Mineral chemistry of radioactive and associated phases from neoproterozoic unconformity- Related proximal uranium deposit at Koppunuru, Palnad sub-basin, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

The unconformity proximal uranium mineralization at Koppunuru, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, holds a small, low grade uranium deposit. Mineral chemistry reveals wide variation in chemical composition of pitchblende, coffinite and mixed phases of U, Ti, Si, Al, Ca, P and Pb, present as veins, grain boundary/fracture fillings in gritty quartzite of Banganalapalle Formation. The presence of multiple U-phases and their low total in situ chemical analyses suggests higher activity of alteration processes and emplacement of epigenetic solution/gel rich in U, Ti, Si, Al, Ca, P and Pb, preferably along available spaces as vein, cavity and grain boundary. The area holds potential for U-mineralization.