In recent years, there have been important breakthroughs in the exploration for sandstone-hosted uranium (U) deposits in the Louzhuangzi district of the southern Junggar Basin. Between 2020 and 2023, a medium-sized sandstone-hosted uranium deposit production area was identified in the region. Only a few investigations have been conducted at the Louzhuangzi U deposit, including those analyzing its geological–tectonic evolution, basic geological features, hydrogeology, and ore-controlling factors. It is generally believed that uranium mineralization at the Louzhuangzi U deposit is controlled by a redox zone. Organic matter (referred to as OM hereafter) consisting of bitumen and carbonaceous debris is very common in the uranium ores (especially in high-grade ores) at the Louzhuangzi U deposit. However, the characteristics of the OM and its contribution to uranium’s mineralization have not been studied in detail. In this study, OM-rich U-ores, altered sandstone, and barren sandstone samples were collected for petrography, mineralogical, micro-spectroscopy, carbon, and sulfur isotope studies. The results of this study show that the distribution of U minerals and metal sulfides (pyrite, sphalerite, etc.) was strictly controlled by bitumen at the Louzhuangzi U deposit. The bitumen may have been formed by hydrocarbon-rich and U-rich ore-forming fluids, which were formed after hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in the underlying Jurassic coal-bearing source rocks. The fluids contained U, Zn, Fe, and other metal elements, which migrated together and then precipitated into the oxidized Toutunhe Formation sandstone through cracking and differentiation processes. Therefore, the results indicate that migrated hydrocarbons were involved in U mineralization, in addition to oxidation–reduction processes, in the Louzhuangzi district, south of the Junggar Basin (China).

Sandstone-type uranium deposits hold significant value and promise within China’s uranium resource portfolio, with the majority of these deposits found at the junctions of basins and mountains within Mesozoic and Cenozoic basins. The Kamust uranium mining area, located in the eastern part of the Junggar Basin, represents a significant recent discovery. Prior research on this deposit has been confined to two-dimensional analyses, which pose limitations for a comprehensive understanding of the deposit’s three-dimensional characteristics. To address the issue of uranium resource reserve expansion, this study employs 3D geological modeling and visualization techniques, guided by uranium deposit models and mineral prediction methods. First, a 3D model database of the Kamust uranium deposit was constructed, comprising drill holes, uranium ore bodies, ore-controlling structures, interlayer oxidation zones, and provenance areas. This model enables a transparent and visual representation of the spatial distribution of favorable mineralization horizons, structures, stratigraphy, and other predictive elements in the mining area. Second, based on the three-dimensional geological model, a mineral prediction model was established by summarizing the regional mineralization mechanisms, ore-controlling factors, and exploration indicators. Combined with big-data technology, this approach facilitated the quantitative analysis and extraction of ore-controlling factors, providing data support for the three-dimensional quantitative prediction of deep mineralization in the Kamust uranium deposit. Finally, using three-dimensional weights of evidence and three-dimensional information-quantity methods, comprehensive information analysis and quantitative prediction of deep mineralization were conducted. One prospective area was quantitatively delineated, located east of the Kalasay monocline, which has been well-validated in geological understanding. The research indicates that the area east of the Kalasay monocline in the Kamust mining district has significant exploration potential.