Geochemical properties and mineralization of thorium

作者：Jie Li, Tianhui Bai, Wenxuan Hu, Meiyun Wang, Lei Liao, Zhifeng Xun, Zexin Wang, Hao Song · 发表于：Ore and Energy Resource Geology · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1016/j.oreoa.2024.100081 · 被引用次数：10 · 研究领域：Radioactive element chemistry and processing、Geological and Geochemical Analysis、Geochemistry and Geologic Mapping

Thorium, a naturally occurring radioactive element, is widely distributed across diverse geological environments. As a typical lithophilic element, thorium exhibits strong affinity towards oxygen, readily integrating into silicate melts, primarily concentrating in the lithosphere. During the magmatic phase, thorium's geochemical behavior is akin to that of U, Ce, and Zr, and as an incompatible element, it remains in the residual melts of the latter stages of magmatic evolution. Thorium is enriched in acidic, pegmatitic, and alkaline rocks, leading to the formation of thorium-bearing phosphate minerals such as monazite. Alkaline carbonatitic fluids are capable of enriching rare earth elements and thorium, closely associating thorium deposits with igneous carbonatites. In surface processes, thorium's geochemical properties are relatively inert, allowing it to be preserved within the stable lattice of thorium-bearing minerals and form placer deposits. Globally, thorium resources are primarily found in carbonatite rocks, placer, and vein deposits, with monazite being one of the main sources. According to a report jointly published by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Energy Agency, the global thorium resources currently exceed 6.3 million tons, predominantly distributed in countries like India, Brazil, Australia, and the United States. The mineralization period of thorium is mainly concentrated in the Precambrian and Mesozoic, followed by the Paleozoic and Ce...