DOI: 10.25919/z8yn-v810
title: CSIRO Laterite Geochemistry Data Compilation

description: 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.
The 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.

Data Sources and Compilation

This 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:

1. Bridgetown Region Studies
• Greenbushes District Environmental Geological–Geochemical Study
A 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.
• Bridgetown Mineral Exploration Trial
A 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.
• Source:
Smith and Ray (2017). Legacy Data. v1. CSIRO Data Collection. https://doi.org/10.4225/08/58c64ce081a42

2. CSIRO–AGE Joint Venture Collaboration
A 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.
• Source:
Smith, Ray (1987). Laterite Geochemistry in the CSIRO–AGE Database – Legacy Data. v1. CSIRO Data Collection. https://doi.org/10.25919/9dsm-wr21
(An updated version of the GSWA Report 1998/8: https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn2806282)

3. Astro Yilgarn Regolith Project (1997–2000)
A collaborative research initiative sponsored by Astro Mining NL aimed at developing innovative geochemical exploration methods for diamond prospecting in the Yilgarn Craton.
• Source:
Cornelius, 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.

The 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.

This 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.

The supplementary file (Designated AGE Anomalies.xls) provides key information on designated geochemical anomalies that arose during the AGE Project B & C exploration project.

The dataset is also published as a spatial layer at https://data.exploration.tools/layer/122100-csiro-laterite-geochemistry-data-compilation/