This report is an issue of the original draft copy of the "Interim Staff Report on Uranium Exploration on the Colorado Plateau", dated June 1951. The original draft copy was only recently located and is being published at this time because of the interest in the contained historical content.

From purpose of study: The Vallecito Conglomerate of the Needle Mountains area in southwestern Colorado was studied to evaluate the uranium potential of the unit and to test the applicability of the uraniferous Precambrian pebble-conglomerate exploration model in this area. The main thrust of this project is the Vallecito Conglomerate, but the Uncompahgre Formation, which is also in the Needle Mountains area has basal conglomerate that was investigated in a reconnaissance mode. Five specific objectives have been formulated to meet the overall purpose of this project, and these include: a) Determine the uranium distribution in the Vallecito Conglomerate and the basal conglomerate of the Uncompahgre Formation. b) Evaluate the uranium resources of the area to the degree possible utilizing available information and personal field investigations. c) Test the validity of application of the Precambrian quartz-pebble conglomerate model to this area. d) Recommend detailed studies and delineate drilling sites in the area to further evaluate the uranium resources if warranted. e) Recommend additional geologic, geophysical and geochemical studies which would bear directly on evaluation of uranium resources of the Precambrian pebble conglomerates in the Needle Mountains area.

From introduction: This study is part of the United States Department of Energy's National Uranium Resource Evaluation Program to understand the geologic setting, amount, and availability of uranium resources within the boundaries of the United States.

Abstract: Multivariate statistical analyses were carried out on Hydrogeochemical and Stream Sediment Reconnaissance data from the Craig quadrangle, Colorado, to support the National Uranium Resource Evaluation and to evaluate strategic or other important commercial mineral resources. A few areas for favorable uranium mineralization are suggested for parts of the Wyoming Basin, Park Range, and Gore Range. Six potential source rocks for uranium are postulated based on factor score mapping. Vanadium in stream sediments is suggested as a pathfinder for carnotite-type mineralization. A probable northwest trend of lead-zinc-copper mineralization associated with Tertiary intrusions is suggested. A few locations are mapped where copper is associated with cobalt. Concentrations of placer sands containing rare earth elements, probably of commercial value, are indicated for parts of the Sand Wash Basin.

Report describing chemical analysis of 62 water and 620 sediment samples during a follow-up geochemical survey to search for uranium in the Pueblo quadrangle.

Index maps, detail figures, columnar sections, and calculation tables for the Carpenter Ridge District.

Figures and columns for the West Paradox District.

Tables from the Dolores River District

Illustrations regarding the Bull Canyon District Delores Plateau Area, Colorado.