Analysis of uranium ore concentrates for origin assessment

Abstract

In this study the most important analytical methodologies are presented for the nuclear forensic investigation of uranium ore concentrates (yellow cakes). These methodologies allow to measure characteristic parameters which may be source material or process inherited. By the combination of the various techniques ( e.g. infrared spectrometry, impurity content, rare-earth pattern and U, Sr and Pb isotope ratio analysis by mass spectrometry), the possible provenances of the illicit material can be narrowed down to a few options and its declared origin can be verified. The methodologies serve for nuclear forensic investigations as well as for nuclear safeguards, checking the consistency of information.