Hobart’s rock library holds thousands of clues to the mineral riches of the future

Inside a nondescript shed in a Hobart suburb sit shelves upon shelves of rocks and core samples that could reveal the mineral riches of the future.

This library of drill core samples, that would stretch 770 kilometres if placed end to end, and 70,000 rock samples, forms a geological map of Tasmania’s mineral landscape.

Crucially, it holds clues to the whereabouts of ancient mineral deposits that are essential for modern-day living.

“It’s a huge collection of material,” said Kevin Robinson, director of mines for Mineral Resources Tasmania, who is charged with looking after the invaluable collection.

Some samples at the Mornington…