PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has announced A$7-million in funding to expand the capacity of the Joe Lord core library, in Kalgoorlie.
The facility stores core samples that contain valuable geoscientific information for exploration companies and others seeking new petroleum and mineral discoveries.
Researchers and explorers can inspect the samples and review results to reduce the technical and financial risk of exploration activities. The extension will provide better access, more space and improved facilities to view and analyse the drill cores,” said Mines, Petroleum and Energy Minister Bill Johnston.
"The vast repository of information available at the Joe Lord core library can help industry find the next big discovery and potentially save mining companies millions of dollars.
"The core library expansion and the Exploration Incentive Scheme highlight the government's ongoing support of the exploration industry.
"Measures to reduce exploration risk and attract investment will ensure resource exploration continues to prosper in Western Australia,” Johnston said.
Premier Mark McGowan on Friday said that reinvigorating exploration activity was a priority during Covid-19 to ensure the resources sector was well-positioned to bounce back when the global economy recovers.
It is expected that ground works at the core library will commence before Christmas, creating jobs for the local Kalgoorlie-Boulder community.