Abstract: The investigation of the signal intensity and plasma temperature parameters involved with steel structures experiencing early stage rust are described. A simple laboratory set-up involving a ruby laser, mirror, focusing lens, collecting optics and a miniaturised spectrometer were used to conduct the experiments. The spectra from the first two shots on the rust steel sample correlates to that of the rust layers where Carbon (C) was the only sensitive element detected. However, the significant presence of C in subsequent shots could be as a result or a combination of: material alteration due to the rust layer, presence of the analyte line in both the layer and underlying bulk material; and residual rust particles still present in the crater or perimeter of the ablation region. Investigating the temperature parameter for both the rust layer and regular surface showed no significant distinction in the values.