The $7.3 million Perth Core Library already contains 400km of core and, according to WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion, leftover space is filling fast.

“The core library storage area is filling up rapidly, thanks to increased exploration activity generated by the state government's Exploration Incentive Scheme, so it is gratifying to be able to get this project under way,” he said.

“The additional funding comes on top of $4.8 million committed in last year's WA state budget to enlarge the library's warehouse for drill core samples by about 50%, or 3500 square metres.”

The expansion will create extra viewing space for geologists to examine drill core and a conference room. It will also extend the area housing a sophisticated, rapid spectroscopic logging and imaging system known as a HyLogger core scanner, which is used to grow an online core library accessible worldwide.

Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said the library was one of the most important resources in Australia for prospectors working to find the mines and petroleum fields of tomorrow.

“When the work is finished, the core library is expected to satisfy the combined needs of the state and commonwealth for the next 20 years,” he said, adding the facilities will store two thirds of all Commonwealth-managed petroleum core derived from offshore drilling.

Construction at the Perth Core Library is expected to start later this year and will be finished by the end of 2016.