DMT CoreScan software

The system comprises the CoreBase and CoreStructure software suites.

Key features include the management, organisation and visualisation of scanned drill cores, core analyses, core samples, log data, drill core descriptions and structural evaluations. Furthermore, the software acts as a data management system for all drill core and borehole-related data. The online accessibility of the digital core library ensures rapid access to the data and a well-organised exchange of information.

Digital drill core management and structural geological analysis with CoreBase

CoreBase is a digital drill core library for the centralised management, analysis and long-term archiving of high-resolution drill core images. The software enables scanned drill cores to be made available regardless of location and accessed by geological and geotechnical experts worldwide in near real time. As a result, relevant information is available for exploration, resource assessment and geotechnical investigations shortly after the core is retrieved.

Digital recording minimises the impact of core handling, storage and any physical or chemical changes to the drill core. At the same time, it minimises risks associated with missing, damaged or incorrectly assigned core sections. In this way, CoreBase improves quality assurance, documentation and the long-term preservation of valuable core data.

Precise core orientation through the linking of borehole logs and core images

Geophysical borehole surveys provide information on the spatial trajectory of a borehole, such as its inclination and orientation. In addition, imaging borehole measurements, for example using a borehole televiewer, record the orientation of geological structures relative to the borehole axis.

By combining borehole trajectory measurements with borehole images, the spatial orientation of geological structures can be precisely determined. These include, for example, bedding planes, foliations, fractures, faults or vein structures.

The high-resolution core images generated by the core scanner show the same geological features as the imaging borehole logs. By directly comparing both datasets, the drill cores can be spatially oriented and linked to the structures recorded in the borehole. This provides a robust basis for structural geological interpretations and the three-dimensional modelling of ore deposits and rock structures.

Structural geological and geotechnical analysis

Based on the core images managed in CoreBase, geological structures can be efficiently documented, visualised and analysed. These include, amongst others:

• Bedding and stratification
• Foliation
• Joints and fissures
• Faults
• Veins
• Other discrete and continuous geological structures

In addition, CoreBase supports the derivation of key geotechnical parameters from the digitised core images. These include, in particular:

• RQD (Rock Quality Designation) for assessing rock quality
• FD (Fracture Density) for determining fracture density
• FS (Fracture Spacing) for determining fracture spacing

Digital analysis improves the reproducibility of geological interpretations, speeds up workflows and creates a consistent data foundation for exploration, mining, infrastructure and energy projects.