Sandstone-type uranium mineralization coupled with extensional tectonics

While compressional tectonics has long been recognized as a significant factor in uranium mineralization, the role of extensional tectonics remains comparatively understudied. This investigation analyzes representative sandstone-hosted uranium provinces, including the Colorado Plateau (North America), the Agadez region (West Africa), the North China–Transbaikal region (Northeast Asia), and the Massif Central (Western Europe). Our systematic analysis reveals that extensional tectonics, building upon pre-existing rifting structures, amplify tectono-magmatic activity, which in turn exerts spatiotemporally control on uranium deposition and gives rise to diverse mineralization ages. Key structural elements within tectonic transition zones, such as uplifts, fault systems, and volcanism, play critical roles: uplifts and shallow-level faults govern the recharge and migration of supergene fluid, whereas deep-seated faults facilitate the transport of reductants (e.g., hydrocarbons) and magma. These deep pathways provide the essential thermal energy and additional components for uranium precipitation. Collectively, these processes collectively form high-relief transition zones that act as prime sites for uranium enrichment. In addition, multi-phase extensional events generate permeable conduits and thermal anomalies that are crucial for mobilizing and concentrating uranium from source rocks. This study provides an enhanced understanding of the genesis of sandstone-hosted uranium deposits and offers a theoretical framework for future exploration targeting.