AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
The Edith River uranium-bearing area

In the Edith River area uranium occurs as meta-autunite associated with apatite and hematite in narrow siliceous reef formations which are in part brecciated and mylonized. The reefs, which dip steeply west and strike mostly north-north-west, occur over a length of about 3 miles in a north-south, sheared greisenized, zone in granite. Two main types of granite are present, a coarse grained granite and a finer-grained adamellite, which is intrusive into the coarse granite. In places partial digestion of the coarse by the fine granite has produced a porphyritic "hybrid" granite. All granites except the greisenized granite of the sheared zone give high background counts, 2 to 3 times as high as that of the sediments of the Brocks Creek group into which the coarse granite is intrusive. Within the reef formations the distribution of uranium-bearing material is patchy. In many places the best geiger readings are obtained where cross reefs or fractures with a north easterly strike cut the main reefs. Surface samples were taken across most places where significant Geiger readings were obtained and all returned less than .1% U3O8. Commercial production from the field will only be possible if the grade of the original ore has been greatly affected by surface leaching and a site was selected for a shaft to test the primary ore.

Tags: AU-NT, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, geology, mineral deposits
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Hopanoid breakdown products (HBPs) and their influence on tetra- and tricyclic terpane (cheilanthane) oil-source rock parameters

Tricyclic and tetracyclic terpane ratios are used as biomarker proxies for depositional environments and to classify crude oils and source rocks. However, the biological precursors and diagenetic drivers of these proxies are not well understood. This study reports on the discovery of tricyclic and tetracyclic breakdown products of pentacyclic hopanoids that co-elute with 14α-C19 and βα-C20–C22 cheilanthanes and C24 tetracyclic terpane in gas chromatograms. This includes hopanoid breakdown products (HBPs) that are identical to 14α-C19 cheilanthane and C24 tetracyclic terpane, biomarkers that are commonly used as indicators of terrigenous organic matter in source rocks and their derived hydrocarbon products. These HBPs were generated by pyrolysis of C30 diplopterol, a common compound found in the cell membranes of almost all hopanoid-producing bacteria, some lichens and higher plants. HBPs are common in rock-extracted bitumens and crude oils from the Neoproterozoic to the Cenozoic and across a wide range of thermal maturities. Comparison of the relative abundance of HBPs and cheilanthanes against commonly used tricyclic and tetracyclic terpane parameters shows that HBPs can drive or strongly influence terpane-based paleoenvironmental proxies. This study begins to rationalise why some of these parameters indicate specific depositional environments and proposes new ratios that quantify the impact of HBPs on biomarker proxies.

<b>Citation:</b> Liyanage, T., van Maldegem, L.M., Hope, J., Schaeffer, P., Adam, P., Nytoft, H.P., Edwards, D. &amp; Brocks, J., 2025. Hopanoid breakdown products (HBPs) and their influence on tetracyclic and tricyclic terpane (cheilanthane) oil-source rock parameters, <i>Organic Geochemistry</i>, 210, 105085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orggeochem.2025.105085

Tags: Amadeus Basin, Aralka Formation, Australia-wide geoscience data, Australian crude oil composition, Biomarkers, Cheilanthanes, EFTF – Exploring for the Future, Earth Materials Characterisation, Energy Initiatives and Advice, Organic Geochemistry, hopanoid breakdown products (HBPs), tetracyclic terpane, tricyclic terpanes
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Notes on experimental seismic survey, Dynon Road, West Melbourne

These notes deal with a brief experimental seismic survey undertaken by the Bureau of Mineral Resources for the Victoria Railways. The object of the survey was to determine whether the seismic refraction method was suitable for subsurface exploration in the area between Dynon and Footscray Roads, West Melbourne. The information desired by the Railways was concerned with the existence or otherwise of a "foundation" rock capable of supporting constructions associated with railway sidings and marshalling yards. Records of seismic refractions were obtained along three traverses.

