Mineral Reconnaissance Programme (MRP) geochemical samples and analyses

This dataset relates to sample metadata and the results of geochemical analyses conducted on samples as part of the Mineral Reconnaissance Programme (MRP). It contains metadata including sample names, sample project areas, sample types and analytes. The MRP was a programme undertaken by BGS which ran continuously from 1973 to 1997, funded by the UK Government's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The datasets it produced provide baseline information on areas prospective for the occurrence of metallic minerals in particular locations across Great Britain. The programme was designed to stimulate private sector exploration and to encourage the development of Britain's indigenous mineral resources. The emphasis during the MRP varied in response to market conditions and strategic interests. Work on ‘strategic’ metals, such as platinum, palladium, chromium, cobalt and nickel, dominated the 1980s. From the late 1980s, the principal focus of the programme was gold. Numerous studies examined gold mineralisation in porphyry, epithermal, orogenic and unconformity-related settings. Towards the end of the programme, a small number of projects concerned with gemstones and industrial minerals were also completed. Various samples were taken throughout the course of the programme, including rock, soil, stream sediment, stream water and deep overburden samples. These samples underwent analysis for a variety of analytes, the results of which are held by BGS. This dataset includes the geochemical information derived from the samples and sample metadata, including the location of sampling. The sampling and analysis methodology varied by MRP project area. For more information about the samples from a specific project area, refer to the MRP report for that project: https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/cgi/search/archive/advanced?screen=Search&dataset=archive&_action_search=Search&series=Mineral+Reconnaissance+Programme For more information about obtaining the results of sample analyses, contact BGS Enquiries ([email protected]). For more information about the MRP, see the MineralsUK website: https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/exploration-and-maps/mrp-reports/.