oa AuScope National Virtual Core Library – SA Node

The AuScope National Virtual Core Library (NVCL) provides desktop access to all Australian State Government core storage facilities in such a way that a geologist can assess the spectral properties, imagery and mineralogy of drill core prior to making a physical inspection. The potential to reduce logging ambiguity will impact on exploration efficiency and effectiveness.

The heart of the NVCL is a partnership between the CSIRO HyLogger™ instruments and sophisticated analytical software with the capacity to serve large volumes of data over the internet. South Australia’s collection of over 300 open file spectrally scanned drillholes forms the basis of the SA Node of the NVLC . HyLogger™ records a 0.1 mm resolution image while spectra are collected every 1 cm. Visible to shortwave infrared (400-2500 nm wavelength) reflected light spectra display distinctive absorption features which enable direct identification of minerals containing O-H and C-O bonds. Using “The Spectral Geologist” (TSG) software the geologist is able to place a cursor on the image of the core and read directly the spectra and interpreted mineralogy for that location. TSG provides the functionality to interact with a relational database which will be open to the internet.

Applications for this technology include 3D mapping of alteration systems associated with ore deposition. Being able to semi-quantify the abundance of minerals geographically enables geologists to include Eh and pH conditions in their targeting models. Mapping chemical variations in individual mineral species has shown to be an empirical vector to ore permitting refinement of greenfield drilling programs.