Canada has begun scanning geological drill cores for a new national digital library designed to make critical mineral data easier to access and analyze.

The Canadian Digital Core Library (CDCL) is being developed as an AI-ready platform that will convert physical drill cores stored across Canada into standardized digital records.

Canada scanned its first core in Calgary on September 14, using samples from the Northwest Territories. Other provinces and territories are identifying priority drill cores and preparing to begin scanning in the coming weeks.

The project is designed to give geoscientists, mining companies and investors better access to information about mineral deposits, resource quality and exploration potential. Digital geological data could also support Canada's efforts to strengthen domestic critical-mineral supply chains.

Natural Resources Canada has also announced $2.16 million for Saskatchewan to help develop a digital library of core-scan data compatible with the national platform.

The Canadian Digital Core Library is being developed with provinces, territories, industry and the Creative Destruction Lab, which is working on the national platform and shared data standards.

By combining geological information with advanced scanning, digital data and artificial intelligence, the initiative aims to give researchers and industry new tools for understanding Canada's mineral resources and identifying potential exploration opportunities.