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Drill Core Storage Facility

 

Announcement

Transport of Drillholes to PIRSA Core Storage Facility

The following information sheet has been updated:

M41 - Submission of Representative Samples for Mineral Exploration Drillholes

Please note the inclusion of Figure F, relating to the stacking of "Chep" pallets and transport of samples to the PIRSA Core Storage Facility.

 

Image of forklift truck

Introduction

Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) has, for many years, recognised the value of retaining drill hole samples obtained from mineral and petroleum exploration in South Australia. These specimens provide essential information in the search for ore deposits and petroleum reserves, for reinterpretation of structural and stratigraphic relationships, and for geoscientific research.

Core and chip samples are particularly useful for those areas of the State where potentially metalliferous basement rocks are mantled by younger, less prospective sediments or where rock units of interest extend offshore.

The Glenside Drill Core Storage Facility offers fully enclosed, modern viewing facilities with comfortable surroundings which are heated in winter and cooled in summer.

History

The Glenside Drill Core Storage Facility was established in 1978 and has undergone extensions in 1982 and most recently, in 2005. The most recent refit and renovation secures the facilities reputation as one of the most modern core storage facilities available to mineral and petroleum explorers.

Access

For information on the location, hours of operation and contacting the staff, please visit the Core Library Contacts page.

The recent refit and remodelling of the Glenside Drill Core Storage Facility has led to new security measures being introduced for all visitors. For more information, please read the following Security Announcement (.pdf file ~ 25kb).

Click here for information on Sample Acquisition, Inspecting Core and Core Library Services.

Acquisition of Samples

Exploration companies in SA are required by legislation to provide to the Chief Executive of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia representative samples of any core/ cuttings taken during tenure. Arrangements for receipt and storage of samples should be made by contacting the Core Store Manager.

Sample information sheets will be supplied to company geologists for completion and returned to the Manager when samples are delivered.

All information about the drill core and cuttings currently stored in the Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) core storage facilities is available on the SA_GEODATA and PEPS databases. These databases contain basic core information and links to related details. The SA_GEODATA database can be accessed via SARIG and more information on the PEPS Database can be found on the Petroleum website.

Radioactive Core Storage and Handling

A new standard operating procedure has been developed for all radioactive material stored on the Glenside premises. Read the new Radioactive Core Storage and Handling Policy (.pdf file ~ 70kb). 

Inspecting Core

Minerals and petroleum explorers alike have the ability to inspect the Drill Core Storage Facilities extensive collection simply by contacting the library. Inspections are organised by submitting one of the following forms to the library. Read below to link to the appropriate form.

Online inspections can also be organised through SARIG when accessing the SA_GEODATA database.

forms

Services

All open-file drillhole samples at the Glenside facility are available for inspection. Forty-eight-hours notice is usually required to reserve inspection space and allow time for the layout of sample trays. Those wishing to view confidential samples are required to furnish a Letter of Authority from the company concerned to the Core Store Manager / Acting Manager 

Sampling Procedures

Strict procedures must be adhered to when sampling core or cuttings. These are itemised on the Sample Removal Form which must be completed and forwarded to the Core Store Manager/ Acting Manager at the time of sampling. Core Store staff on behalf of the client can undertake bulk sampling. Prices and conditions for this service are available on application. 

Other Service and Equipment Provision

The Glenside Core Facility also offers general sample preparation equipment such as listed below.

  • Core Cutting - diamond saws are available for slicing core or slabbing rock and mineral specimens
  • Buckets / Brushes - washing and cleaning core
  • Acid Solution - a 10% acid solution is available for the testing of carbonates
  • Binocular Microscopes
  • Electronic Scales
  • Ovens - for the drying of samples

Modern viewing facilities in the Core Store are fully enclosed in comfortable surroundings providing heating in winter and cooling in summer.

Petroleum explorers can jump to the Petroleum website for industry specific information.