,
GEOLOGY, ENERGY, AND MINERAL (GEM) RESOURCE ASSESSMENT OF THE
WHISKEY MOUNTAIN GEM RESOURCE AREA ( GRA) WYOMING, INCLUDING THE DUBOIS BADLANDS
WILDERNESS STUDY AREA (WY-030-109 ) , AND THE WHISKEY MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS STUDY AREA (WY-030-110)
PHASE I
Contract No. YA-553-CT2-1055
Prepared for:
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Prepared by:
Tetra Tech, Inc. Pasadena, California
> September 19 83
Center . Denver Federal >—*
the Phase I activities for the Whiskey Mountain GRA, is an evaluation and interpretation of existing data concerning the GEM resource potential in the WSAs.
The Whiskey Mountain GRA contains two WSAs: the Dubois Badlands WSA (WY-030-
109), and the Whiskey Mountain WSA (WY-030-110) . Both WSAs are located in the BLM's Lander Resource Area, Rawlins District, Wyoming.
The Whiskey Mountain GRA has low to moderate potential for the occurrence of GEM resources. The Whiskey Mountain WSA is considered to have a moderate favorability based on direct, but quantitatively minimal, evidence for the potential occurrence of limestone (classified 3C) . Limestone is found in the Whiskey Mountain WSA as the Madison Limestone (Gilliland, 1959). The Dubois
Badlands WSA is considered to have a moderate favorability based on indirect evidence for the potential occurrence of uranium (classified 3B) ; uranium might be found in the Dubois Badlands WSA in the Amsden Formation and Madison
Limestone (Hesse, 1982). The Whiskey Mountain WSA has a moderate favorability
for the potential occurrence of uranium (classified 3B) ; this classification is based upon indirect evidence. Both WSAs are considered to have low favor- ability, based on indirect evidence, for the potential occurrence of oil and
gas (classified 2B) ; also, both WSAs are considered to have low favorability based on direct, but quantitatively minimal, evidence for potential coal
occurrences (classified 2C) . No operating mines or prospects are known to
exist in the area. Quantitatively minimal direct evidence exists to support a low favorability classification for the potential occurrence of other GEM
resources in the study area (classified 2C) . This classification is based on the geologic environment and the inferred geologic processes that have been identified within the WSAs. Additional geologic investigations would help supplement the GEM resource evaluation of the Whiskey Mountain GRA. The Madison Limestone-Amsden Forma= tion contact in the Whiskey Mountain WSA should be investigated by geologic reconnaissance to determine the presence of paleokarst-type uranium deposits 6
11 52
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.
1.0 INTRODUCTION. 1
1.1 Purpose of Study 1
1.2 Location and Access 1
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2.0 GEOLOGY.
2.1 General 5
2 . Physiography 5
2.3 Geologic Units 6
2.3.1 Bedrock Units 6
2.3.2 Surficial Deposits 9
2.4 Structural Geology 10
2 . Engineering Geology 10
2.6 Pal eonto logic Resources 11 2.7 Historical Geology 11
3.0 ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES 12
3.1 General 12 3.2 Known Resources 12
3.3 Potential Resources 12 3.4 Land Status 14 3.5 Deposit Types 14
3.6 Resource Economics 16 3.6.1 Industrial Minerals 16 3.6.2 Uranium and Thorium 16
3.6.3 Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Exploration 17
3.6.4 Coal 17
in 1 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued) '
Page
4.0 LAND CLASSIFICATION FOR GEM RESOURCE POTENTIAL. 17
4.2 Industrial Minerals 18
4. Uranium 18
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Jo0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER WORK ...... 21
5.1 Work Recommended to Complete Data Base 21
6.0 REFERENCES AND SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 22
FIGURES
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2 . Geologic Map 7
2.2 Generalized Stratigraphic Column 8
3 . Mineral Occurrence Map 13 3.2 Claim and Lease Map 15 4.1 Land Classification Map 19 4.2 Resource Classification Scheme 20
IV .
GEM RESOURCE AREA WHISKEY MOUNTAIN
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of Study
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has adopted a two-phase procedure for the integration of geologic, energy, and mineral (GEM) resources data for sui tab le/nonsui table decisions concerning wilderness Study Areas (WSAs).
