Sedimentological, petrological, and geochemical constraints on the formation of the Beisantai sandstone-type uranium deposit, Junggar Basin, NW China

•This U mineralization formed in a slow, gentle, and continuous interlayer oxidation controlled by the Himalayan tectonic movement.•Lithologic transition zone are favorable for U mineralization.•The S in pyrite played an important role in reducing U(Ⅵ).