Submillimetre uraninite fragments are embedded in anthraxolite, oil-derived bitumen found in Permian rocks of the Vrchlabi formation (Czech Republic). The radiogenic system appears unaltered as indicated by the elemental and lead isotopic composition of uraninite.
Low compositional variances in uraninite indicate protective properties of the bitumen envelope. The highly radiogenic composition of lead in uraninite allows dating by the SEM/EDX based chemical method, which confirms the Permian age of the mineralization.
The studied association is considered to be a prospective natural analogue of long-term geological disposal of actinide-bearing bituminized radioactive waste.