This report contains the results of the initial phase of the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE). NURE was initiated by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) in 1974 and was continued by the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) by 1976. It was a comprehensive nationwide program to evaluate uranium resources and to identify areas favorable for uranium exploration. [Also see origin of NURE program (Here)].
This report is divided into two parts. Part I presents estimates of uranium ore reserves and potential resources available at costs (not prices) of $10, $15, and $30 per pound U308 (uranium oxide). These estimates comprise the national uranium resource position. They are, however, preliminary because limitations of time and available geologic data' prevented adequate assessment of some areas that may be favorable potential resources.
Part II presents the potential uranium resources for each of 13 regions, shown in Figure 1, who,se boundaries have been drawn chiefly on geologic considerations. The general geology is summarized, and the types of uranium deposits are described. Although limited geologic reconnaissance was done in various parts of the country, the report is based primarily on the compilation and evaluation of data in ERDA files.
Mining companies furnished a substantial amount of information on exploration results, development, production, and future plans. Published, manuscript, and open-file reports by government agencies, universities, and research organizations were reviewed. In addition, many individuals affiliated with universities and with state and federal agencies provided supplemental geologic information. This was particularly helpful in the eastern and central-states
and in Alaska, where information on uranium occurrences was limited.
NURE Program
The major objectives of the NURE program are to develop an authoritative, comprehensive assessment of the nation's uranium resources, and to provide industry with data and technology useful for the timely discovery and exploitation of uranium ores. The major program milestone is the publication of a comprehensive report in 1981. In the interim, updated uranium reserve and potential resource statistics will be published yearly.
To fulfill the NURE objectives, several large-scale investigations of varied nature have been initiated. The~e investigations largely are being implemented under contractual arrangements with a variety of companies, universities, and laboratories. Results of the investigations are being released promptly for public use:
1. Aerial radiometric surveys of the conterminous United States and Alaska - Airborne gamma-spectrometric equipment is used to measure value of uranium, thorium, and potassium. The primary objective is to accomplish nationwide reconnaissance surveying on flight lines spaced an average of 5 miles apart. As of June 1,1976,some 78,000 line miles had been completed and the data placed on open file.
2. Hydrogeochemical surveys of the conterminous United States and Alaska - Surface waters, stream sediments, and groundwater are being sampled to determine variations in uranium and other selected elements as guides for uranium search. The sampling and analytical work is accompanied by geochemical, geological, and geostatistica1 studies to assist in the interpretation of results.
3. Regional investigations of geologic environments - Areas considered promising for uranium are under study for better understanding of favorable geologic environments.
4. Geologic drilling - Holes are being drilled in selected geologic terranes where surface information alone is inadequate to determine favorability for uranium. Other investigations underway or planned include:
1) application of remote sensing techniques to the identification of favorable areas;
2) development of new borehole logging systems;
3) improvement of radon and helium sampling for use in exploration;
4) investigation of new methodologies for uranium resource estimation; and
5) development of improved mining and milling technology
[As envisioned initially, NURE data continue to be useful in uranium exploration and environmental investigations today (2022):
https://mrdata.usgs.gov/metadata/nurehssr.faq.html]
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