Phase I consists of a review and evaluation of existing data, resulting in an interpretation of the GEM resource potential of the WSA. Phase II is designed to generate only the additional data required to support the GEM resource recommendations presented during Phase I. To facilitate this review, certain WSAs with similar geologic environments and mineral characteristics have been grouped together into larger GEM Resource Areas (GRAs). Using these guide- lines, the Dubois Badlands and Whiskey Mountain WSAs were grouped together into the larger Whiskey Mountain GRA. This report, which terminates the Phase
I activities for the Whiskey Mountain GRA, is an evaluation and interpretation of existing data concerning the GEM resource potential in the WSAs.
The GEM resource evaluations for this study were performed by Tetra Tech, Inc. for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, under Contract No. YA-553-CT2-1055. This study was completed in January, 1983.
1.2 Location and Access
This GEM report covers the area identified as the Whiskey Mountain GEM Re- source Area (GRA); the geographic location of the study area is shown in Figure 1.1, "GRA Location Map."
The Whiskey Mountain GRA contains two Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs): the
Dubois Badlands WSA (WY-030-109) , and the Whiskey Mountain WSA (WY-030-110) The Whiskey Mountain WSA consists of 487 acres and is located between 43° 27'
30" - 43°29' north latitude and 109°37' - 109°37 , 3.5" west longitude, in parts
of Sections 30, 31, Township (T) 41 North (N), Range (R) 106 West (W) , and svaaa n V10
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part of T 41 N, R 107 W, 6th Prime Meridian. The Dubois Badlands WSA con- sists of 4,5 20 acres and is located between 43° 30 '-43° 33' north latitude and 109 o 30'-109 o 37' 30" west longitude, in part of the northern half of T 41 N, R 106 W of the 13th Auxiliary Meridian. Both WSAs are in the BLM's Lander Resource Area, Rawlins District, Wyoming. Figure 1.2, "Topographic Map," illustrates the topography of the GRA, as well as the locations of the WSAs within the GRA.
Access to the Whiskey Mountain WSA is by an improved road from U.S. Highway
287; this road crosses U.S. Highway 287 approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Dubois, Wyoming* Access to the Whiskey Mountain WSA is also by the improved Ross Lake jeep trail which forms the southeastern margin of the property.
Access to the Dubois Badlands area is by improved trails from Dubois, Wyoming, that intersect the property from the north and west.
1. Basis for Report
This report is based on an evaluation of existing data (both published and available unpublished data) collected from a variety of different sources. Some of the sources utilized during the preparation of this report include publications of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Wyoming Geological Survey, universities, and other sources.
The available literature was reviewed by a Project Team, assembled by the study contractor, comprised of authorities in the field of GEM resource evaluation. The members of the Project Team, and their associated technical disciplines, are identified below:
Mr. Charles S. Robinson Metallic Minerals/Non-Metallic Minerals
Mr. Rollin E. Phipps Oil and Gas
Mr. Andrew G. Alpha Geothermal Resources
Mr. Stuart P. Hughes Other Minerals Mr. William A. Gallant Other Minerals Mr. Elmer M. Schell Coal Mr. John A. Hartley Oil Shale/ Paleontology CM
UJ <3« 2 co co O UJ & co < Q CO cs x oUJ tr r>o CO < 1 ° UJ Ui 3* © » H UJ (0 © r -J UJ CQ IT e « O e 3 o O 35 !8 l< < 5> S E o o o CM c 3 o c 1 in I oo 'I", UJ I- 1 o I 2.0 GEOLOGY The geology of the Whiskey Mountain GRA is illustrated on the Wyoming State Geologic Map (Love et al., 1955), and the geologic map of the Thermopolis 1° x 2° Quadrangle (Love, et al., 1979). The Dubois Badlands WSA was mapped by W.R. Keefer (1957); the Whiskey Mountain area was mapped by J.D. Gilliland (1959). These maps, together with other available data presented in the references and selected bibliography section of this report, form the basis for certain conclusions regarding GEM resources in the study area. 2.1 General The Whiskey Mountain and Dubois Badlands WSA' s occur in the extreme north- western end and on the west flank of the Wind River Basin. Rocks exposed at the surface in the Dubois Badlands WSA include the Wind River and In- dian Meadows Formations of Lower Eocene (40-60 million years before present [m.y.B.P]) age; also, north of the Wind Ridge Fault that cuts the study area, the Cloverly Formation of Cretaceous (70-135 m.y.B.P.) age is exposed. Well logs would have to be studied to confirm subsurface stratigraphy, but in gen- eral, a complete stratigraphic section between the Indian Meadows Formation, except for the Cretaceous section south of the Wind Ridge Fault, should occur. In the Whiskey Mountain WSA, the highest stratigraphic unit exposed is the Amsden Formation of Pennsylvanian (270-300 m.y.B.P.) age, followed by the Mississippian (300-350 m.y.B.P.) Madison Formation, which is in turn underlain by the Devonian (350-400 m.y.B.P.) Darby and Ordovician (.440-500 m.y.B.P.) Bighorn Dolomite Formation. Below these units, the Gallatin, Gros Ventre, and Flathead Formations of Cambrian (500-600 m.y.B.P.) age overlie the undif- ferentiated Precambrian (> 600 m.y.B.P.) metamorphic rocks. 