Natural gamma-ray spectroscopy (NGS) as a proxy for the distribution of clay minerals and bitumen in the Cretaceous McMurray Formation, Alberta, Canada

Detailed examination of the mineralogy Cretaceous McMurray Formation within a facies framework is used to assess use natural gamma-ray spectroscopy (NGS) and pulsed neutron generator (PNG) tool in delineating variation clay mineral bitumen contents. Characterization mixed-layer (interstratified) phases provides an improved understanding interaction processing tailings settling behavior, important for mine planning remediation schemes. Mineral diversity was determined on attributed samples using whole rock X-ray diffraction (XRD), cation exchange capacity (CEC) measurements, elemental analysis (XRF), size fraction (<2 µm) XRD analysis, reflected light microscopy, cryogenic-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). Kaolinite ubiquitous entire with lower middle sediments also containing mixed-layered illite–smectite (I-S) low expandability≈ 20–30%. Upper by contrast had higher expandability (≈ 60–70%). In floodplain additional quantified as kaolinite-expandable (clay) mineral. The associated CEC values this are 10 times baseline Formation. NGS spectra from cores showed that yields potassium (K), uranium (U), thorium (Th) distinct associations, correlated signature. resultant indicator capable highlighting zones oil sands ore body empirically known, industry, process poorly through extraction plants. A carbon yield derived PNG logging assesses content. allow full assessment (fines) profiles, future prospect these techniques could be behavior near-real time.