Core Logging and Photographic Documentation

Core Logging Components

Core logging represents the systematic recording of all characteristics of rock material retrieved during drilling. The process begins with geological description, which includes determination of lithological composition — rock type, structure, and texture. The geologist records mineral composition and secondary alterations, notes fracturing patterns, tectonic disruptions, and contacts between different rock units. Particular attention is paid to indicators of ore mineralisation: disseminations of valuable minerals, vein systems, oxidation zones, and the degree of rock weathering.

Marking and measurements constitute the technical foundation of documentation. For each core interval, precise extraction depth is recorded along with hole number and run identification, recovered core length, and recovery percentage. A crucial parameter is the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, characterising the degree of rock fragmentation. Where necessary, structural element orientation angles are measured to understand the geological structure of the deposit.

All parameters are entered into logging journals and digital databases for subsequent analysis and interpretation. Minerals Operating employs specialised software integrated with GGIS — geological-geophysical information systems for the mining industry. This ensures rapid data access and enables joint analysis with geophysical survey results and sampling data.

Core Photography: Standards and Technologies

Photographic documentation has become a mandatory element of modern mineral exploration, preserving visual information about core for years to come and enabling remote material examination without physical access to core storage facilities.

Core photography is conducted in a specialised light box with uniform illumination, eliminating shadows and glare. Core is arranged in standard trays with metre-scale markings, with the frame necessarily including a scale ruler, colour chart, and information label indicating hole number and interval. Photography is performed at minimum 300 DPI resolution, allowing image magnification when necessary for detailed examination of textural features and mineralisation.

Each image is accompanied by detailed metadata: hole number and depth interval, photography date and responsible geologist's name, core orientation indicating top and bottom of interval. Special notations are made for mineralised zones, geological contacts, and sample locations. This system enables rapid location of required images and their correlation with textual descriptions and analytical results.

Photographs are stored in Minerals Operating's digital archive with regular backup procedures. Access to the photographic documentation database is via secure communication channels, allowing geologists and clients to view core remotely in real time, make operational decisions regarding work programme adjustments without requiring site visits.

Sample Preparation for Laboratory Analysis

Sample collection and preparation represent a critical stage of exploration work, directly affecting the reliability of all subsequent analytical results and geological conclusions.

Core is cut longitudinally along its axis using a specialised diamond saw. One half is sent for chemical analysis to an accredited laboratory, the other remains in archive as reference material for possible repeat investigations or umpire analyses. Sampling intervals are determined by the geologist based on visual core description, mineralisation indicators, and geological structure of the section. Typical sample length ranges from one to two metres but may vary depending on mineralisation character and project requirements.

Minerals Operating strictly controls sampling procedures to eliminate contamination and ensure sample representativeness. The diamond saw is thoroughly cleaned between cuts of core from different lithological types, especially when transitioning from barren intervals to mineralised zones. Each sample weight meets analytical laboratory requirements and ensures obtaining a representative analytical portion. Each sample is marked with a unique number with clear linkage to depth and hole number.

Samples are packaged in durable plastic bags with dual labelling — internal and external tags, eliminating possibility of information loss. Accompanying documentation includes a detailed sample list, collection certificate with responsible parties' signatures, and specific instructions to the laboratory regarding preparation and analytical methods. Sample transportation is conducted following strict chain of custody protocols, which is a mandatory requirement of international reporting standards.

Core Material Storage and Record-Keeping

Proper core storage ensures the possibility of repeat investigations, data verification, and compliance with regulatory authority requirements in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

All core is registered in a centralised database with precise indication of its location in the core storage facility. Each box is assigned a unique number and its rack position is recorded, enabling location of any required interval from any project hole within minutes. The electronic catalogue is equipped with rapid search functionality across multiple parameters: hole number, depth, rock type, presence of mineralisation.

Minerals Operating ensures core storage in specialised facilities with controlled conditions. Core material is protected from moisture exposure, direct sunlight, and sharp temperature fluctuations that could cause sample degradation and alteration of their physical-chemical properties. Systematic core arrangement is organised on the principle of hole and depth sequence, significantly simplifying search and material provision for examination. Access to the storage facility is restricted to authorised personnel only, with a core release journal maintained for research purposes.

According to legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, core from solid mineral exploration holes must be stored at minimum until completion of exploration works and deposit handover for exploitation. For strategic objects and deposits of special significance, the storage period may span several decades. The company is prepared to ensure long-term core material storage with possibility of providing access for re-examination, independent expertise, or scientific research.

QA/QC Methods in Core Logging

The quality assurance and quality control system (QA/QC) is an integral part of work with core material and guarantees the reliability of obtained geological data at all project stages.

Sampling control procedures include use of duplicate samples: every twentieth sample is cut into two identical portions sent for independent analysis either to different laboratories or to one laboratory under different numbers. Divergence of duplicate analysis results must not exceed statistically acceptable limits established for the given mineralisation type and concentration levels. Standard reference materials are regularly inserted into sample batches — certified standards with precisely known concentrations of determined elements. Analysis of standards allows verification of laboratory accuracy and reproducibility, identification of systematic errors or drift in analytical equipment calibration.

Blank samples represent specimens of deliberately barren rock containing no determined elements in significant concentrations. Their regular insertion into batches controls for absence of cross-contamination between samples during sample preparation and analysis. Appearance of anomalous concentrations in blank samples signals procedure violations and requires re-analysis of the entire batch.

Documentation control includes cross-checking of journals by different geologists, reconciliation of core photographs with textual descriptions, and regular database audits for information gaps, record duplication, or logical inconsistencies. Upon client request, Minerals Operating arranges engagement of independent experts — qualified specialists (Qualified Persons under NI 43-101 standard) for verification of all documentation, sampling, and quality control procedures.