Modernizing geoscience infrastructure to accelerate the discovery and responsible development of critical minerals
The Canadian Digital Core Library (CDCL) is being developed in partnership with provinces and territories to facilitate access to digitized drill core data from across Canada.
Canada stores millions of metres of geological drill cores in government repositories across the country. Drill cores are solid, cylinder-shaped samples of rock, sediment, or soil collected to inform interpretations of geology useful for mineral and energy exploration. They provide detailed information about what lies beneath the Earth’s surface at different depths which can inform the understanding and composition of mineral deposits.
By making this data easier to access and use, the CDCL will support more informed exploration and investment decisions, improving the competitiveness of Canada’s mining industry.
Background
Natural Resources Canada is investing $40 million over two years, beginning in 2026–27, as a first step toward creating a modern, interoperable CDCL.
By building on provincial and territorial expertise, infrastructure and existing digitization initiatives, this investment will:
- establish national connectivity to manage and provide access to digital drill core data
- begin scanning publicly held geological samples in key regions and for priority minerals
- support integration with provincial and territorial digitization initiatives
- build a scalable foundation for future expansion
The outcome will be the first phase of the CDCL that will integrate and enable advanced technologies, including high-resolution core scanning and artificial intelligence, to enhance data analysis and usability.
Why this matters
A national, accessible digital repository of Canada’s drill core data will:
- lower early-stage exploration risk and uncertainty
- accelerate discovery and mineral extraction timelines
- improve data transparency and accessibility
- attract domestic and international investment
- support jobs across the mining value chain
Canada is setting a global standard for modernizing geoscience infrastructure that is transforming our understanding of the resources beneath our feet. CDCL’s innovative technology will unlock Canada’s mineral potential to drive economic growth, support environmental stewardship and strengthen Canada’s national resilience.
Next steps
NRCan will continue engaging with provinces and territories, including jurisdictions interested in advancing their own digitization efforts and exploring how federal support could assist.