National High Purity Silica sampling campaign. Whole rock geochemistry data release

As part of the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, Geoscience Australia is undertaking a detailed mineral potential study of High Purity Silica (HPS) to identify favourable geology and regions across Australia that have the greatest potential to supply raw material suitable for the production of silicon. This project undertook an extensive national sampling campaign of quartz-bearing rocks, acquired through a combination of field work, core shed and repository sampling, and contributions from both industry and State and Territory geological surveys. <br>This data release presents the complete bulk rock geochemical results, derived from field work in the Mt Isa, Pilbara, Victorian Goldfields, and Harts Range regions; samples from Geoscience Australia’s repository, the Londonderry and Tonsley drill core libraries; and samples provided by industry and State and Territory surveys. A total of 449 samples were analysed for major and trace element geochemistry. <br>The dataset will be used to inform priority mineral systems for high purity silica exploration, providing critical data and knowledge for the development of national-scale predictive mineral potential maps. Additionally, this dataset will support mineral exploration efforts across Australia by offering detailed geochemical analysis of quartz and pegmatite samples, including major and trace element compositions. These data are essential for advancing our understanding of high purity silica mineralisation and guiding future exploration activities.<br>This data release includes: 1) a complete geochemistry dataset, including all samples and standards; 2) quality assurance results; 3) an abridged Excel file with data removed for the standards, duplicates and any elements deemed unsuitable based upon the QA/QC; and 4) a report of explanatory notes including details of sample selection, methodology, and quality assurance.<br><br>