2.2 Physiography The Whiskey Mountain and Dubois Badlands WSAs fall within the Wyoming Basin physiographic province. Elevations in the Dubois Badlands WSA range from approximately 6,700 feet to 7,900 feet. Elevations in the Whiskey Mountain WSA range from 7,600 feet to 9,600 feet. Drainage within the WSAs consists of perennial to intermittent streams that intersect or originate within the WSAs and drain into the Wind River. The climate of the region is predominately semiarid, with the more elevated parts of the Whiskey Mountain WSA considered subalpine. Most of the precipitation in the area occurs as snow. 2.3 Geologic Units A relatively complete stratigraphic section occurs beneath the Whiskey Moun- tain GRA. Bedrock units from Precambrian through Tertiary (2-70 m.y.B.P.) age, except for parts of the Cretaceous which were apparently eroded off the area, underlie both WSAs. Quaternary material overlies much of the older rocks in the region and consists of alluvium deposited by tributary streams and colluvium from weathered bedrocks Figure 2.1, "Geologic Map," delineates the geologic formations that occur throughout the GRA. Figure 2.2, "General- ized Stratigraphic Column," is a generalized stratigraphic column which gives a brief description of all the stratigraphic units that underlie the Whiskey Mountain GRA. 2.3.1 Bedrock Units Precambrian granitic and metamorphic rocks of the Wind River Range and adjacent areas underlie the WSAs at great depth. The Flathead, Gros Ventre, and Gallatin Formations of Cambrian age overlie the Precambrian rocks. The Cambrian age sequence consists of conglomerates, sandstones, shales, and flat pebble limestones. The Bighorn Dolomite of Ordovician age occurs above the Cambrian rocks. It consists of a gray massive silicious dolomite. Above the Bighorn Dolomite, the Darby Formation of Devonian age occurs. It consists of brown dolomites, dark shales, and thin sandstones. Both the Bighorn Dolomite and Darby Forma- tion crop out in parts of the Whiskey Mountain WSA. The Whiskey Mountain WSA occurs primarily on the dip slope of the Madison Limestone and Amsden Formations. 5 UJ CD c < o N UJ CM eo a> ocr: ID *r 3 < *" i 1 2 „!2 < o o -i JC CO fC to CD £ * o © ,* Sn :i , FORMATION STSTEM SER2ZS SYMBOL THICKNESS, ft GENERAL LITHOLOGIC DESCRIPTION Wiggins Tuffs, gray, pink, and wftite, alternating with brown to Black volcanic conglom- §2 1000* erates; conglomerates consist cbiefly of subrounded soulders of andasite and basalt in a gray to pink matrix 1 Tepee Trail Sandstone, conglomerate, shale, and tuff, interbedded; tuff is bright green, 575* grayish green, and brown; conglomerates consist of subrounded boulders and cobbles of andasite and basalt Tel Wind Rivet Sandstone, conglomerate, shale, siltstone, and claystone, in a variegated red, purp.le. gray, wnite, and buff sequence, hignly tuffaceous and Bentomeie in part; some carbonaceous snale with thin coal partings Tim Indian Conglomerate red massive; consists of Paleozoic rock fragments i minor amounts of Meadows, 200* sandstone, siltstone, and snale PALEO- Tfu Fort Union Conglomerate, tan: contains Mesegeie rock fragment* eniefly nonry Sbale 50* Cody Shale Shale, gray, soft; a few tain sandy sentt increasing in number toward topi top 3000* 1,500 feet largely covered Kf Frontnc Sandstone, gray, white and tan, fine= to coarse—grained; gray, brown, and black 750 sbale; and gray and yellow bentonites in a variable sequence. Some thin beds of black coal and lignite and brown carbonaceous shales; some beds highly tuffaceous; fossiliferous in part Howry Sbale Shale, black and brown, with rum beds of yellow bentsnite and greenish—grsy bard 720 thin-bedded sandstone; shales are siliceous is upper part and weather silver gray Eat Theraepolis Shale, black soft; fissile, wieB numerous ferruginous concretions Shale, 135 KJ Cloverly i Claystone, red, gray, blue, green, and purple, red siltstone, and white to gray, Morrison, medium- to coarse—graieed sparkly sandstone Undifferenti- ated, 380 Sandstone, grayish-green fine- to coarse-grained; green sand and gray conglom- eratic fossiliferous liaestonc; sose beds highly glauconitie Jsg Lover Suit Limestone, bluish-gray, oolitic, fossiliferous, interbedded with greenisn-gray dance « 305 shale in lower part; upper part contains greenisn-gray shale with abundant Gryphaea nebrascensis Gypsum Spring Limestone and dolomite, bluish-gray, greenish-gray, and tan, and soft red shale; 100* conspicuous bed of breeeiatcd limestone near base J"Rgn Nugget Sand- Sandstone, white and red, fine- t6 medium—grained, massive to thin-bedded, cross* stone. 