Li Shengxiang reports that the Azelik uranium Deposit is located in the north-western region of Niger. It is a sandstone type uranium deposit hosted in the Cretaceous strata of the Tim Mersoï Basin. Based on the geological survey, core observation and documentation, the uranium mineralization is related to hydrothermal fluid flow [9].
In 2006, the China National Nuclear Corporation acquired the project and conducted an estimation of the uranium resources through application of the China Mineral Reserves and Resources Classification System (CMRRCS). The resource estimation was carried out prior to the definitive feasibility study (DFS) being undertaken. In 2008, the China National Nuclear Corporation completed the DFS for the project, following which construction of the mine began. The aggregate uranium resources estimation according to CMRRCS before carrying out the DFS was 13,692 t of uranium (tU). After completing the DFS, the aggregate resources according to CMRRCS were estimated to be 12,763 tU (Table 4), with the decrease caused by excluding some high-cost resources.
The estimated uranium resources of the Azelik Deposit after the DFS were classified according to the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 (UNFC-2009). The mapping to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)/International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resource reporting scheme and CMRRCS is shown in Table 5. This is aided by the mapping scheme described for CMRRCS and UNFC-2009.
In this case study the cost categories as used in the NEA/IAEA ‘Red Book’ classification are also used for each of the Classes. This example shows that mapping of the existing CMRRCS categories and quantities to the NEA/IAEA ‘Red Book’ classification and UNFC-2009 can be completed in a straightforward manner.
Even though the mapping of UNFC-2009 to CMRRCS has been defined only at a class level, the use of sub-classes – as in this case study – can add further information about the project and application of the UNFC-2009 principles and generic specifications. Thus, the full granularity of UNFC-2009 can be applied to derive maximum benefits.
Observations, Conclusions and Recommendations
The work undertaken in preparing case studies A (Yili Basin, China) and B (Azelik Uranium Deposit, Niger) usefully demonstrates that quantities can be transparently transferred to UNFC-2009 from CMRRCS.
The Yili Basin case study highlighted issues related to the use of UNFC-2009 for in situ leaching (ISL). It was noted that there are examples in Australia, Kazakhstan and the United States where the CRIRSCO Template is applied to ISL projects. In some cases this can generate debate due to the fact that the recovery factor is usually a major uncertainty. Application of UNFC-2009 can facilitate representation of this uncertainty through use of the G-axis categories.
The Azelik Uranium Deposit case study demonstrates that mapping of the existing CMRRCS categories and quantities to the NEA/IAEA ‘Red Book’ classification and UNFC-2009 can be carried out in a straightforward manner. Even though the mapping of UNFC-2009 to CMRRCS has been defined only at a class level, the use of sub-classes – as in the Azelik Uranium Deposit case study – can add further information about the project and application of the UNFC-2009 principles and generic specifications. Hence, the full granularity of UNFC-2009 can be applied to derive maximum benefits.
The two case studies serve to confirm that there would appear to be a straightforward relationship between the CMRRCS Classes and the UNFC-2009 Classes and hence consideration may now be given to the development of a formalized Bridging Document between the two systems.
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