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Clay-hosted rare earth element mineral potential maps of Australia

Created 26/03/2026

Updated 26/03/2026

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Maps showing clay-hosted rare earth element (clay-REE) mineral potential in Australia, generated by (1) a knowledge-driven weighted sum model (KDWS) and (2) a machine learning random forest (MLRF) model. 

The mineral potential maps are a synthesis of four component layers:

  1. Source of metals, fluids and ligands (KDWS & RFML - subsets of the Layered Geology of Australia 1:1M and Alkaline Rocks Atlas of Australia; RFML additionally includes subset of Surface Geology of Australia 1:2.5M).

    1. Energy sources and fluid flow drivers (KDWS & RFML - Revised Weathering Intensity Model of Australia - values 4.5-5.5; RFML additionally included the full national weathering intensity grid).

  2. Fluid flow pathways and architecture (KDWS & RFML - Depth of regolith [regolith thickness] grid of Australia - vales 5-60 m inclusive).

  3. Ore depositional gradients and traps (KDWS & RFML - Slope-relief classification of Australia - class 11 (lowest slope and relief landform pattern).

The input maps and dataset representing mineral deposits and occurrences used to train and validate (KDWS) and train, test and validate (RFML) the models are provided. 

For clarity, the small number of documented 'transported' deposits (see accompanying GA Record) are not included in this analysis.

These datasets are accompanied by an assessment criteria table which contains information on the mappable criteria applied. Model weightings applied to each mineral system component (KDWS) and random forest statistics (MLRF) are reported in the accompanying GA Record.

The development of the maps is documented in GA Record 2026/12 (eCat 150834).

Files and APIs

Tags

Additional Info

Field Value
Title Clay-hosted rare earth element mineral potential maps of Australia
Language eng
Licence Not Specified
Landing Page https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/610cd5ba-2eb2-4297-8d90-8a252ce0adb3
Contact Point
Geoscience Australia Data
clientservices@ga.gov.au
Reference Period 18/03/2026
Geospatial Coverage
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
{
  "coordinates": [
    [
      [
        112.0,
        -44.0
      ],
      [
        154.0,
        -44.0
      ],
      [
        154.0,
        -9.0
      ],
      [
        112.0,
        -9.0
      ],
      [
        112.0,
        -44.0
      ]
    ]
  ],
  "type": "Polygon"
}
Data Portal Geoscience Australia

Data Source

This dataset was originally found on Geoscience Australia "Clay-hosted rare earth element mineral potential maps of Australia". Please visit the source to access the original metadata of the dataset:
https://ecat.ga.gov.au/geonetwork/srv/eng/csw/dataset/clay-hosted-rare-earth-element-mineral-potential-maps-of-australia