Core trays (also called core boxes or core racks) are essential tools in the mining and exploration industry. They’re used to safely store, transport, and organize core samples that are extracted during drilling operations. Here’s how they’re used and why they’re important:
What Are Core Trays?
Core trays are long, rectangular containers—usually made of wood, plastic, steel, or aluminum—divided into compartments. Each compartment holds a section of cylindrical rock core retrieved from drilling.
How Core Trays Are Used in Mining:
- Core Storage:
- After a drill rig brings up a section of core, it’s carefully placed in a core tray.
- The core is laid in the tray in sequence to preserve its order and orientation.
- Gaps, fractures, or missing pieces are also noted for accurate geological interpretation.
- Labeling & Documentation:
- Each tray is labeled with key info: drill hole ID, depth range (from–to), and sometimes GPS location.
- Wooden or plastic blocks, called “core blocks,” are placed between sections to record depth intervals.
- Logging and Analysis:
- Geologists examine the cores in the trays to log lithology, mineralization, alteration, and structure.
- Samples may be taken directly from trays for lab analysis (e.g., geochemical assays or metallurgical testing).
- Transport and Storage:
- Core trays are designed to stack and transport easily—often on pallets to core sheds or labs.
- Once analysis is complete, cores are stored long-term for reference or re-analysis.
Why Core Trays Matter:
- Preserve Geological Context: Keeping cores intact and in order is vital for understanding subsurface geology.
- Support Decision Making: Core data helps mining companies decide whether a deposit is worth developing.
- Regulatory Compliance: In many jurisdictions, maintaining accurate records and core samples is legally required.
Let me know if you want diagrams or photos of core trays, or details on best practices for labeling or handling!