Mines and Petroleum Minister of Western Australia David Michael unveiled the HyLogger 4, a state-of-the-art spectral scanner poised to transform resource exploration across the state.
The HyLogger 4 system, now operational at the Perth Core Library, captures high-resolution data from drill core samples.
This advanced technology provides a rapid and precise method to analyse geology, enabling explorers to better target resources and reduce exploration costs.
The WA government invested in the HyLogger 4, which was developed by CSIRO and commercialised by Perth-based Corescan Pty Ltd, with additional support from AuScope.
The scanner is managed by the newly formed Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) and replaces the ageing HyLogger 3.
Since its commissioning in 2009, the HyLogger 3 analysed over 600,000 metres of drill core from more than 2,000 holes across Western Australia.
Much of this material was sourced from companies participating in the WA government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme.
While the previous system delivered reliable mineralogical data, the new HyLogger 4 offers higher-resolution capture and enhanced analytical capabilities.
This leap forward is expected to improve the detection and understanding of mineralisation beneath the surface, further supporting the state’s exploration sector.
The upgraded system also ensures DMPE can continue supplying high-quality data to the National Virtual Core Library, the world’s largest online drill core database.
More than 1.6 million metres of data are now freely accessible to exploration companies worldwide.
Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael highlighted the significance of this investment: “The Cook Government’s investment in geoscience infrastructure is accelerating exploration, creating regional jobs and supporting critical mineral supply chains for the global energy transition.
“The HyLogger upgrade strengthens our ability to deliver the precompetitive data industry relies on to plan exploration programs and reduce risk.”
Michael noted that the installation of the HyLogger 4 comes at a pivotal moment, aligning with the establishment of the new Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration and underscoring the state’s commitment to advancing resource discovery.
He also expressed satisfaction with the role of local companies like Corescan in fostering innovation within WA’s resources sector, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a top destination for investment.
Michael added that he looks forward to collaborating with DMPE Director General Chris Shaw to further develop the sector and deliver lasting benefits for Western Australians.
For further information on the Perth Core Library and HyLogger, visit the Geological Survey of Western Australia’s website.
