A library with a difference – containing 400 kilometres of core – is just 10 per cent away from being full but is set for expansion by the end of next year.
Perth core library in Carlisle received $2.5 million in joint state and commonwealth funding last week to help with its expansion.
The library houses a collection of samples of representative geology and mineral endowment of the state but it was now more than 90 per cent full with rack space expected to run out by September next year.
Federal Industry and Science Minister Ian Macfarlane announced the federal government would put forward $1.2 million while WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion announced the state would contribute $1.3 million to expand the facility and increase rack space.
Mr Macfarlane said the library held more than 400 kilometres of core and would store two-thirds of all commonwealth-managed petroleum core derived from offshore drilling.
“This world-class facility has helped identify major potential shale gas deposits and is in constant use by companies and prospectors working to find the mines and petroleum fields of tomorrow,” he said.
The expansion would create extra viewing space for geologists to examine drill core, a conference room and extend the area housing a sophisticated hylogger core scanner, which contributed to a growing online core library accessible worldwide.
Mr Marmion said the additional funding came on top of $4.8 million committed in last year’s state budget to enlarge the library’s warehouse for drill samples by about 50 per cent, or 3500-square metres.
Concept plans have been prepared with construction expected to start later this year.
It was scheduled to be finished by the end of 2016.