Tags: AU-VIC, GA Publication, Geophysics, Published_External, Record, seismic refraction, seismics
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Operation and adjustment of the portable Geiger-Muller counter, type RL202

This instrument has been designed in the Radiometric Laboratory of the Bureau of Mineral Resources, t o meet the needs of those uranium prospectors who wish to build Geiger counters. The circuit has been designed so that it can be adjusted with a minimum of test equipment. Indication of the count rate is provided by a ratemeter with three ranges; 0-200, 0-1,000 and 0-10,000 counts per minute. Earphones also provide an audible indication of the count rate. The following rate describes the operation of the circuit and the procedure to be adopted to adjust the voltage at various points in the circuit for correct operation. A schematic circuit diagram is also provided and several points concerned with the mechanical design of the instrument are mentioned.

Tags: Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, radiometrics
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Reconnaissance geological report Burrundie radioactive prospect reservation

This report deals with the radioactive prospect known as the Burrundie Prospect and with the area surrounding the prospect. Mapping carried out in this area to date (June, 1954) has been of a reconnaissance nature only and the report and the accompanying plans are designed to assist future work of a more detailed character. Significant radioactivity in the Burrundie area was first discovered on 20th May, 1954, by a party engaged in regional mapping and including geologists B.P. Walpole and J.G. Best. Since that date further anomalies have been located in the area surrounding the initial discovery.

Tags: AU-NT, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, geology
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Preliminary note on Howard Springs radioactive prospect

Howards Springs are situated about 3.5 miles north-east of a point on the Stuart highway about 16 miles south of Darwin. They are seepage springs on a branch of the Howard River. Radioactive material was found in the area by Mr. L. Good, Box 273, Darwin, during October, and samples were sent to Rum Jungle for testing. A brief inspection of the area was made by the writer and Dr. N.H. Fisher on 7th November, 1952. It seems likely that the mineral causing radioactivity has been precipitated, probably by organic matter, from the spring water in the black clay layer, but the original source of the material is not at present clear.

Tags: AU-NT, GA Publication, Geology, Published_External, Record, mineral deposits, resource assessment
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Notes on radiation measuring instruments

Widespread use of radio-active tracer elements in medicine, and the increased interest in the search for radio-active minerals, have led to the development of a variety of instruments for the detection of ionising radiations, and their general use by scientists who may have had no training in physics or electronics. While these instruments present a great diversity in appearance, the functioning depends on general principles which apply to all such equipment. The aim of these notes is to present these general principles in a simple form. For details of design, which are often highly complex, and require great skill and experience, reference should be made to the works listed in the bibliography.

Tags: Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, research
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Preliminary report on the Mosquito Creek tungsten field, Northern Territory

To date the Mosquito Creek field appears primarily to be a good gouger's prospect. It could carry one Company operating a small plant but not as at present three or four Companies. However, the whole of the exposed granite rock has not been prospected, and the possibilities of the field not realised. It is possible that lodes of payable width, i.e. 3 ft or more, may be located in the future. The veins proved to date are thin but are numerous, persist over long distances and carry value at depth. Valuation of scheelite ground is by no means as simple as has been reported in the press. Wind and rain have concentrated the ore in the surface soil covering these numerous veins, over widths up to 20 feet. These areas of quartz-scheelite are easily located by the use of an ultra-violet lamp and could be stripped by bulldozers. The obvious action for any company interested in this field would be [as follows]. 1. To satisfy themselves by trial of the commercial value of the strippings. 2. To carry out active exploration and cover by mining lease large areas of scheelite veined granite. 3. To consider the thickest reefs so exposed at a later date. The existing companies have not been alive to the possibilities of the field, have purchased at high cost small leases and exuded a great deal of hot air. The further possibilities of the field are reasonably good and depend primarily on the recovery of scheelite by bull-dozing to shallow depth veined granite.

