No description available.

Attenuation of uranium (U) and rare earth elements (REEs) has been observed in stream and wetland sediments, but the geochemical and mineralogical processes involved in sequestering these elements in natural systems are not well understood. The decommissioned Bicroft Uranium Mine near Bancroft, ON uses a modified stream and wetland system to reduce the concentrations of U and other metals in tailings pond effluent to levels below the Provincial Water Quality Objectives. The Bicroft Mine was operated from 1957 to 1963, and processed low-grade (~0.17 wt% U3O8), disseminated U hosted by pegmatite dykes in amphibolite gneiss, forming 2,284,421 tonnes of tailings, deposited into two tailings impoundments. The Bicroft site has since operated as a passively attenuating stream and wetland remediation system for 55 years, demonstrating the potential longevity and viability for long-term sequestration of U and REEs through natural attenuation. To identify U and REE hosts and their stability in the natural environment, colloids, tailings, stream and wetland sediments were analyzed using various methods, including tangential flow filtration (TFF), ICP-ES/MS, scanning electron microscopy, and synchrotron techniques (bulk and µXANES, µXRF, and µXRD). The results show that Fe- and Mn-oxyhydroxides, goethite, and birnessite are the main mineral hosts for U and REEs in both the colloids and sediments. In addition, detrital grains of U- and REE-bearing minerals were found >200 m downstream in colloids and wetland sediments, showing the potential for long range transport of colloids and particulates in the stream system. Seasonal influences on the stability of trace metals in sediments were observed, and may demonstrate the limitations of passively attenuating remediation systems as a viable method for attenuation. Changes in the redox state of the stream system were observed to influence the attenuation of U and REEs, however, changes in the redox state with depth in the wetland sediments were not observed, and showed no direct influence on the attenuation of U and REEs. The results of this study will help to develop better monitoring strategies for U tailings sites and should reduce the impacts of future U mining operations. / Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-05-06 07:44:03.327

Erbium, a rare earth element, has been shown to exhibit characteristic luminescence at 1.54mum due to its internal 4f transition from the first excited state (4pi3/2) to the ground state (4pi5/2). As this emission wavelength falls inside the maximum transmission window of silicon based optical fibers, erbium doped silicon might lead to the opportunity of silicon based optoelectronics. The introduction of erbium in silicon allows excitation through electron-hole recombination and subsequent radiative emission from the rare earth centers. The works reported here describe the structural, electrical and optical properties of crystalline silicon codoped with erbium and boron by ion implantation technique. Four sets of samples, co-implanted with erbium and boron at different Er dose, implantation energy and at different conditions, were prepared. Post-implantation annealing has been performed to recover the implantation damage to an acceptable value and to activate the dopant atoms optically and electrically. PL and EL measurements have been performed in the temperature range between 80K to room temperature. The sample with the lowest erbium concentration and energy gives the best PL and EL results. The observed emission peaks in both PL and EL measurements were at around 1.129mum, ~1.303mum, 1.50mum and 1.597mum at 80K. At higher temperatures, a broader peak at around 1.50mum with long tail towards the both end of wavelength has been observed. The peak at 1.129mum corresponding to the Si band edge emission, the reason for the peaks at around l.303mum has not been identified while the remaining two peaks correspond the Er3+ emission. Virtually no temperature quenching of Er luminescence is observed in some samples rather room temperature intensity is higher than that at 80K. The improvement of the temperature quenching effect on Er luminescence at room temperature has been attained in our results, which is significant improvement in comparison to the result found in the literature. The structural properties were studied by TEM in both cross-sectional and plan view configurations. TEM analyses showed dislocation loops and other defects of random size and distribution from the surface to 600nm below the surface. Er precipitates defects were also seen in the sample doped with Er comparatively at higher dose (1x1015Er/cm2) and energy (1.0 MeV). No detectable room temperature PL and EL signals were observed from the sample implanted at higher doses and energies.

No description available.

