Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Geochemical Dataset for Selected Drillcore from Coal-Bearing Strata in Central and Southern Alberta (tabular data, tab-delimited format)

This digital data release includes the results of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis of selected drillcore intersecting coal seams from the Alberta portion of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The aim of this project was to generate a publicly available geochemical dataset for coal-bearing strata in Alberta. The drillcore was chosen from the collections at the Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) Mineral Core Research Facility in Edmonton. Selection was based on geospatial location, geological units intercepted, coal seam thickness and condition of each drillcore. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER)/AGS engaged Spectrum Geosciences Ltd. to execute the pXRF analysis from February to April 2024. Over 1 600 metres of drillcore from 40 unique drillholes were analyzed by pXRF for 41 elements at 10-centimetre intervals, yielding 16 222 sample points. The intervals analyzed were determined by coal seam distribution and core condition, and include measurements of coal, shale, siltstone, sandstone, and other associated lithologies. High-resolution core photos showing the locations of these measurement points will be made available through the AGS Core Data Interactive Map.

This work was completed under the Mineral Grant provided by the Government of Alberta dated June 22, 2021.