Tags: AU-NT, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, geology, mineral deposits, mining, resource assessment
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Micropalaeontological examination of five samples from Frazer River No. S-1 Structure Hole, Dampier Land, Western Australia

Five samples from the depths of 438-453 feet, 465-483 feet, 528-543 feet, 543-558 feet and 662-677 feet respectively were received from West Australian Petroleum Pty. Ltd. For micropalaeonotological examination.  The residue of the samples after washing consisted almost entirely of angular to subangular grains of clear quartz with glauconite grains, glauconitic replacement of tests of radiolarian and some foraminifera.  The assemblage is characteristic of the Lower Cretaceous deposits of Western Australia.  A detailed account of the samples is given below.

Tags: AU-WA, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, palaeontology
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Georgetown, Queensland, 2024 Airborne Electromagnetic Survey NRG XCITE™ airborne electromagnetic data and GALEI conductivity estimates

<strong>The Georgetown, Queensland, 2024 Airborne Electromagnetic Survey </strong>was conducted by Geoscience Australia in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Queensland. The survey aimed to enhance geological understanding and support mineral exploration and groundwater research in the region.

The primary goal was to acquire detailed electromagnetic and magnetic geophysical data to improve understanding of subsurface geological formations, which could aid in mineral exploration and groundwater studies. This survey will be included in the national AusAEM airborne electromagnetic acquisition program, which aims to provide geophysical information to support investigations of regional geology and groundwater systems. This data will help to better characterise architecture of aquifers within the upper 200-300 hundred meters of the subsurface. It will also provide insights to trends in regolith thickness and variability, variations in bedrock conductivity, the conductivity of key bedrock (lithology-related) conductive units under cover, and the groundwater systems of the region at a reconnaissance scale.

New Resolution Geophysics Pty. Ltd. (NRG) was commissioned for data acquisition and processing. The survey was carried out between August and November 2024, covering 10,600 flight-line kilometres with a nominal line spacing of 2 kilometres. NRG’s XCITE™ airborne electromagnetic system was used to collect the data. The survey lines were oriented East-West, with a nominal terrain clearance of 40 meters. Subsurface conductivity models were derived using Geoscience Australia’s deterministic, 1D Layered-Earth Inversion (GALEI) code combined with noise estimates determined by NRG.

The data package also contains the results and derived products from data Geoscience Australia staff inverted using Internally developed sample-by-sample deterministic layered-earth (1D) inversion algorithm GALEISBS.


<b>NRG delivered data is available on request from clientservices@ga.gov.au - Quote eCat# 150184</b>

Tags: Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods in Geophysics, Exploration, Queensland, Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity, airborne electromagnetic survey
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Crater Line Investigation, Rum Jungle, N.T.

The Crater Line consists of a series of rock exposures outcropping in an arcuate pattern around the southwestern flank of the Rum Jungle granite. The exposed rocks are believed to represent part of the Brocks Creek group of Lower Proterozoic age. The Crater formation, the major mappable unit in the line of exposures, consists of metamorphosed clastic rocks totalling approximately 1500 feet in thickness. Significant radioactivity is restricted to three stratigraphic zones within the Crater formation. These have been mapped and are designate Crater Pebble Beds, Number One Pebble Bed, and Number Two Pebble Bed. Number One Pebble Bed appears to contain the most significant anomalies. The radioactivity is restricted to conglomerate beds. There may be a genetic relationship to the greater permeability formerly localized in the conglomeratic zones. The radioactivity is not localized by tectonic structures such as folds, faults, or changes in dip. No source of the radioactivity has been identified. The radioactivity probably emanates from members of the uranium disintegration series. Four areas containing significant anomalies and deserving further investigation were found along the Crater Line.

