Natural Radioctivity of Rock and Potential Availability of Uranium-Thorium Minerals in Indonesia

Abstract

Radioactivity in rocks arises as a consequence of the presence of the radioactive elements uranium and thorium. These radioactive elements bond with other elements and form radioactive minerals that evolve on earth through a complex process that takes a very long time. In Indonesia, uranium and thorium mineralization are found in sandstone, metamorphic, volcanic types. volcanic, and intrusive. Generally, mineralization occurs due to hydrothermal processes caused by tectonic and volcanic activities. The potential for these radioactive minerals is spread from Aceh to Papua, with the highest concentrations found in Kalan (West Kalimantan), Mamuju (West Sulawesi), Sibolga (North Sumatra), and Bangka-Belitung. The main uranium minerals found are uraninite, davidite, cofinite, carnonite, while the main minerals for thorium are monazite and thorianite. Exploration of the potential content of nuclear minerals has been carried out by BATAN since 1970 until now. Interim results show that the potential reserves of uranium and thorium in Indonesia are 89,483 tU3O8 and 143,234 tTh, which is a combined number of hypothetical, inferred, and measurable potentials. More detailed exploration needs to be carried out in order to produce measurable reserve figures and also expand exploration to other areas that also have the potential for the presence of uranium and thorium mineralization.