0-120 bedded in part; contains large rounded frosted grains; some beds shaloy Qsugwaeer Siltstone, red, buff, and white; sandstone and shale in lower part; upper part 1290 contains purple and oeber claystone of Pope Agie Member "Red Dlnwoody Sandstone, brown, pink, and yellowish, fine—grained, thin- te taiek-bedded: some 155 siltstone Phosphori a Dolomite, chert, limestone, siltstone, and sandstone, interbedded, tan, gray, and PEXMIAH 260 buff, with a few thin beds of phosphate rock and a minor amount of shale Tensleep Sandstone, buff, and white, fine-grained, thinly crossbedded to massive, cliff- Sandstone forming; weathered surfaces generally dark brown to black z £ 210-245 z a r.t S Aasden Shale, dolomite, and sandstone, interbedded, red, gray, white buff, and purple 185-300 HSSSXS- Madison Lime- Limestone, gray, massive- to thin-bedded; some thin beds of chert; in places SEPPIAH stone, 740 contains some red shales near top Dd and brown, greenish-gray and red siltstones and DEVOHXAH Darby Dolomite, buff, gray, fetid; 190-210 shales Ob Bighorn Dolomite, buff, massive, weathers with rough-pitted surface, cliff-forming QRBOVZCZAN Dolomite 170-250 eg Gallatin Limestone, buff and gray, crystalline to granular, mostly thin-bedded and platy Limestone 315-330 Cgv Gros Ventre Flat pebble limestone conglomerates and sbale ef Flathead Red arkosic sandstone and conglomerate PRECAMBRIAN pe Granite and granite gneiss, pink and gray, coarsely crystalline Figure 2.2 Generalized Stratigraphic Column, Whiskey Mountain GRA. (Keefer, 1957) The Madison Limestone dip slope of Mississippian age consists of a blue gray massive cavernous limestone. Commonly, the upper contact of the Madison Limestone with the Amsden Formation is characterized by solution features which may be filled with red to maroon weathered soils and sandstone. The Amsden Formation consists of red and green shales and thin limestones. The Tensleep Sandstone of Pennsylvanian age overlies the Amsden Formation and consists of massive gray sandstone, thin limestones, and dolomite beds. Overlying the Tensleep Sandstone is the Phosphoria Formation of Permian (225-270 m.y.B.P) age. The Phosphoria Formation of Permian age consists of cherty dolomites underlain by black and gray shale, silts tones, thin lime- stones, and phosphatic beds. Overlying the Phosphoria Formation are the Dinwoody and Chugwater Formations of Triassic (180-225 m.y.B.P) age. The Dinwoody and Chugwater Formations of Triassic age consist of brown, pink, and yellowish, fine-grained sandstones, and red, buff, and white siltstones, sandstones, and shale. The Jurassic (135-180 m.y.B.P) age formations that overlie the Chugwater Formation are, from oldest to youngest: the Nugget Sandstone, Gypsum Spring, Upper and Lower Sundance, and Morrison Formations. These units consist of interbedded sandstones, limestones, and shales. Drill hole data from the area indicates that much of the Cretaceous section was removed by erosion, except for a small section of the Cody Shale north of an echelon portion of the Wind Ridge Fault (Keefer, 1957). Above this unconformity, the Tertiary Wind River and Indian Meadows Formations crop out. The Indian Meadows Formation consists of siltstone, sandstone, shale, and conglomerate composed of predominantly Paleozoic (225 m.y.B.P) rock fragments. The overlying Wind River Formation consists of variegated red, purple, gray, and buff shale, siltstone, sandstones, and claystones. 2.3.2 Surficial Deposits Surficial deposits within the WSAs consist primarily of alluvial and colluvial materials. Alluvial deposits consist of alluvium - derived from bedrock along tributary streams that drain the area. Colluvial deposits consist primarily . of material derived from bedrock weathered in place. These materials were not mapped but have been inferred to exist in the study area based upon the occurrence of similar deposits identified in similar geologic environments in other areas, and a brief review of the aerial photography. 