The uplift and denudation history of the orogenic belt and the basin–mountain coupling process have directly or indirectly affected the generation, scale, and preservation of sandstone-type uranium deposits in the eastern Junggar Basin by controlling the uranium source, lithology, facies, hydrogeology, post-generation modification, and other mineralization conditions. Taking the eastern Junggar Basin as the research area, this study proposes the constraints on sandstone-type uranium deposits by the tectonic uplift and denudation history of the orogenic belt in the basin using the apatite fission track (AFT), detrital zircon geochronology, and other methods. The results of the AFT age test and thermal path simulation indicate that the orogenic belt in the eastern Junggar Basin underwent four rapid uplifts; (from approximately 300 Ma to approximately 250 Ma, from approximately 130 Ma to approximately 90 Ma, from approximately 65 Ma to approximately 30 Ma, and from approximately 20 Ma to 0 Ma). Moreover, the timing of the uplift has a spatial trend of gradually becoming younger from south to north. The detrital zircon U-Pb age test showed that the sediment source area of the basin is mainly distributed in three age intervals, i.e., 460–390, 360–270, and 190–170 Ma. The comprehensive evaluation of the clastic sediment composition, stratigraphic distribution of the erosion source area, and thermal history showed that a large amount of exposed Carboniferous–Permian granites in the Qinglidi and Karameri Mountain erosion source areas contributed dominant sediment material and uranium sources for the Triassic and Middle and Lower Jurassic strata in the basin. The Ordovician–Early Devonian granites only provided sediment sources for the Upper Triassic and Lower Jurassic strata in the basin. Altay Mountain contributed some sediment sources for the Middle and Upper Jurassic strata after the magmatic activity and rapid uplift occurred in the Middle Jurassic. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the influence of the tectonic uplift process of the orogenic belt and the transformation of material source areas on uranium mineralization, the granites in the erosion source areas are proposed to contribute both external and internal uranium sources for uranium mineralization. Uranium mineralization mainly occurred in the tectonic retreat period after the rapid uplifts of the Cretaceous and Paleogene. It was terminated by the intensive uplift-induced stratigraphic deformation in the Miocene.

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.