Tags: AU-NT, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, geology, mapping, mineral deposits, rock properties
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
The Flowery Gully limestones deposits, Tasmania

The Flowery Gully Limestone Deposit, twenty miles north of Launceston, was surveyed in detail to delineate the most suitable portions for supplying limestone to the Australian Aluminium Production Commission's plant at Bell Bay, five miles to the north east across the Tamar Estuary. Basic requirements for the limestone were that it lie in an area suitable for quarrying and have as low a silica and magnesium carbonate content as possible so that it could be used efficiently in the aluminium extraction process. The preliminary reconnaissance revealed a stratigraphical chemical control and it was found possible to divide the section measuring 1,700 feet in true thickness into three stratigraphical zones, the topmost of which contains the purest limestone and is most suitable for Bell Bay; the middle zone contains isolated areas of high quality stone. The more detailed survey to reveal quarryable stone in these two zones defined one major and one minor deposit in the upper zone and one minor deposit in the middle. These three deposits contain indicated and inferred reserves totalling 1,000,000 tons; of this figure 100,000 tons has an average grade of 0.4% silica and 5.7% magnesium carbonate and the remainder has a grade not exceeding 0.5% silica and 4% magnesium carbonate. The investigation of the depositional environment revealed quiet and consistent conditions of deposition, which information was used to indicate possible areas for exploration for additional reserves when necessary. Numerous bedded chert nodules are present in the high-silica-content areas of the middle zone. The origin of the silica of this zone was investigated chemically and petrologically, but the results were inconclusive. It was discovered however that practically all silica was syngenetic. It is now mainly in the form of quartz grains and in smaller amounts as a component of the small percentage of clay present; however where chert nodules are present the silica of the cherts is in the form of chalcedony. Areas of marked dolomitization were noted, particularly in the upper and middle zones; they probably represent algal reefs (stromatoporoid bioherms). One of them had a lateral extent of at least 1,600 feet. A distinct disconformity was revealed by the detailed mapping at the top of the limestone section.

Tags: AU-TAS, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, economic geology, geology, mineral deposits, resource assessment
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Micro-examination of rock samples from the Hunter River area, New South Wales

Three rock samples including two cores from a bore in the Ravensworth State Coal Mines Reserve and a surface sample from near Singleton were received for micro-faunal examination from F.W. Booker, Mines Department, Sydney. A detailed examination of these samples is given below.

Tags: AU-NSW, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, palaeontology
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
The geology of an area surrounding the Fergusson railway siding, Northern Territory

The area covered by this investigation, totalling approximately 100 square miles, surrounds an occurrence of radio-active minerals which was discovered in 1950. The deposit is 30 feet east of the Stuart Highway, 21 miles south-east of Pine Creek, Northern Territory, and 40 miles north-west of Katherine. It is one third of a mile north-east of the Fergusson railways siding. Mapping of the area was undertaken consequent upon an examination of the Fergusson River Crossing Deposit by H.J. Ward in September 1950 and by Ward and R.S. Matheson in November 1950. Although the prospect itself was not considered to warrant further work, it was thought that further occurrences might exist in the area, particularly along the shear which had localized the known deposit. Mapping and prospecting of the area was therefore recommended. This report records the results of that investigation.

Tags: AU-NT, GA Publication, Geology, Published_External, Record, economic geology, geology, mapping, mineral deposits, resource assessment, structural geology
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Radioactive surveys, Katherine - Darwin area: report on activities March, 1954

Report on the activities of the administrative and technical sections in the Katherine-Darwin area, to March, 1954. A brief account is given of geological and geophysical operations. The results of prospecting and field work are summarised.

Tags: AU-NT, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, geology, geophysics, mineral exploration, prospectivity, uranium
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
White Rocks gravel pits, Queanbeyan

A deposit of weathered graphic granite at White Rocks, 2 miles south of Queanbeyan, was investigated and the limits of material in it suitable for easily quarryable road metal were determined. The area was divided into two sections: a northern one held for the most part by the Queanbeyan Council, and a southern section at present held privately as a grazing lease. "Indicated" reserves, based on the present quarrying level, of 170,000 cub. yds were established in the northern section. Most of this material will be of the same quality as that being quarried at present; some of the material towards the southern boundary of the lease will however be harder and require more blasting. In the grazing leases "inferred reserves" of 140,000 cub. yds. were delineated. It is expected that this material will be quite suitable for road making but may be slightly inferior in sizing to the material at present being quarried; also it may require more blasting in some portions than the material being quarried at present; it will carry a higher average overburden than the Queanbeyan lease.

