Core Libraries

Core library at Gracefield

• Introduction
• Material in the core libraries
• Lodgement of core and samples
• Core Libraries Quality Management Programme
• Core library map

Introduction

Crown Minerals collects drillcore and samples from companies drilling in New Zealand for Crown owned minerals. These are stored at core libraries in Paeroa, Gracefield, Christchurch and Dunedin (see map below) and are available for viewing, and in some cases sampling.

The libraries are not permanently staffed so please contact Crown Minerals to arrange visits or for core delivery.

Material in the core libraries

The general content of the libraries is:

Kenex Knowledge Systems Ltd have developed from Crown Minerals information a freely available on-line interactive map showing the original location of core samples held in Crown Minerals Dunedin and Christchurch core libraries.

The core and samples held in the core libraries is under review so a catalogue is not currently available on this website. Interim catalogues of the material held in the various core libraries can be obtained on request from Crown Minerals by emailing the Crown Minerals.

Lodgement of core and samples

A summary of the requirements under the Crown Minerals Act for permit holders to lodge core and samples is available elsewhere on this site.

Core Libraries Quality Management Programme

Crown Minerals is at an advanced stage of a programme to ensure its core and sample libraries are cost effectively managed, well catalogued and maintained. 

A preliminary review of the core libraries in 1994 found that large volumes of coal and mineral core were in a poor condition or were incomplete, the libraries were generally poorly utilised and storage space was becoming critical in some libraries.

In 1996 it was decided an audit of each of the libraries was required to ensure efficient and effective management which would enable the potential benefits of storing core samples to be realised. A discussion paper (core-library-qm.pdf - 82K) was sent to 130 permit holders, industry organisation, geological consultants and academic institutions. Twenty-eight submissions were received in response to this paper.

From the initial discussion paper and the submissions that were received the final process and criteria were established (library-sum-discussion.pdf - 108K). 

1. The Core Libraries Quality Management Programme process is:

Stage 1

• Crosschecking of core library databases and reports.

Stage 2

• Physical examination of samples which meet Stage 1 criteria.

Stage 3

• Analysis of results of Stages 1 and 2.
• Publication of lists of core for retention and disposal.

Stage 4

• Relocation and consolidation of core libraries holdings.

2. The following quality management criteria will be applied in Stages 1 and 2 of the Quality Management Programme and to all future core lodgements:

Stage 1 criteria

• has relevant location information
• is not over-representative of a particular area
• is of a sufficiently unique nature
• is from land where access is difficult or restricted
• is Crown-owned

Stage 2 criteria

• is complete
• is well-labelled
• is in good condition

3. Independent geological advice will be used where possible for Stage 2 assessment of samples.

Progress

To date Stages 1, 2 and 3 have been completed at Belmont (coal and mineral samples retained have been transferred to the Gracefield library), Paeroa and Dunedin libraries.

Stages 3 is in progress at the Christchurch Core Library.

The final core library to be audited is the Gracefield library. This will be done as two parts, firstly the mineral and coal then the petroleum core. It is anticipated that the project will be completed by 30 June 2004.

Lyn Ellis (Senior Advisor, Crown Minerals) welcomes comment and feedback on this programme or any other aspect of the geoscience data Crown Minerals manage.

Core library map

Last modified: 19 Feb 2004

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