CMIBS: Global Geochemical Database for Critical Metals in Black Shales

89,877 geochemical samples analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey form the Global Geochemical Database for Critical Metals in Black Shales. The database compiles 'best value' determinations for elements like nickel, molybdenum, and uranium in organic-rich sedimentary rocks from seven continents. Data were collected by USGS programs from 1961 through 2014, integrating historical records from the RASS and PLUTO database systems.

Use Cases

• Mineral resource assessment based on concentrations of critical metals like Ni, Mo, PGE, Se, U, and V.
• Environmental impact studies based on geochemical baseline values for inorganic elements.
• Petrologic studies based on the compilation of data from fine-grained clastic rocks across seven continents.
• Paleoenvironmental trend analysis through Earth history based on stratigraphic sequences of black shale facies.

Strengths

• Contains 89,877 samples with analyses determined by more than 130 laboratory and field methods.
• Integrates historical USGS data from 1961 through 2014, including from the RASS and PLUTO databases.
• Focuses on samples with high concentrations of critical metals, which are a specific research priority.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Row count for specific data tables is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Collection Method

Compilation and integration of geochemical data from samples collected by USGS personnel and analyzed in USGS or commercial laboratories.

Time Range

1961 through 2014

Geography

Global (seven continents)