METALSGOWHERE ATLAS · SUPPLY RESEARCH
Source editions and estimates
A source publication year and the observation year are different; retain estimates and revisions.
Definitions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Observation period | The period described by the reported value. |
| Source edition | The publication version and date from which the value was taken. |
| Estimate or revision | A source status that must remain attached to the observation. |
Mechanical rules
| If | Then |
|---|---|
| The source edition date differs from the observation period. | Display and cite each separately. |
| A source marks a value estimated or revised. | Preserve that status with the value and source edition. |
| A publication is rechecked or a page is rebuilt. | Do not treat the check or rebuild date as a new supply observation. |
Common misreadings
- A publication released later does not move its observation into the later year.
- A review date is not a production date.
Examples from cleared public records
Observation and source-edition records: The observation period and source publication date are displayed separately.
| Record | Value | Unit | Data period | Basis | Ownership boundary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Country observation USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 | 1,000,000 | t | 2025-01-01 – 2025-12-31 · FY · full year · estimated | Contained Copper | Not stated in the public record |
| Australia Country observation USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 | 730,000 | t | 2025-01-01 – 2025-12-31 · FY · full year · estimated | Contained Copper | Not stated in the public record |
Related research paths
Original sources and review evidence
- USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026
Source edition: 2026-02-06 · Fact review: 2026-09-06 · estimated · Printed page 73
Method content edition: 2026-10-07
Continue with the source record
Keep the material, period and reporting boundary explicit as you move from a country observation to a selected project.