Work is underway on the Mount Isa "rock library" to make it easier for explorers to find the next big mining prospect in the North West Minerals Province.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The John Campbell Miles core drill facility in the Kalkadoon Industrial Estate near the airport is getting a $550,000 upgrade which Resources Minister Scott Stewart said was supporting future resources projects and jobs.
"The drill core library and its 230km 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 upgrade underway will provide a dedicated core viewing facility that will make it easier for more people to access and study cores."
Mr Stewart said the viewing facility would 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," he said.
"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."
Mr Stewart said the department was using local contractors for the project, supporting 15 jobs for the duration of the construction phase, due for completion by June 2022.
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 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.
READ ALSO: Katter petition against Daylight Saving
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
Bookmark https://www.northweststar.com.au/
Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Google News