Tags: AU-NSW, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, geology, resource assessment, rock properties
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Discussion of gravity results, East Gippsland, Victoria

Early in 1949, an extensive gravity survey was carried out between Sale and Orbost by R.H. Ray Co., U.S.A. for Lakes Oil Ltd. (Ray, 1949). The results of this survey were assessed by Professors Hills (1950) and Rudd (1950), Geological Consultants to Lakes Oil Ltd. As a result of their recommendations, supported by the Victorian Geological Survey, the Bureau of Mineral Resources was requested to carry out further geophysical work in the area. The work carried out by the Bureau includes gravity, seismic, and aeromagnetic surveys. In this record it is proposed to discuss the interpretation of the gravity results. As the Bureau's gravity work is complementary to the Ray Co. survey, the results of both surveys have been combined. The gravity work carried out by the Bureau was intended to provide more detail in some areas not fully covered by the Ray Co. survey, and to extend the margins of the survey on to the basement at the north, and along the coast on the south-east side. Most of the Bureau's work was in areas of difficult access, in swampy or sandy country. The following areas were covered. (1)The coastal area, between Lake Reeve and the sea. (2) Along the shore of Lake Wellington and adjacent areas. (3) To the south-west of Lake Wellington, to define the end of the Baragwanath anticline more closely. (4) In several areas west of Bairnsdale and north of Holland's Landing, to provide more detail on anomalies revealed by the Ray Co. survey. (5) To provide more detail on an anomaly near Giffard in the south-western part of the area. (6) Along several traverses northwards into the highlands.

Tags: AU-VIC, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, geology, gravity
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Interpretation of the stratigraphy of the Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks of the Adaminaby Tunnel lines, Snowy Mountains

The writer spent four days in 1949 in the Adaminaby-Kiandra Area with J. Glover mapping the country north-north-east of the present Tunnel Line. In 1951 a fortnight more was spent on the Tunnel Lines themselves by the writer under the guidance of senior geologist D.C. Moye and geologists K. Sharp and C. Wood, who provided a large amount of information not yet available in written form. All sediments in the Tunnel Area are Ordovician, and in the case of the Tumut Pond beds an even older age is possible.

Tags: AU-NSW, Earth Sciences, GA Publication, Published_External, Record, sedimentology, stratigraphy
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data
Faust Capel Basins Survey (GA-2436/ TAN0713) - Bathymetry grids

The remote Eastern frontiers project aimed to provide a geological and petroleum prospectivity assessement of the Faust Capel Basins. Funded through Australian Governement Initiatives (Energy Security Program). The Faust Capel Basins survey GA-2436/ TAN0713 was acquired by Geoscience Australia onboard the RV Tangaroa (operated by NIWA) from the 6th of October to the 22nd of November 2007. The geographic range stretched from Wellington to the Faust Capel Basins to Lord Howe Island and back to Wellington. Approximately 8,945 sailing km of multibeam bathymetry was acquired. The high resolution bathymetry data imaged seafloor features in unprecedented detail, revealing the effects of recent magmatic activity and fluid migration on the seafloor. It also produced a new image of a flat topped unexplored seamount. A member of the Lord Howe Rise seamount chain.

This dataset is not to be used for navigational purposes.

Tags: AU-NSW, AusSeabed, Earth Sciences, HVC_144641, Marine Data Bathymetry Grid, Published_External, bathymetry, marine, marine survey
Organization: Geoscience Australia Data