The HyLogger system is an advanced spectroscopic technology that uses semi-automated core tray handling to rapidly identify and map the minerals in drillcore and other geological samples. Measurements are made using non-destructive visible and infrared light transmitted and reflected from the sample surface, at a spatial resolution of about 10 mm square. The system can identify the spectra of many mineral groups, if present in appreciable amounts within a sample.
In 2009, six HyLogger-2 machines were distributed across Australia to form the AuScope National Virtual Core Library (NVCL) - a joint project funded by federal and state governments to provide standardized mineral and image data for reference drill cores. The HyLogger-2 machines incorporated a high-resolution digital camera with visible near-infrared (VNIR, 380–1000 nm) and shortwave-infrared (SWIR, 1000–2500 nm) sensors capable of detecting common ore and alteration minerals (e.g. iron oxide, kaolin, mica, smectite, chlorite, epidote, amphibole, and sulfate groups).
In 2011, the HyLogger-3 generation was created by the addition of the thermal-infrared (TIR, 6000-14500nm) sensor to existing HyLogger-2 machines. Measurement of TIR wavelengths allows the detection of common rock-forming minerals in drill samples (e.g. feldspar, quartz, pyroxene, garnet, olivine, carbonate, and phosphate groups), as well as several hydroxyl-bearing minerals also measurable at VNIR and SWIR wavelengths. GSWA HyLogger scan data can be viewed and interpreted with The Spectral Geologist (TSG) software.
HyLogger-4
Show moreThe new world-leading HyLogger-4 system developed in Australia by Corescan (Epiroc), was installed in the GSWA Perth Core Library in 2025 to replace the HyLogger-3 machine. The first of its kind globally, the HyLogger-4 produces continuous visible and infrared hyperspectral data across the entire VNIR to TIR region, improved high-resolution core images of 25 µm per pixel, and surface texture maps of 100 µm per pixel with 20 µm height resolution.
The addition of the mid-infrared (MIR, 2500-6000 nm) wavelength range allows the detection of diagnostic features associated with many groups of minerals, enabling validation of data analysed by the other sensors and improving distinction of spectrally similar minerals.
HyLogger scanning service
Show moreThe schedule for scanning aims to prioritise current GSWA research work and impactful external requests, including collaborative and student projects sponsored or supervised by GSWA. The Western Australian Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) Co-funded Drilling Program is another significant focus, with a requirement to scan EIS drillcore prior to sampling. Eventually all drillcore stored by GSWA are planned to be scanned to create a comprehensive digital archive.
Requests for prioritised scanning of drillcore will be assessed based on instrument availability and meeting criteria below.
- Requests to scan core stored in the GSWA Perth and Kalgoorlie core libraries should include a brief outline of the research project, timeframe and work required, and how HyLogger data would be beneficial. Email your request to the mailbox above.
- Requests are open for free scanning of privately owned core if it is part of a joint research project with GSWA staff, and the data would be made publicly available after a short, negotiated period. Email your request to the mailbox above.
The GSWA HyLogger facility does not scan drillcore for commercial purposes.
HyLogger data access
Show moreAll non-confidential TSG datasets processed to the basic level 1 or geologist-interpreted level 2, high-resolution core images, and summary reports and files, are progressively uploaded to:
- GeoVIEW.WA – includes TSG datasets, core images, links to TSG summary mineralogy histograms, mineralogy csv logs, and selected interpretation reports. A link to CorStruth is also provided, which hosts drillcore data reprocessed using pioneering algorithms by Dr Andy Green.
- AuScope Portal – TSG datasets and core images.
A quick access list of all non-confidential scanned drillcore is updated twice a year (January and July), and contains relevant metadata, and direct links to company reports, summary records, summary histograms, mineral logs and core tray images.
Datasets are also available to copy by contacting the mailbox above.
Additional analytical tools and service
Show moreThe HyLogger facility holds several portable instruments for validation of the hyperspectral data:
- X-Ray Diffractometry (pXRD, Olympus BTX-II) – benchtop analyser used to identify minerals in <1 g powdered geological samples. Samples will be crushed for analysis.
- X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF, Olympus Vanta M Series) – handheld analyser used to measure elemental composition of geological samples, from magnesium (Mg) to uranium (U) at concentrations from parts per million to 100%. Analysis is non-destructive.
- Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS, SciAps Z-903) – handheld analyser used to measure relative elemental composition of geological samples, particularly suited for light elements hydrogen (H) to iron (Fe) and particularly lithium (Li). Analysis is partially destructive.
The HyLogger facility and the GSWA core libraries offer a free service to analyse core, cuttings and chip samples from the department’s collections, using pXRD and pXRF instruments. Conditions are detailed in Core library sample access.
The HyLogger facility also considers requests for free analysis of private rock and mineral samples using HyLogger, pXRD, pXRF and LIBS. Email your request to the mailbox. Requests are limited to one sample.
GSWA publications
Show moreHyLogger publications are accessible through the DEMIRS eBookshop, including:
HyLogger-3: Implications of adding thermal-infrared sensing
Portable XRF analysis in the Joe Lord and Perth Core Libraries – methodology and case studies
The GSWA NVCL HyLogger: rapid mineralogical analysis for characterizing mineral and petroleum core
HyLogger annual workshops
Show moreThe GSWA HyLogger facility together with CSIRO hosts one-day HyLogger workshops annually (May-June) in the Perth Core Library, to directly collaborate with and train stakeholders on HyLogger data access and applications, using showcases of drill core from the world-class mineral deposits. TSG training is available.
Details for the next GSWA-CSIRO HyLogger workshop will be announced soon.
