Nuclear forensic analysis of an unknown uranium ore concentrate sample seized in a criminal investigation in Australia.
Early in 2009, a state policing agency raided a clandestine drug laboratory in a suburb of a major city in Australia. During the search of the laboratory, a small glass jar labelled "Gamma Source" and containing a green powder was discovered. The powder was radioactive. This paper documents the detailed nuclear forensic analysis undertaken to characterise and identify the material and determine its provenance. Isotopic and impurity content, phase composition, microstructure and other characteristics were measured on the seized sample, and the results were compared with similar material obtained from the suspected source (ore and ore concentrate material). While an extensive range of parameters were measured, the key 'nuclear forensic signatures' used to identify the material were the U isotopic composition, Pb and Sr isotope ratios, and the rare earth element pattern. These measurements, in combination with statistical analysis of the elemental and isotopic content of the material against a database of uranium ore concentrates sourced from mines located worldwide, led to the conclusion that the seized material (a uranium ore concentrate of natural isotopic abundance) most likely originated from Mary Kathleen, a former Australian uranium mine.
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia. Electronic address: liz.keegan@ansto.gov.au.
Elizabeth
E
Keegan
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Michael J
MJ
Kristo
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia.
Michael
M
Colella
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Martin
M
Robel
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Ross
R
Williams
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Rachel
R
Lindvall
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Gary
G
Eppich
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Sarah
S
Roberts
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Lars
L
Borg
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Amy
A
Gaffney
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Jonathan
J
Plaue
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia.
Henri
H
Wong
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia.
Joel
J
Davis
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia.
Elaine
E
Loi
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee, NSW 2232, Australia.
Mark
M
Reinhard
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, P.O. Box 808, L-186, Livermore, CA 94551, USA.
Ian
I
Hutcheon
Nuclear forensic signatures; Nuclear forensics; Uranium ore concentrate