Since 2018, the Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) has undertaken a systematic program to characterise significant mineral deposits across Queensland, with a focus on critical and strategic minerals. This initiative aims to build a comprehensive public reference collection of samples and multi-faceted scientific data sets, providing a robust foundation for improving exploration efficiency and enabling new insights into Queensland’s mineral systems. In collaboration with industry, research organisations, and government agencies, GSQ has acquired and analysed over 700 drill cores from more than 110 mineral deposits. The main mineral system and deposit types investigated by this program include: Iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) and genetically affiliated deposits (containing elevated critical minerals, including cobalt, rare-earth elements (REE), molybdenum and rhenium); siliciclastic-carbonate (‘SEDEX’) Zn-Pb-Ag deposits (with elevated Ge); epigenetic sediment-hosted copper deposits (Mt Isa Copper, Capricorn Copper, with elevated Co and In); phosphorites (variably enriched in REE); diverse granite-related rare metal deposits (Sn and W skarns, greisens and veins, Zn skarns, Cu-Sn greisens and polymetallic veins with high In); bauxites (with high Ga); siliciclastic-mafic (‘Broken Hill-type’) Pb-Ag-Zn deposits; various styles of intrusion-related and epithermal gold deposits. Complementary research by the University of Queensland has characterised mine waste sites, further expanding the data set. The reference mineral system collection integrates core imagery and hyperspectral data, whole-rock geochemistry, micro-XRF (X-ray fluorescence) and TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyser (TIMA) maps, mineral chemistry and geochronology, creating a discoverable and accessible resource. This data supports more targeted exploration, reduces discovery risks, and enhances the understanding of Queensland’s mineral potential, including opportunities for by-product recovery. Queensland is the first jurisdiction in Australia to implement a systematic program for characterising mineral deposits, setting a benchmark for innovation in resource exploration. By providing high quality, standardised data, GSQ’s program establishes a critical foundation data set that aids industry exploration decision-making.