URL: https://geoscience.data.qld.gov.au/dataset/ds000117
This dataset provides continuous portable XRF spectroscopy analyses of some key mineral deposit types in North West Queensland, including metasomatic iron (oxide), alkalic-calcic IOCG (‘family’), sediment-hosted copper (Cu), siliciclastic-carbonate zinc-lead (Zn-Pb, ‘SEDEX’) and siliciclastic-mafic silver-lead-zinc (Ag-Pb-Zn, BHT) deposits.
The data is part of the New Economy Minerals Initiative (NEMI), also known as the Reference Collection Project, which aims to establish a comprehensive collection of geological samples and datasets to support the characterisation of mineral systems and deposit types across Queensland’s North West Minerals Province. This initiative facilitates the identification of mineral footprints and geochemical signatures that are critical for exploration and mining efforts in the region.
The analyses were performed using portable XRF technology, a non-destructive analytical technique capable of detecting up to 41 elements, ranging from Na to U, with a high degree of precision. Additionally, seven lighter elements were analysed, though with reduced accuracy, and the use of helium-purging during the analysis effectively mitigated ionisation interference from ambient air. Minalyze Pty Ltd deployed this technology to provide automated and continuous drill core analysis in a secure, radiation-enclosed environment, ensuring the integrity and safety of the data collection process.
The Minalyzer CS instrument was stationed at the Exploration Data Centre in Brisbane during two core scanning campaigns: February to August 2021 and April to July 2023. In total, 40 drill holes were analysed across these two campaigns, yielding a comprehensive dataset.
Data from the 15 drill holes analysed in 2021 is available via the GSQ Open Data Portal, while the dataset for the 25 additional drill holes analysed in 2023 can be accessed below.
The dataset includes dry core tray photographs and associated geochemical data, presented at both 10 cm and 1 m intervals in .csv format. Core imagery and further data visualisation can be explored through the Minalogger platform.