The Hoidas Lake Rare Earth Element (REE) Deposit is one of several REE showings which are spatially associated with a regional-scale fault system that cuts through the Rae Province in northern Saskatchewan. The showings occur along the Hoidas-Nisikkatch fault, believed to be a subsidiary of the Black Bay Fault, and consist of multiple REE-enriched veins. Surface outcrops and drilling have delineated a vein system, called the JAK zone, which extends for over 1 km along strike, with the system remaining open both along strike and down dip. The majority of the REE are hosted by fluorapatite and allanite-(Ce), although there are also minor amounts of monazite, bastnaesite and chevkinite which can contain significant concentrations of REE. The veins are dominantly LREE-enriched, specifically La, Ce, and Nd.<p> The mineralization at Hoidas Lake is complex, with the chemical and mineralogical compositions changing with each vein generation. The earliest veins consist of REE-bearing allanite and chevkinite which occur in association with clinopyroxene, titanite, and hyalophane. The allanite-rich veins are followed by veins dominated by red or green apatite, both of which are typically brecciated. Finally, there is a late apatite which crosscuts all previous vein generations. Each of the distinct apatite generations shows discrete chemical variations, particularly in their light rare earth element content, with the total rare earth oxide content ranging from approximately 1.5% in the oldest apatite to as much as 5% in the green apatite.<p> The majority of the apatite and allanite crystals are strongly zoned, reflecting the chemical changes in the mineralizing system through time and, particularly in the earliest vein generations, there are signs of hydrothermal alteration. The early apatite generations typically show the development of monazite inclusions which suggests interaction with hydrothermal fluids, as do the REE-poor rims and bastnaesite alteration observed in the majority of the allanites.<p> The veins are fault controlled and are interpreted to be late magmatic- hydrothermal in origin, with the fluid derived from a magmatic source at depth. Although the exact source of the fluids remains uncertain, the high concentration of REE, as well as Sr and Ba, and a relative depletion in high field strength elements suggests that the mineralization may be related to either an alkali or carbonatitic source.

The Hoidas Lake Rare Earth Element (REE) Deposit is one of several REE showings which are spatially associated with a regional-scale fault system that cuts through the Rae Province in northern Saskatchewan. The showings occur along the Hoidas-Nisikkatch fault, believed to be a subsidiary of the Black Bay Fault, and consist of multiple REE-enriched veins. Surface outcrops and drilling have delineated a vein system, called the JAK zone, which extends for over 1 km along strike, with the system remaining open both along strike and down dip. The majority of the REE are hosted by fluorapatite and allanite-(Ce), although there are also minor amounts of monazite, bastnaesite and chevkinite which can contain significant concentrations of REE. The veins are dominantly LREE-enriched, specifically La, Ce, and Nd.<p> The mineralization at Hoidas Lake is complex, with the chemical and mineralogical compositions changing with each vein generation. The earliest veins consist of REE-bearing allanite and chevkinite which occur in association with clinopyroxene, titanite, and hyalophane. The allanite-rich veins are followed by veins dominated by red or green apatite, both of which are typically brecciated. Finally, there is a late apatite which crosscuts all previous vein generations. Each of the distinct apatite generations shows discrete chemical variations, particularly in their light rare earth element content, with the total rare earth oxide content ranging from approximately 1.5% in the oldest apatite to as much as 5% in the green apatite.<p> The majority of the apatite and allanite crystals are strongly zoned, reflecting the chemical changes in the mineralizing system through time and, particularly in the earliest vein generations, there are signs of hydrothermal alteration. The early apatite generations typically show the development of monazite inclusions which suggests interaction with hydrothermal fluids, as do the REE-poor rims and bastnaesite alteration observed in the majority of the allanites.<p> The veins are fault controlled and are interpreted to be late magmatic- hydrothermal in origin, with the fluid derived from a magmatic source at depth. Although the exact source of the fluids remains uncertain, the high concentration of REE, as well as Sr and Ba, and a relative depletion in high field strength elements suggests that the mineralization may be related to either an alkali or carbonatitic source.

