Inorganic Geochemistry and X-ray Diffraction Analysis

Geoscience Australia (GA), as part of the Birrindudu Deep Dive (BDD) project, requires multi-elemental geochemical data on 460 to 700 whole-rock samples per service, provided as prepared rock powders. The required services include:

· Service A – Whole Rock Inorganic Geochemistry Analysis

· Service B – Whole Rock Quantitative XRD Analysis

Suppliers can provide a response for only Service A or only Service B or both services (Services A and B).

Service A – Whole Rock Inorganic Geochemistry Analysis

Up to 700 whole rock samples will be provided as prepared rock powders. Samples will be submitted in batches over the contract period. The Supplier will carry out inorganic geochemical analyses and reporting on up to 700 whole rock samples. Analysis must be completed by mid June 2026.

· Essential analytical services will include:

o Elemental analysis of 52 elements (11 major elements as oxides and 52 trace elements, including rare earth elements) by XRF and total digestion ICP-MS or ICP-AES.

- The major elements, reported as oxide percent by weight percent, include: SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, K2O, MgO, MnO, Na2O, P2O5, SO3, TiO2. Depending on whole rock material, these elements may be below detection limit for major element methods and will need to be characterised using trace element specific methods, as outlined below;

- The desired trace elements, including rare earth elements, reported as parts per million are:

- Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Ho, In, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pr, Rb, Re, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, Zr

- The precision error for the major element data and trace element data should be better than 15%. If particular trace elements cannot be analysed this should be specified in the response to the tender.

- Sample accuracy is of high importance. Given this, we kindly request that you detail the specific measures your laboratory would undertake to ensure minimal contamination. This could include, but is not limited to, enhanced cleaning protocols, the use of additional blanks, or other contamination control methods.

o Loss of Ignition (LOI) – by conventional furnace or similar methods

o Elemental analysis of at least three elements (Au, Pt, Pd) by Fire Assay.

o Total Combustion Carbon and Sulphur

o Ferrous Oxide (FeO) by titration

· Deliver a small report as each batch of samples is analysed, containing all methods, results and observations of analyses. At the end of all the analyses, a final report is to be delivered that covers all the samples and contains all methods, results and observations of analyses. .

· Return of any leftover sample material to Geoscience Australia.

Service B – Whole Rock Quantitative XRD Analysis

Up to 460 whole rock samples will be provided as prepared rock powders. Samples will be submitted in batches over the contract period. Elemental assay data to be provided by Geoscience Australia or obtained separately by Supplier. The Supplier will carry out quantitative XRD analyses and reporting on up to 460 whole rock samples. Analysis must be completed by mid June 2026.

· Essential analytical services will include:

o Quantitative XRD analysis that are validated by comparing the qXRD-inferred assays with elemental assay data. A list of minerals or major mineral groups that can be quantified needs to be provided. Solutions to quantify clays, such as illite, should also be provided.

· Deliver a small report as each batch of samples is analysed, containing all methods, results and observations of analyses. At the end of all the analyses, a final report is to be delivered that covers all the samples and contains all methods, results and observations of analyses.

· Return of any leftover sample material to Geoscience Australia.

Further Details available in the ATM document.