The upgrade is anticipated to enhance Tasmania’s geotechnical testing capabilities, enabling more local scientific analysis within the state.

The library upgrade will be delivered by Fairbrother and is set to provide both the government and industry with a facility for geoscientific and analytical functions, while also combining its laboratory facilities.

An up-to-date interface will also be installed to boost Mineral Resources Tasmania’s industry engagement.

The library stores over 770 kilometres of drill core and 70,000 rock samples.

This is the first upgrade the facility will receive since it was opened 30 years ago.

By upgrading the facility, the Tasmanian Government expects the library to be more accessible to the industry.

Tasmanian Minister for Resources Guy Barnett said the investment would support Tasmania’s economy through its resources sector.

“This is a significant investment in a sector that supports more than 5100 direct job, contributes more than 51 per cent of our state’s exports, and produces product with a value of more than $2 billion each year,” he said.

“When our resources sector is strong, our economy thrives, and that is why we are making a significant investment into the scientific capability available right here in Tasmania.

“This upgrade will play a significant role in realising our mineral potential and supports our collaborative efforts in working with industry through our existing scientific and exploration support packages.”

The upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-2021.