. 85 - 100

Saskatchewan Geological Survey, 2003
Geology, and Mineral and Petroleum Resources of Saskatchewan
Miscellaneous Report, Saskatchewan Industry and Resources, Publication code 2003-7, 173 p., 4 maps.

Saskatchewan Industry and Resources, 2001
Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index
Government of Saskatchewan, Geological Atlas of Saskatchewan, Internet

Sobczak, L. W., 1983
Gravity Surveys in the NEA/IAEA Athabasca Test Area
Section Regional Studies, In Uranium Exploration in Athabasca Basin, Edited by Cameron, E. M., Paper, Geological Survey of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, 82-11, 310 p., 8 maps, p. 151 - 166

Thomas, D. J.; Mathews, R. B.; Sopuck, V., 2000
Athabasca Basin (Canada) - Unconformity-type Uranium Deposits: Exploration Model, Current Mine Development and Exploration Directions
In Geology and Ore Deposits 2000: the Great Basin and Beyond; May 15 - 18, 2000 Symposium Proceedings (CD-ROM), Edited by Cluer, J. K.; Price, J. G.; Struhsacker, E. M.; Hardyman, R. F.; Morris, C. L., Symposium Proceedings, Geological Society of Nevada, Geological Society of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, 647 p., p. 103 - 126

Thomas, D. J.; Jefferson, C. W.; Card, C.; Yeo, G.; Sopuck, V., 2002
Introduction: the Eastern Athabasca Basin and its Uranium Deposits
Chapter 1, In Field Trip A1: the Eastern Athabasca Basin and its Uranium Deposits, May 24-26, 2002, GAC-MAC Saskatoon 2002, Edited by Andrade, N; Breton, G.; Jefferson, C. W.; Thomas, D. J.; Tourigny, G.; Wilson, S.; Yeo, G. M., Field Guide Book, Geological Association of Canada - Mineralogical Associationof Canada, Geological Association of Canada, 102 p., p. 1 - 22

Tourigny, G.; Wilson, S.; Breton, G.; Portella, P., 2002
Geology of the Sue C Uranium Deposit, McClean Lake Area, Northern Saskatchewan
Chapter 3, In Field Trip A1: the Eastern Athabasca Basin and its Uranium Deposits, May 24-26, 2002, GAC-MAC Saskatoon 2002, Edited by Andrade, N; Breton, G.; Jefferson, C. W.; Thomas, D. J.; Tourigny, G.; Wilson, S.; Yeo, G. M., Field Guide Book, Geological Association of Canada - Mineralogical Associationof Canada, Geological Association of Canada, 102 p., p. 35 - 51

Wallis, R. H.; Saracoglu, N.; Brummer, J. J.; Golightly, J. P., 1883
Geology of the McClean Uranium Deposits
Section Introductory Papers, In Uranium Exploration in Athabasca Basin, Edited by Cameron, E. M., Paper, Geological Survey of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, 82-11, 310 p., 8 maps, p. 71 - 110

Wallis, R. H.; Saracoglu, N.; Brummer, J. J.; Golightly, J. P., 1985
The Geology of the McClean Uranium Deposits, Northern Saskatchewan
Chapter 2, Section Unconformity-type Deposits in Saskatchewan, In Geology of Uranium Deposits, Edited by Sibbald, T. I. I.; Petruk, W., Special Volume, The Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, The Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 32, 268 p., p. 101 - 131

Wheatley, K.; Williamson, A.; Tourigny, G.; Wilson, S.; Breton, G., 2006
Geology of the McClean Lake/Sue Deposits
C, Section Athabasca Basin Uranium Deposits, In Abstracts Volume for the 2006 CIM Uranium Field Conference, September 11-12, Saskatoon; Uranium: Athabasca Deposits & Analogues, Edited by Quirt, D., Abstracts Volume, Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Saskatoon Section, CIM Geological Society, 164 p., p. 1 - 16

Production data: Report period: from 1997 until 2002; 249,900 metric ton ore; Provisional entry?: yes; Yearly or summary?: S
Grade-commodity information:U: 4.5 percent
weight-commodity information:U: 11,247 metric ton
Reference: Tourigny, G.; Wilson, S.; Breton, G.; Portella, P., 2002: Geology of the Sue C Uranium Deposit, McClean Lake Area, Northern Saskatchewan; Chapter 3, In Field Trip A1: the Eastern Athabasca Basin and its Uranium Deposits, May 24-26, 2002, GAC-MAC Saskatoon 2002, Edited by Andrade, N; Breton, G.; Jefferson, C. W.; Thomas, D. J.; Tourigny, G.; Wilson, S.; Yeo, G. M., Field Guide Book, Geological Association of Canada - Mineralogical Associationof Canada, Geological Association of Canada, 102 p., p. 35 - 51
Percent weights allocated to deposit: 0.0%
Associated mine(s): Sue C Open Pit (40011)

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