Micrometer-thin rims of hydrothermally altered zircon preserve significant geological information regarding the timing and nature of fluid infiltration. The research presented in this thesis details an investigation of the isotopic and geochemical composition zircon rims from deformed Archean meta-sedimentary rocks proximal to the world class Musselwhite gold deposit. A continuous ablation Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb technique is proposed in conjunction with Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) U-Pb and LA-ICP-MS REE depth profile methods. These techniques are capable of identifying and analyzing isotopic and chemical modification of zircon rims that are <5 μm thick by ablating directly into the surface of unpolished crystals. The age of analyzed rims is >100 m.y younger than crystal interiors and corresponds to periods of regional magmatism and hydrothermal activity. The measured thickness of rims is variable across single grains and between grain suites suggesting that they do not form as a uniform mantle around the crystal interior. Instead the interacting fluids exploit pre-existing structural weaknesses caused by sedimentary transport and the α-decay of uranium. A novel LA-ICP-MS single element grain 2-dimension mapping technique for unpolished zircon demonstrates preferential element mobility along fractures and in isolated patches. Pressure-temperature experiments were conducted on a zircon reference material under lower greenschist facies conditions to better understand the low temperature incorporation of REEs into the zircon structure. LA-ICP-MS element mapping of unpolished grains reveals that zircon are chemically modified under these conditions, as characterized by an increase in Ce and Y concentration (up to an order of magnitude enrichment) in CePO4-bearing and YPO4-bearing experiments, respectively, when compared with the concentrations of unaltered primary grains. The integration of these micro-analytical techniques on unpolished zircon can provide insight into the timing of low- to moderate-temperature history of supracrustal rocks which would remain otherwise undefined.

No description available.

No description available.

Rare earth elements are the 14 lanthanides on the periodic table, plus yttrium and scandium. These elements play a critical role in modern-day technologies such as liquid-crystal displays, GPS systems, and fiber optic cables. A majority of the mining of these elements is from China; however, due to decreasing reserves a need for alternative processes for extracting and processing rare earth elements (REEs) is becoming increasingly important. Special focus has been placed upon the identification of REEs within coal refuse, but the phase designation and speciation is not fully understood. This investigation focuses on the characterization, speciation, and morphology of REEs within fine and coarse coal refuse. During this study, physical and chemical characterization was conducted on coal refuse samples to understand characteristics, which influence REE phase designation. Experimental methods were chosen to specifically evaluate REE content and speciation across four key characteristics: size distribution, density, seam location, and thermal decomposition. Characterization of the refuse material was conducted in two campaigns: (1) an exploratory campaign, which focused on size distribution, and physical imaging of REEs within fine refuse, and (2) a detailed campaign, which utilized sequential chemical extraction methods alongside calcination to understand the phases in which REEs are present in coarse refuse. The results show that REEs within fine coal refuse are smaller than ten microns and found with phosphorus. In general, as size decreased REE content increased, likely due to increased clay content. Further conclusion could not be drawn from simple microscopic analysis. Consequently, detailed chemical characterization was conducted to fully understand REE speciation. The tests showed that a majority of REEs within coarse refuse were within insoluble species. A calcination treatment was found to greatly increase the recovery of REEs from the metal oxide fraction, thus increasing the overall soluble species contained within the coarse refuse material. / Master of Science / Due to increasing global demand and limited reserves, alternative sources for rare earth elements (REEs) have become an increasingly important research topic. REEs are a vital component of many modern technologies, including GPS systems, fiber optic cables, and LCD screens. Current mining of REEs is primarily from Chinese reserves which are becoming increasing depleted and are not strictly regulated for environmental impact. Due to these challenges, other resources of REEs are of increasing importance. Prior research has found coal and associated byproducts to have concentrations of REEs that could be economically exploited, reducing the rate of depletion of REE resources worldwide. To develop more efficient and cost-effective processing methods, fundamental information on the mineral composition of REE-bearing materials is needed. With this information, engineers can develop better processes that can specifically target REE-containing minerals while maximizing economic and environmental outcomes. This research seeks to overcome this knowledge gap through advanced material characterization and well-controlled laboratory process testing of coal refuse. The results show that REEs typically congregate in specific material fractions (e.g. fine size, moderate density), and these materials can be readily transformed through simple heat treatment. This transformation greatly improves the processability and provides a pathway for the economic recovery of REEs from coal wastes. The further development and deployment of these technologies can have societal benefits such as: more jobs, reduced reliance on foreign sources, and environmental cleanup of current coal waste deposits.