Migration of uranium in groundwater in three naturally occurring anomalous areas in South Africa

Desktop-level predictive modelling has identified a number of areas in South Africa where naturally elevated uranium concentrations may be expected in groundwater. Three areas were selected for the verification of an existing geological risk model based on known anomalous uranium concentrations in the rocks. Water sampling, laboratory simulations and geochemical modelling showed no clear correlation between uranium levels in groundwater and neighbouring rock material. These conclusions were used to inform the development of policy recommendations regarding groundwater development where elevated uranium concentrations are predicted.