DocumentationAsset Fields

Asset Fields

Global Mining Dataset standardises information from multiple underlying sources into a common set of asset fields. These fields are used throughout the platform for searchm, filtering, screening and exports. Field availability varies by asset depending on the information avaliable from the underlying sources.

Last updated 2026-07-24

Site data

Every asset is representated by a single publishable record within Global MIning Dataset. The identificaiton fields provide the basic information used to distinguish that asset and connect records that may use different names across underlying sources.

Mining assets frequently have multiple names. A project may be renamed as it develops, different sources may use local or historical names, and a mine and it's underlying deposit may be described differently. Where appropriate, Global Mining Dataset retains these alternative names while providing a consistent primary name for use throughout the platform

Field nameDescriptionFormatExample
Asset namePrimary name used to identify the asset within Global Mining DatasetTextEscondida
Alternative namesOther known names, including historical names, project names, and source-specific variationsListMinera, Escondida, Escondida mine
Asset IDUnique identifier assigned to the asset within Global Mining DatasetUIDGMD-0012345

Location

Location is fundamental to how Global Mining Dataset works. Each asset is assigned a published geographic location which is used both to display the asset and to calculate its surrounding geospatial context.

Coordinates are compiled from the avaliable source evidence and can vary in precision. Some sources provide precise mine or project locations, while others may identify a broader deposit prospect or approximate location. Where there are multiple locations for the same asset the highest quality source is used, and where information is conflicting the centroid location between the sources is used.

Field nameDescriptionFormatExample
Country ISOCountry ISO cost used to identify which country the asset is locatedTextCHL
CoordinatesUnique identifier assigned to the asset within Global Mining DatasetDecimal numbers(-24.2667, -69.0067)
Estimated mine areaEstimated area of the mining operation where polygon data is availableArea (Square kilometers)7.34

Location confidence: Where available, location confidence provides additional context on the quality of the geographic evidence behind an asset. It is particularly useful when assessing result based on nearby infrastructure, settlements or other highly localised features.

Commodity information

Commodity infomation describes the minerals associated with an asset. Because underlying datasets use different terminology and levels of detail, commodity names are standardised to make filtering and comparison possible across the wider asset universe.

The primary commodity refers to the Assets can be associated with more then one commodity. A commodity association does not necessarily mean that the commodity is currently being produced or that it represents an economically recoverable resource.

Field nameDescriptionFormatExample
Primary commodityPrincipal commodity associated with the asset, where one can be determined name used to identify the asset within Global Mining DatasetTextCopper
Secondary commoditiesAll commodities associated with the asset in the available source informationListGold, Silver

Asset classification

Asset classificaiton provides a broad indication of what kind of site a record represents. This is im;portant because the Asset Universe extends beyond currently operating mines to include development projects, prospects and other mineral assets.

These classifications provde a consistent way to navigate a diverse global dataset rather than attempting to impose a detailed mine-development taxononmy across every jurisdiction and source

Field nameDescriptionFormatExample
Asset typePrincipal commodity associated with the asset, where one can be determined name used to identify the asset within Global Mining DatasetTextOpen pit mine
StatusCurrent known operating or development state of the assetTextOperating

Asset type

ValueMeaning
MineA mining operation where the available information does not support a more specific extraction type
Open pit mineA surface mining operation where material is extracted from an open excavation or pit
Surface mineA mining operation using surface extraction methods where a more specific survace mining classificaiton is not available
Placer mineA mining operation extracting minerals from alluvial or other unconsolidated deposits, typically using gravity-based separation methods
OccurranceCurrent known operating or development state of the asset
Underground mineA mining operation where the mineral deposit is accessed and extracted primarily through underground workings
SmelterA processing facility that uses high-temperature treatment to extract ior produce metal from ores, concentrates or intermediate products
RefineryA facility that further processes or purifies mineral or metal products into a higher-purity form

Asset types in the real world: Asset types are not necessarily mutually exclusive. A mining complex may, for example, contain both open pit and underground operations alongside processing facilities. The published asset type represents the classificaiton applied to the individual record within Global Mining Dataset.

Status

Status describes the current known operating or development state of an asset. It provides a consistent way to distinguish existing operaitons from projects under development and assets that are no longer activley operating.

Status can change significantly over the life of an asset and, in some fast, faster than the underlying public sources are updated. The published status therefore be interpreted as the best available classification based on the evidence available to Global Mining Dataset

ValueMeaning
OperatingThe asset is reported to be actively operating or producing
DevlopmentThe asset is being evaluated or progressed towards potential operation but has not yet entered construction
ConstructionThe asset is reported to be under construciton or undergoing material development ahead of operation
Care and maintenanceOperations have been suspended, but the asset is being maintained with the potential to restart
InactiveThe asset is not currently operating and is not known to be in active construction or development
ClosedOperations at the asset are reported to have ceased or the asset has been formally closed
UnknownAvailable evidence is insufficient to assign a reliabe current status

Interpreting status: Different classifications answer different research questions: Operating assets can be used to understand current mining activity, while development and construction assets can provide a view of potential future projects or supply. Inactive, care and maintenance, and closed assets remain within the asset universe because they can still be relevant for historical analysis, restart opportunities, regional research and understanding existing mining footprints.

Ownership

Ownership information helps users understand the companies and organisations associated with an asset. This can support company level research, portfolio analysis, competitive mapping, and identification of assets associated with particular operators or owners.

Ownership structures can be complex and change over time. Coverage also varies significatn;y between underlying sources, partocularly for earlier-stage assets. Owenership information should therefore be considrerd alongside the source and date of the available evidence.

Field nameDescriptionFormatExample
Current ownerCompany or organisation identified as having primary ownership interest in the asset.TextBHP
Previous ownersAll commodities associated with the asset in the available source informationListMinera Utah de Chile
Operating historyReported opening and closure dates for the mine during it's operating history, note it's common for mines to open and close multiple times during it's lifespan correlated with economic performance of the primary commodityList of dates1962 to 1974, 2022 to current