2.4 Structural Geology The Whiskey Mountain and Dubois Badlands WSAs occur within the Wind River synclinal basin that trends in a northwest-southeast direction. The Whiskey Mountain WSA is at the extreme southwestern edge of the basin, with the Madison Limestone dipping approximately 35° in a northeasterly direction* The Dubois Badlands WSA occurs along the southwest limb of the synclinal trough. Two thrust faults trending in a northwest direction intersect a portion of the Dubois Badlands WSA. These faults parallel the trend of the synclinal trough The northwest thrust appears to be developed as a fold further to the north- west. These structures may provide suitable traps for the accumulation of hydrocarbons. Little is known about the subsurface structure of the underly- ing Paleozoic and Mesozoic (70-225 m.y.B.P.) rocks. Several small anticlines and faults may occur forming structural traps for oil and gas accumulation. 2.5 Engineering Geology Narrow draws and tributaries that intersect the Dubois Badlands WSA are subject to flash floods during periods of short term, intense rainfall. Bentonitic materials make up parts of the Wind River and Indian Meadows Formations, thereby increasing the potential for swelling soil, landslides, and road problems in the Dubois Badlands WSA. The Whiskey Mountain area may have some rockfall hazards in areas where Madison Limestone and Bighorn Dolomite cliffs are exposed. Areas where the Amsden Formation is exposed will have clayey soils which can cause road and slope stability problems. 10 2.6 Paleontologic Resources Pal eon to logic resources may occur in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic rock units that underlie the area, but because these units are deeply buried, their assessment is undefined. Mississippian invertebrates fossils are generally common in the Madison Limestone. 2.7 Historical Geology The geologic history of the Whiskey Mountain GRA is similar to that of the Middle Rocky Mountains. Basement Precambrian rocks consist of metaigneous and metasedimentary rocks, the history of which is not well understood. At the end of Precambrian time and throughout the Paleozoic era, there were repeated advances and retreats of the sea. Marine deposits of sandstone, shale, and limestone were formed. At the end of the Paleozoic and into the early Mesozoic era, marine, marginal marine (evaporite), and terrestial red-bed deposits were formed as the seas fluctuated over the area. During the deposition of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic sediments, stratigraphic traps for hydrocarbons may have developed along facies changes, unconformities, and lithologic boundaries. Seas returned in middle Jurassic time, only to retreat by the end of the Jurassic period. A major marine invasion started in early Cretaceous and continued until the start of the Laramide orogeny near the end of the Cretaceous period. The Tertiary period was a period of repeated uplift (illustrated by the Wind River and Owl Creek Mountains uplift), fault- ing, and erosion. The Tertiary period was also a period of the deposition of terrestrial sediments, illustrated by the Wind River Basin where the Whiskey Mountain GRA is located. Volcanism was active in mid to late Tertiary time and thick volcanic deposits accumulated locally and volcanic ash was wide- spread. This volcanic ash may have been a source rock of uranium; the uranium may have migrated by groundwater into favorable rock units in the area. The Quaternary (2-3 m.y.B.P.) period is noted for the widespread glaciation in the mountains, and glacial outwash deposits along the flanks of the mountains. The present topography in the study area is primarily the result of stream erosion during recent geologic time. 11 3.0 ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES 3.1 General The Whiskey Mountain GRA has the following known and potential resources : oil and gas, sand and gravel, uranium, and limestone. Figure 3.1, "Mineral Occurrence Map," illustrates the presence of any known past and present mine locations, or occurrences of mineral deposits and GEM resources within the GRA. The sources of information for this figure are the USGS' Computerized Resource Information Bank (CRIB); the USBM's Mineral Availability System (MILS); and Petroleum Information Corporation (PI). Also, some information was taken from the Geologic Map of the Du Noir Area by Keefer (1956). 