How to Choose the Right Core Box and Core Tray for Your Mining Project

Why Choosing the Right Core Tray Matters in Mining Projects

In every stage of mineral exploration, the core sample is the foundation of reliable geological interpretation. From identifying ore zones to defining mineral grades and structural patterns, the data extracted from cores determines the economic potential of a project. Yet, despite this central role, sample handling and storage are often underestimated. A core tray — also known as a core box or core storage container — plays a crucial role in preserving the quality, sequence, and representativeness of drill cores. Using the wrong type of tray can lead to misalignment, sample contamination, and even irreversible data loss. When hundreds of metres of core are extracted daily from diamond drilling operations, each metre represents thousands of dollars in drilling cost. A durable and well-engineered core tray ensures that the investment in drilling is not compromised by poor storage practices. Field teams across the globe—from Scandinavian open pits to Australian desert drilling rigs—rely on robust, lightweight, and UV-resistant plastic trays to handle extreme environments. Their use has become an industry standard for maintaining core integrity while reducing logistical challenges.

Core Tray vs Core Box — What’s the Difference?

Although the terms core tray and core box are often used interchangeably, they serve slightly different operational purposes.

Core Trays

• Open-topped rectangular containers designed to hold cores in segmented rows.

• Ideal for logging, photographing, and laboratory testing, where direct visual and physical access to cores is essential.

• Commonly made from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or similar polymers for UV, chemical, and weather resistance.

• Typically stackable, allowing for efficient space usage in core sheds or shipping containers.

Core Boxes

• Closed or lidded containers offering enhanced protection during transport.

• Used when samples must be moved over long distances or stored temporarily in field camps.

• Protects cores from moisture, impact, and contamination.

In modern exploration workflows, many companies adopt a dual-system approach:

• Use core boxes at drill sites for secure, short-term transport.

• Transfer samples into core trays for permanent storage, logging, and analysis.

This ensures maximum protection in transit and ease of access during analysis.

Understanding Size Standards: HQ, NQ, PQ and More

Core trays are not one-size-fits-all products. They must align precisely with the drilling diameter system used — typically BQ, NQ, HQ, or PQ. Each standard corresponds to a specific core diameter and intended use.

Choosing the wrong size tray can cause sample crowding, poor alignment, or rolling—all of which distort geological observations.
Therefore, before purchasing trays, always confirm your drilling system compatibility and whether your trays support row dividers, drainage, and stacking locks.

2025 Industry Shift: Modular Core Tray Systems

Recent innovations have introduced modular tray systems with removable partitions. These designs can accommodate multiple core sizes within one framework, saving logistics costs and warehouse space—especially for contractors operating across diverse drilling projects.

Material Comparison: Plastic vs Metal vs Wooden Core Trays

Historically, mining companies relied on wooden or metallic trays, but modern exploration standards prioritise durability, weight reduction, and environmental sustainability. Below is a comparison across the most common materials:

Why Plastic Wins

Recycled HDPE trays outperform other materials across durability, safety, and ESG metrics.
They are:

• Non-conductive (safe around electrical tools).

• Resistant to acids, saltwater, and oil-based drilling fluids.

• Stackable without deformation, even in high temperatures.

• Environmentally circular, being fully recyclable at the end of their life.

These advantages make plastic trays the global standard for professional core storage in both mining and geotechnical industries.

Field Best Practices for Core Handling and Storage

Having the right tray is only part of the equation. The way cores are handled, labelled, and stored determines whether data integrity is preserved throughout the exploration lifecycle.

a) Handling

• Always handle cores using both hands to avoid breakage.

• Avoid overfilling trays beyond their designed row capacity.

• Place cores in order of depth, left to right, ensuring depth continuity between trays.

b) Labelling

• Mark each tray with hole ID, depth range, and orientation arrows using waterproof paint markers.

• Avoid adhesives or tapes, which can peel under UV exposure.

• Implement a digital tray registry linking barcode labels to core logging software.

c) Storage

• Store trays on flat, stable surfaces to prevent deformation.

• Protect against direct sunlight and rainfall, even if trays are UV-resistant.

• When stacking, ensure interlocks align perfectly — improper stacking can cause toppling during transport.

d) Transport

• Secure trays with shock-absorbing supports in vehicles.

• For international shipments, use sealed covers and foam inserts to prevent vibration damage.

