Speaker
Description
The Rare Earth Elements (REEs) have emerged as crucial tracers in the field of nuclear forensics, offering unique fingerprints for identifying uranium ore concentrates (UOC). These elements, due to their distinct geochemical behavior, provide a reliable means of differentiating various uranium sources and detecting illicit trafficking of nuclear materials. The ability to analyze the specific concentration and distribution patterns of REEs within uranium samples allows for the establishment of geographic and geological origins, which is pivotal for nuclear non-proliferation efforts and safeguards. This study investigated four UOC samples from different mines in South Africa and Namibia, using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results demonstrate significant variations in REE signatures from different uranium ore concentrates, which highlights the role of these lanthanides in characterizing uranium sources, focusing on their application in tracking the movement and processing of UOCs. As the global community seeks to strengthen nuclear security and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the study recommends the use of REEs as a forensic tool representing a significant advancement in the detection and prevention of nuclear proliferation.
Keywords: Uranium Ore Concentrates, Rare Earth Elements, Nuclear Forensics, Fingerprint, Non-proliferation, Safeguard.
Reference
- Madzunya D, Uushona V, Mathuthu M, Heike W. 2021. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 237:106668 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106668
- Spano TL, Simonetti A, Balboni E, Dorais C, Burns PC. 2017. Applied Geochemistry 84:277-85 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2017.07.003
- John S, Usman I, Akpa T, Ibrahim U. Rare earth elements in Uranium ore for nuclear forensic application. Proc. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2021, 655:012075: IOP Publishing https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/655/1/012075
| Abstract Category | Nuclear Physics |
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