Grey Monazite Paleoplacers in Lower Cretaceous Continental Formations in the Mons Basin, Belgium
Résumé
Grey monazite, a MREE-rich and Th-poor phosphate has previously been
described in Lower Paleozoic bedrock and stream sediments in Belgium.
Here we investigate potential paleoplacers of this monazite in Lower
Cretaceous formations in the Mons Basin. Heavy minerals extracted from
gravel and sand samples collected in three sites were analyzed using
microscopy, cathodoluminescence (CL) and Electron Probe Micro-Analyzer
(EPMA). The preliminary results are encouraging, with up to 1 kg/T
monazite and potentially large reserves. This should promote further
exploration based on a systematic sampling program and a better
understanding of the geological processes leading to secondary
concentration of grey monazite.