09/02/2026
Behind the Donlin Gold Project: What is Drill Core?
Ever wonder how geologists learn what lies beneath the Earth's surface?
One of the most important tools in mineral exploration is drill core—a cylindrical sample of rock collected from deep underground using specialized drilling equipment.
At the Donlin Gold project, drill core provides geologists with valuable information about the rocks that host the deposit, helping them understand:
🪨 Rock types and geology — identifying the different formations and structures beneath the surface
🔍 Mineralization — understanding where gold and other minerals occur within the rock
📊 Geological characteristics — building detailed models of the deposit and how it formed
🔬 Laboratory analysis — measuring gold content and other important characteristics through careful testing
Each core sample is carefully logged, photographed, and analyzed. Geologists examine features such as rock texture, structure, alteration, and mineral content to help build a more complete picture of the Donlin Gold deposit.
Drill core is more than a piece of rock—it is a record of the geological processes that shaped the region over millions of years. 🌎
Stay tuned as we explore more of the science and technology behind the Donlin Gold project.