The Northwest Territories is the first to contribute to a national initiative that is using advanced technology and innovation to scan historic drill cores and other geological materials. The Canadian Digital Core Library is breathing new life into historic geological information, using ai to scan and digitize data with the intent to support mineral exploration and investment across Canada.

Drill core from the Northwest Territories was the first to be selected and scanned as part of the Canadian Digital Core Library initiative. Scanning of core began in Calgary on September 14, 2026.

Participation in the initiative is led by the Northwest Territories Geological Survey. Its Geological Materials Storage Facility in Yellowknife preserves drill core and other geological materials collected through decades of mineral exploration across the territory. The samples provide an important foundation for the Northwest Territories' participation in the national initiative. The Northwest Territories Geological Survey is also working with industry to acquire previously not publicly available core for this initiative.

The core that is stored in this facility provides a physical record of Northwest Territories geology and allows explorers and researchers to revisit previous drilling using new technologies, new geological knowledge and changing mineral interests. The information being available digitally allows users to examine geological materials remotely and use modern tools to better understand the Northwest Territories' geology and mineral potential. This reduces cost and exploration uncertainty while helping to support investment in the territory's mineral resources, including critical minerals.

The Government of the Northwest Territories will continue working with Natural Resources Canada and other partners on the development of the Canadian Digital Core Library and the digitization of geological information from the Northwest Territories.

Quote

“High-quality geoscience information is one of the most important tools we have to turn the Northwest Territories’ mineral potential into producing mines. The data that comes from cores scanned under the Canadian Digital Core Library initiative will help support investment, exploration and responsible resource development in the Northwest Territories, and help Canada strengthen its competitiveness in the global market.”

- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Investment

Quick facts

• The Canadian Digital Core Library is a Government of Canada initiative to create a national digital dataset of drill core and other geological materials, with a focus on supporting critical minerals exploration.
• Natural Resources Canada is investing up to $40 million over two years in the initiative, with up to $5 million available per participating jurisdiction.
• The Canadian Digital Core Library will use advanced scanning technologies to create high-quality, publicly available digital records of drill core and other geological materials held in repositories across Canada. These records will contribute to a common national dataset that can be accessed and used by industry, researchers, Indigenous governments and other users.
• Federal funding can cover up to 90 per cent of eligible costs for participating jurisdictions.
• The national digital platform and shared data standards are being developed to allow core scanning information from different jurisdictions and industry to be more easily found and used.
• Improved access to geoscience information can help reduce exploration risk, identify mineral opportunities and support investment in the Northwest Territories.

Related links

• Canadian Digital Core Library
• Northwest Territories Geological Survey

For media requests, please contact:
Melvin Leonard
Assistant Director, Strategic Communication
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 767-9202 ext. 63038
Email: ITIcommunications@gov.nt.ca