Hon Bill Johnston MLA, WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Energy; Corrective Services, Media Release, 24 November 2021

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today opened the multi-million dollar expansion of the Joe Lord Core Library in Kalgoorlie.

The McGowan Government announced $7 million of funding to support the library’s 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.

The improved facility provides 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.

Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

“The extension includes an additional 6,720 pallet storage bays and more roller tables to view the huge core sample collection, which is over 3,000 metres.

“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.”

Comments attributed to Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:

“The completed expansion of the Joe Lord Core Library is welcome news for the local community and mining industry, as it could save companies millions of dollars in research.

“Kalgoorlie is now well-equipped to support our local explorers, which supports local jobs.”