A multi-million dollar expansion of the Joe Lord Core Library in Kalgoorlie was opened this week by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston after it received $7 million in funding to support the expansion as part of the COVID-19 Goldfields-Esperance Recovery Plan in July 2020.
The completed 2,100-square-metre extension has tripled the storage capacity of the world-class core sample library, providing geoscientists, explorers, and mining companies with greater access to view and analyse the drillcores containing a wealth of geoscientific information.
Local indigenous business Yonga Djena and building contractor ACorp Construction completed the construction works on time and on budget.
Mines Minister Bill Johnston said the extension included an additional 6,720 pallet storage bays and more roller tables to view the core sample collection, which is over 3,000 metres.
Johnston added: “Researchers and explorers searching for the next big discovery will find it much easier to inspect the samples and review the valuable geoscientific information.
“The core library supports the very popular Exploration Incentive Scheme, which has just recently offered $6.35 million grants to 51 exploration projects.
“This is further proof of the McGowan government’s support of the exploration industry and regional communities.”
Kalgoorlie member of the legislative assembly Ali Kent said the expansion was welcome news for the local community and mining industry.
She added: “Kalgoorlie is now well-equipped to support our local explorers, which supports local jobs.”