Oil shale is a potential alternative source of petroleum products. The processes of retorting oil shale and refining shale oil are both affected by the composition of the parent rock. Mineralogical and geochemical data obtained from two bore holes in Queensland oil shale deposits are presented and discussed here. The data includes the variation with depth of mineralogy, ash content, moisture content and kerogen content. A strong correlation of hydrogen and organic carbon, and higher H/C ratios suggest that organic matter is present mainly as aliphatic compounds. Pyrite was identified as the major source of sulphur. This may provide some possibilities for easier removal of sulphur before the oil shale is processed. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.