3.2 Known Resources Some oil and gas is produced near the Dubois Badlands WSA and a number of holes have been drilled in the vicinity (Figure 3.1). Coal has been mined locally from the Frontier Formation (Keefer, 1956), but present evidence does not indicate that the Frontier Formation underlies the Dubois Badlands WSA. A small uranium occurrence was found near the Whiskey Mountain WSA in the Flathead Formation. In 1980, 7,446 barrels of oil were produced from the Dubois Field (T 42 N, R 107 W) . Total cumulative production since 1946 is 195,998 barrels (1946-1980) and 172 MCF gas (1946-1980) (Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Division, 1980). No known production of any other commodities other than sand and gravel was identified within the GRA. No known production of any GEM resource was identified within the WSAs. 3.3 Potential Resources Uranium occurs within the Wind River and Indian Meadows Formation in other areas of the Wind River Basin. Uranium also occurs in the Madison Limestone and overlying Amsden Formation in other parts of Wyoming (i.e. Pryor Moun- tains). Uranium occurs in the Flathead Formation just to the southeast of the Whiskey Mountain WSA; therefore, both the Dubois Badlands and Whiskey Mountain 12 y < i ° a T3 UJ > • 0) Si2 t6 CD CT o> 0. UJ o in * z a > o ac CD , CO > cr % " * a ^^S! 2 X z o o n M o m \ uo -JO Sol M »« ao -i »« * *_ _ w-Mo* — > * ^ O O e eg CM m I I io I " r s 9 ^la ^¥ TT WSAs are considered to have potential occurrences of uranium. Coal occurs in the Wind River and Indian Meadows Formations, and at depth in the Frontier Formation; the potential coal reserves are probably insignificant when com- pared to other coal resources in Wyoming. Oil and gas could occur in the area in stratigraphic and structural traps similar to other producing fields in the vicinity. Limestone occurs in the Whiskey Mountain WSA. The Madison Limestone has been mined in other areas of Wyoming for various purposes. 3.4 Land Status One area of unpatented mining claims exists between the two WSAs. Both WSAs, except for a small portion of the Whiskey Mountain WSA, are under oil and gas leases. Figure 3«2, "Claim and Lease Map," illustrates the locations of any oil and gas leases, patented claims, and unpatented claims in the Whiskey Mountain GRA. As shown, there are no patented claims in either WSA. 3.5 Deposit Types Uranium may occur in the Dubois Badlands WSA as sedimentary deposits within the Indian Meadows and Wind River Formations. Sedimentary sandstone and similar types of deposits may include roll fronts, peneconcordant types, unconformity related deposits, or numerous others. Favorable units would consist of those relatively porous sandstones with carbonaceous material or other reductant. The available data is inconclusive concerning the existence of potential uranium deposits in the Dubois Badlands area. Little is known about the distribution of the Pryor Mountains type uranium deposits outside of the type area. The Pryor Mountains* type uranium deposits occur as cave infillings in the paleokarst horizon at the top of the Madison Limestone Formation. The Whiskey Mountain WSA has a similar stratigraphic horizon for the occurrence of this type of deposit. Information comparing the specific characteristics of the Whiskey Mountain WSA to the Pryor Mountains locality is lacking. At a minimum, favorable sites need well developed paleokarst and abundant carbonaceous material. 14 Oil and gas have been produced in other areas of Wyoming from stratigraphic and structural traps similar to those that may occur in the Whiskey Mountain and Dubois Badlands WSAs. Some testing wells have been drilled without success in areas adjacent to the Dubois Badlands WSA. The available informa- tion is insufficient to rule out the potential of new oil and gas fields being discovered in the area. Deposits of the Madison Limestone in other areas have produced almost pure calcium carbonate for industrial applications . The limestone is a chemical precipitate forming a massive bedded deposits. 3.6 Resource Economics 3.6.1 Industrial Minerals Limestone sold nationally for $2.88-$3.20 per ton in 1980; this price reflects the general inflationary effects of the national economy in 1981 and 1982. The major user of limestone is the construction industry which has been seriously hurt by the recession. Recent increases in housing permits and other construction projects should provide an increased demand for limestone. 3.6.2 Uranium and Thorium The current price of uranium (approximately $17 per pound in October, 1982) is low enough to discourage additional mining and exploration. A turnaround in national nuclear policy will be necessary to return the industry to profit- ability. Reserves far exceed demand at present and numerous mines with significant measured reserves of U_0 o have closed due to the low demand 3 8 for uranium and high production costs. When and if nuclear policy and at- titudes change, the uranium industry will recover slowly but probably not to the extent of the 19 70s. 16 3.6.3 Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Exploration Oil, gas, and geothermal exploration has leveled off after the drop from the peak figures of January 1982. Tight money is affecting drilling starts. Exploration should increase as inventories are depleted. 