CSIRO Laterite Geochemistry Data Compilation

This dataset comprises geochemical data from laterite samples collected during CSIRO projects led by Ray Smith between 1983 and 2000. The samples include various forms of lateritic material, such as lateritic duricrust (both nodular and pisolitic), loose lateritic pisoliths, and lateritic nodules. Analytical results cover a wide range of major, minor, and trace elements.\nThe dataset has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of lateritic and other ferruginous materials. It has supported the development of innovative mineral exploration techniques tailored to regolith-dominated terrains and has informed improved sampling strategies for ferruginous materials. The findings have led to the formulation of new mineral exploration concepts, particularly relevant to extensive laterite-covered regions in Western Australia and other comparable terrains worldwide.\n\nData Sources and Compilation\n\nThis dataset has been compiled from several original sources, which have been carefully cleaned, transformed, and consolidated to ensure consistency and clarity. The primary sources include:\n\n1.\tBridgetown Region Studies\n•\tGreenbushes District Environmental Geological–Geochemical Study\nA landform study conducted in the Bridgetown district as a follow-up to multi-element geochemical investigations at the Gossan Hill volcanogenic Cu-Zn-Au sulphide deposit near Yalgoo.\n•\tBridgetown Mineral Exploration Trial\nA collaborative project with Greenbushes Tin Ltd, where CSIRO provided expertise in sampling, regolith-landform interpretation, and data analysis. While multi-commodity in scope, the project focused heavily on tantalum (Ta), which was in high demand at the time.\n•\tSource:\nSmith and Ray (2017). Legacy Data. v1. CSIRO Data Collection. https://doi.org/10.4225/08/58c64ce081a42\n\n2.\tCSIRO–AGE Joint Venture Collaboration\nA regional geochemical baseline study focused on characterising geochemical provinces across the Yilgarn Craton and Albany–Fraser Orogen. This project examined how variations in lateritic composition are influenced by climatic and geomorphological factors.\n•\tSource:\nSmith, Ray (1987). Laterite Geochemistry in the CSIRO–AGE Database – Legacy Data. v1. CSIRO Data Collection. https://doi.org/10.25919/9dsm-wr21\n(An updated version of the GSWA Report 1998/8: https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn2806282)\n\n3.\tAstro Yilgarn Regolith Project (1997–2000)\nA collaborative research initiative sponsored by Astro Mining NL aimed at developing innovative geochemical exploration methods for diamond prospecting in the Yilgarn Craton.\n•\tSource:\nCornelius, A.J. et al. (2005). Laterite Geochemical Database for the Central Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia. CRC LEME Open File Report 188. 8 pages, with accompanying data on CD.\n\nThe sampling, analyses, and supporting information from these studies represent an investment exceeding $25 million (adjusted for inflation). Sampling was conducted using consistent protocols across a broad region of Western Australia, which is highly relevant to multi-commodity exploration and scientific research.\n\nThis comprehensive dataset is well-suited for integration with geophysical, spectral (airborne, satellite, and ground-based), and other survey methods. It offers a valuable foundation for advanced data applications, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, and ongoing mineral exploration research.\n\nThe supplementary file (Designated AGE Anomalies.xls) provides key information on designated geochemical anomalies that arose during the AGE Project B & C exploration project.\n\nThe dataset is also published as a spatial layer at https://data.exploration.tools/layer/122100-csiro-laterite-geochemistry-data-compilation/\nLineage: The following data cleaning, transformation, and formatting procedures were applied during the consolidation of the original data sources to ensure accuracy, consistency, and usability:\n1.\tDuplicate and Irrelevant Data Removal\nEliminated duplicate records and observations with minimal relevance or frequency. Columns containing only null values were also excluded.\n2.\tStandardisation of Column Names\nHarmonised column headers for analytes, measurement units, and analytical methods to ensure consistency across datasets. A data dictionary is included to help users understand the purpose of each data element.\n3.\tCoordinate Correction and Standardisation\nRectified inaccurate location data. Both geographic and projected coordinate systems are now included, with spatial references clearly defined using standard EPSG codes.\n4.\tUpdated Map Grid References\nRevised map grid names based on corrected geographic coordinates to reflect accurate spatial positioning.\n5.\tSample Type Classification\nRepresented sample types using both alphanumeric codes and descriptive names for improved readability and interpretation.\n6.\tCode Expansion\nDecoded abbreviated values and supplemented them with relevant descriptions to enhance clarity.\n7.\tRock Type Classification\nStandardised rock type information using classifications from mindat.org, a widely accepted mineralogical database.\n8.\tLogical Column Arrangement\nReorganised dataset structure according to standard geochemical conventions:\no\tBasic sample information\no\tMajor elements\no\tTrace elements\no\tOther elements\no\tSupplementary metadata\n9.\tInclusion of Missing Analytical Values \nIncorporated, e.g., lithium (Li) and boron (B) data where it was missing in the sources, based on compatible supplementary datasets or archived records.