• Maintain a documented chain of custody to preserve data reliability from drill rig to lab.

By applying these best practices, companies can extend the service life of trays and ensure consistent geological accuracy in sample analysis.

Sustainability in Core Storage: Why Recycled Plastic Trays Are the Future

As the mining industry aligns with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks, every operational decision — including material selection — is under review. Core trays may seem minor, but their lifecycle impact is significant.

The Environmental Advantage

Modern plastic core trays are made from 100% recycled HDPE, sourced from post-consumer plastic waste such as containers and piping. Using recycled materials:

• Cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 70% compared to virgin plastic.

• Diverts plastic waste from landfills and marine environments.

• Enables a closed-loop manufacturing cycle when trays are recycled after use.

Energy Efficiency

Leading manufacturers now operate solar-powered facilities, further reducing the carbon footprint of each tray produced. For example, a solar-driven production line can offset up to 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually compared to conventional energy sources.

Longevity and Recyclability

Recycled plastic trays have a service life exceeding 10 years, even under harsh UV exposure. Once retired, they can be reprocessed into new trays, maintaining a circular economy model within the mining supply chain.

By adopting recycled trays, companies demonstrate sustainable leadership while lowering operational costs — a win for both profitability and planet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Core Trays

Even experienced field teams sometimes make simple but costly mistakes when ordering or using core trays. Here are the most frequent pitfalls and how to prevent them:

1. Selecting the wrong size:
   Always match the tray model to your drill size (BQ, NQ, HQ, PQ). An oversized tray wastes space; an undersized one compresses samples.

2. Ignoring drainage holes:
   Water retention after rain can alter core chemistry. Ensure each tray has proper drainage channels.

3. Overstacking:
   Stacking too many loaded trays can deform lower units, compromising sample geometry. Follow manufacturer stacking limits.

4. Neglecting UV resistance:
   Non-stabilised plastics can become brittle under sun exposure. Always confirm UV-stabilised materials for field use.

5. Skipping sustainability:
   Non-recycled trays contribute to waste and may face future procurement restrictions as ESG policies tighten.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures longer-lasting equipment, fewer field delays, and higher sample accuracy.

Checklist: Selecting the Ideal Tray for Your Project

To simplify your decision-making, here’s a concise checklist that exploration managers and geologists can follow:

✅ Identify drilling size (BQ, NQ, HQ, PQ).
✅ Determine application type — transport, long-term storage, or core display.
✅ Choose recycled HDPE plastic for durability and sustainability.
✅ Ensure UV and chemical resistance for field longevity.
✅ Confirm stacking stability and interlocking design.
✅ Check drainage channels and base reinforcement.
✅ Verify tray capacity and weight limit.
✅ Ensure surfaces are label-friendly and compatible with permanent markers.
✅ Opt for solar-manufactured products for a reduced carbon footprint.

Following this checklist guarantees that your investment supports both operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

The Engineering Behind Quality Core Trays

Beyond appearance, a high-quality core tray is the result of precision design and engineering. Key design elements include:

• Uniform wall thickness to prevent warping.

• Ribbed base reinforcement for structural strength during stacking.

• Smooth, non-porous surfaces to simplify cleaning and prevent contamination.

• Raised row dividers to prevent core movement during handling.

• Integrated tag holders or engraving panels for clear labelling.

These features combine to ensure that every sample — from soft sedimentary cores to dense igneous formations — remains secure, measurable, and identifiable.

The Bottom Line: Building a Reliable, Sustainable Core Management System

The global mining industry is undergoing a transformation — where efficiency, safety, and sustainability define success. Core trays and boxes, though small in appearance, are foundational to this transformation. A reliable core tray system is not simply storage; it is an investment in data quality, operational safety, and corporate reputation.

By choosing recycled plastic core trays, exploration and geotechnical companies can:

• Reduce operational waste and CO₂ emissions.

• Improve sample preservation and data accuracy.

• Support a circular economy that aligns with modern ESG objectives.

• Minimise transport costs with lightweight yet robust materials.

As 2025 brings growing emphasis on responsible exploration, it’s clear that sustainable engineering solutions — like high-performance plastic trays — will shape the future of geological discovery. Whether you’re logging HQ cores in Africa, PQ samples in Scandinavia, or NQ exploration cores in Latin America, investing in quality trays today ensures your data remains intact, your operations efficient, and your legacy sustainable.