“Rock library” upgrade at the core of future discoveries

Work is underway on a bigger, better Mount Isa "rock library" to make it easier for explorers to find the next big mining prospect in the state's world-leading North West Minerals Province.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said an expanded and upgraded Mount Isa drill core facility was yet another way the Palaszczuk Government was supporting future resources projects and jobs as part of Queensland's economic recovery from COVID-19.

"The drill core library and its 230 kilometres of drill core samples are critical for explorers and geoscientists, as well as university students who are our next generation of industry professionals," Mr Stewart said.

"The $550,0000 upgrade underway will provide a dedicated core viewing facility that will make it easier for more people to access and study cores.

"The viewing facility will provide a climate-controlled, dust-free, well-lit space for scientists and explorers to undertake their studies and core-logging activities.

“As scientists’ geological knowledge and understanding expands, even the oldest drill core can provide new insights and evidence of potential mineral deposits.

“As demand grows across the globe for new economy minerals, this upgraded drill core facility will be vital for explorers working to uncover new deposits, supporting communities in the North West – and Queensland’s economy – into the future.

“My department is using local contractors for the project, supporting 15 jobs for the duration of the construction phase.”

The core library and its "twin" in Brisbane provide access to samples collected over the past 130 years by previous explorers, state government drilling programs and mining industry-government collaborations.

The Mount Isa core library, located in the Kalkadoon Industrial Estate across the Highway from the airport, holds representative samples from the richest deposits in the region, including the Mount Isa copper and lead mines, Ernest Henry, George Fisher, Cannington, SWAN/Mount Elliott and Capricorn Copper.

This project is due for completion by June 2022.

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Media contact: Bryce Heaton 0434 575 237