3.6.4 Coal The coal industry is closely associated with the generally depressed economic conditions of the nation. Major users of coal are electric generators and there is a trend to move from oil and uranium to coal generator plants. However, the slow down in U.S. industrial output has reduced electrical energy needs, thus reducing even these small gains in coal use. The use of coal for synfuels has been seriously reduced because of the federal government's declining support for synfuel projects. As the economy recovers, the demand for energy and, therefore, coal should increase, thus encouraging additional coal production efforts. 4.0 LAND CLASSIFICATION FOR GEM RESOURCE POTENTIAL 4.1 General The Whiskey Mountain and Dubois Badlands WSAs are considered favorable areas for the potential occurrence of the following GEM resources: oil, gas and geothermal, coal, uranium, and limestone. The area is considered to have a low favorability for the potential occurrence of other GEM resources. In order to better evaluate the occurrence or potential occurrence of re- sources in the GRA, a 2-part resource classification scheme has been adopted as requested by contract. Each resource or potential resource within the GRA will receive an alpha-numeric classification. The number designation will range from 1 to 4, and will indicate the favorability of the geologic environ- ment, geologic processes, and mineral occurrences for the presence of a particular resource or group of resources. The letter designation will range from A to D, and will indicate the level of confidence to be associated with the numerical designation. Figure 4.1, "Land Classification Map," illustrates 17 ; the areas of potential GEM resources with their assigned classifications for the WSAs within the Whiskey Mountain GRA. Figure 4.2, "Resource Classifica- , tion Scheme " provides a detailed description of the number and letter desig- nations used in the resource classification scheme. 4.2 Industrial Minerals The Whiskey Mountain WSA is considered moderately favorable for the potential occurrence of limestone (classified 3C) ; this classification is based upon previous uses and abundance of the material in the region (Gilliland, 19 59). 4.3 Uranium The Dubois Badlands WSA is considered moderately favorable based on indirect evidence for the potential occurrence of uranium resources (classified 3B) j this classification is based upon the occurrence of uranium ore deposits in similar geologic environments in Wyoming and the Wind River Basin (Keefer, 1956? Hesse, 1982). The contact between the Madison Limestone and Amsden Formation is also considered moderately favorable for the potential occurrence of uranium; this consideration is based upon the presence of similarly favor- able environments and potentially associated uranium deposits in the Pryor Mountains. Potential uranium occurrences in the Flathead Formation are considered to have a moderate favorability based on indirect evidence (classi- fied 3B) ; this classification is based upon the occurrence of uranium just to the southeast of the Whiskey Mountain WSA (see Figure 3.1). Extreme depth to this potential resource probably precludes development* 4.4 Oil and Gas The Dubois Badlands WSA is considered to have a low favorability based on indirect evidence for the potential occurrence of oil and gas (classified 2B) this classification is based upon available drilling data production in the vicinity, and potentially favorable stratigraphic and structural traps. f 18 t 2 0) "O o * en « UJ <0 O _l 5 o 5» -J ^ 2 < Oi o CO 9 CO ro 2 ® i GP o O > LI -1 J UJ en 1 ce CD wo0»O so *•» -•J 2 E "11 = o * m o :i i I 19 * s ; 4J CD CD cu *> cu CD c o > O cu P 03 o c c o u CD 3 a> c a* cu CU *j c CD U CM CD 5> > °H •H U-l 4-> B & CD > a en c CO (I) CU P w CD oj g C O u •P en o (C cu •p O T3 -> CD iH — o o C w U CD 4 CG •O « 03 £ o XS H CU 41 f! CU H CO cn « k O O •H cu H cu 8" c 4J * > J o cu x: fH cu (0 fH c CU fi c o w fH CU CU -H CO c CU M 3 CU 4^ S cn 3 Cn u A3 •^ •H cu CU © O | 3 O c • > -a O O 13 •H '•W o (Q CU (6 d) CO CD 20 4.5 Coal Both WSAs within the Whiskey Mountain GRA are considered to have a low favor- ability based on direct but quantitatively minimal evidence for the potential occurrence of coal resources (classified 2C) ; this classification is based upon known occurrences of coal beds in the Wind River, Indian Meadows, and Frontier Formations underlying the area. Since the WSAs occur near the edge of the Wind River Basin, the coal resources in this area are considered insignificant due to the probable thinning of the coal beds at the basin's edges. 4.6 Other GEM Resources Quantitatively minimal direct evidence exists to support a low favorability classification for the potential occurrence of other GEM resources in the study area (classified 2C) . This classification is based on the geologic environment and inferred geologic processes that have been identified within the WSAs. 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER WORK 5.1 Work Recommended to Complete Data Base A number of investigations could be implemented to generate additional data to supplement the conclusions of this Phase I report for the Whiskey Mountain GRA. In the Whiskey Mountain WSA, the Madison Limestone and Amsden Formations should be evaluated to determine the presence of characteristics favorable for uranium occurrences similar to the Pryor Mountains deposits. Also, drill hole data should be evaluated and the information correlated to determine favorable stratigraphic and structural traps for oil and gas accumulation in the area. 21 6.0 REFERENCES AND SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY (Whiskey Mountain) 1. Atomic Energy Commission, Division of Raw Materials. 1950-58. Pre- liminary Reconnaissance Reports on Reported Occurrences of Uranium Deposits, Fremont County, Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey. 2. Barlow & Haun, Inc. 1977. Structure Contour Map of West 1/2 Wind River Basin, Wyoming. The Petroleum Ownership Map Company. 3. Bolmer R.L. and Biggs P. 1965. Mineral Resources and Their Potential on Indian Lands, Wind River Reservation, Fremont and Hot Springs Counties, Wyoming. U.S. Bureau of Mines, Preliminary Report 159. 4. Gilliland, J.D. 1959. Geologic Map and Structure Sections of the Whiskey Mountain Area, Fremont County, Wyoming. University of Wyoming ThesiSe 5. Granger, H.C.; McKay, E.J.; Mattick, R.E.; Patten, L.L.; and Mcllroy, P. 1971. Mineral Resources of the Glacier Primitive Area, Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey, Bulletin 1319-F. 6. Hesse, K.K. 1982. National Uranium Resource Evaluation, Thermopolis Quadrangle, Wyoming. U.S. Department of Energy BFEC, PGJ/F-030 (82). 7. Keefer, W.R. 1956. Geologic Map of the Du Noir Area, Fremont County, Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey. Oil and Gas Investigation Map OM-166. 8. Keefer, W.R. 1957. Geology of the Du Noir Area, Fremont County, Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper No. 294-E. 9. Keefer, W.R. 1965. Stratigraphy and Geologic History of the Uppermost Cretaceous, Paleocene, and Lower Eocene Rocks in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey, Professional Paper No. 495-A. 10. Keefer, W.R. and Van Lieu, J. A. 1966. Paleozoic Formations in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey, Professional Paper No. 495-B. 11. Love, J.D. et al. 19 55. Geologic Map of Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey. 12. Love, J.D.; Christiansen, A.C.; Brown, T.M. ? and Earle, J.L. 1979. Preliminary Geologic Map of the Thermopolis 1° x 2° Quadrangle, Central Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report 79-962. 13. McGreevy, L.J.; Hodson, W.G.; and Bucker, S.J., IV. 1969. Groundwater Resources of the Wind River Indian Reservation, Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey, Water Supply Paper 1576-1. 14. Petroleum Information Corporation. 1982. West 1/2 of the Wind River Basin Structure Contour Map. 22 15. Sheldon, R.P. 1963. Physical Stratigraphy and Mineral Resources of Permian Rocks in Western Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey, Profession- al Paper No. 313-B. 16. Ugolini, F. 1982. National Park Service. Personal Communication. List of National Registry of National Landmarks, (List of Geologic Features Designated as National Landmarks); and List of Recommended Geologic Features in Natural History Theme Studies for Montana (updated December 1981) and Wyoming (updated March 1981). 17. U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1982. Master Title Plats. Plats of the study areas were supplied to Tetra Tech by the BLM in August, 1982. 18. U.S. Bureau of Mines* 1982. Minerals Availability System (MILS) Deposit Listing. Listings for the study areas were supplied to Tetra Tech by the BLM in August, 1982. 19. U.S. Geological Survey, n.d. Thermopolis 1° x 2° Topographic Quad- rangle, scale 1: 250, 000, contour interval 200 feet, Thermopolis, Wyoming, NK 12-3, Series V502, Edition 1-AMS. 20. U.S. Geological Survey. 1982. Computerized Resource Information Bank (CRIB) Mineral Resources Files. Files for the study area were sup- plied to Tetra Tech by the BLM in August, 1982. 21. Whitcomb, H.A. and Lowry, M.E. 1968. Groundwater Resources and Geology of the Wind River Basin Area, Central Wyoming. U.S. Geological Survey, Hydrologic Investigations Map HA-270. 22. Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Division. 1980. Annual Report. > 23 -- r — = P X Jill o w a DOOO DJOOO 5ooo < 5t a> Q