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Core Shock: Organization and Precision in Every Interval

Core Shock is Core Case’s exclusive system for interval separation in drill core samples. Developed with durable materials, it ensures quick, secure, and intuitive placement—eliminating the use of wooden blocks and improvised solutions once and for all.

Traditional wooden blocks used as depth markers present a critical issue: over time, they can rot, wear down, and lose legibility. This deterioration compromises the reliability of records and puts the accuracy of drilling data at risk. Core Shock addresses this weakness by providing separators made from the same resilient material as our core boxes, ensuring durability and data security under any field condition.

Each separator can be marked manually with permanent markers such as our Core Marker or directly printed using Core Case Tech.

These features, designed by Core Case, allow data to be recorded clearly and permanently, ensuring standardization, traceability, and preventing the loss of essential information over time.

Available in versions tailored to every type of core box, Core Shock maintains data stability and organization throughout the workflow, providing greater reliability for geologists and field teams.

Core Shock is efficiency applied to drilling, preserving information, standardizing operations, and achieving safer results.

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The Rescue of the 33 Miners in Chile: How a Canadian Drill Became a Symbol of Salvation

On August 5, 2010, the collapse of a mine in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile, triggered one of the most dramatic and emblematic episodes in the history of modern mining. The San José mine, which extracted gold and copper, caved in, trapping 33 miners approximately 700 metres underground in extreme conditions, with no communication to the surface and under constant risk of further cave-ins.

For the first 17 days, there was no certainty about the group’s survival. The only hope lay in the drilling operations attempting to locate the emergency shelter where the workers might have taken refuge.

It was at this critical moment that history took its first turn: one of the search drills reached the chamber. When pulled back to the surface, it carried a small message, written in red ink and taped on:

“Estamos bien en el refugio, los 33” (“We are well in the shelter, the 33”)

The phrase spread worldwide. It was the sign that all were alive. At the same time, however, it meant the true challenge was only beginning: how to rescue 33 people trapped at such depth?

The Chilean government, with support from international experts, outlined three parallel strategies to try to reach the miners safely. Plans A, B, and C were born:

Plan A: used the mine’s existing infrastructure to attempt an escape tunnel, but it was slow and unstable.
Plan B: relied on an angled drill rig, which was faster but carried a high structural risk.
Plan C: the boldest and most direct. It involved drilling vertically from the surface to the miners’ shelter, using oilfield equipment operated by the Canadian company Precision Drilling Corporation

The equipment used, known as Rig 421, had been developed for deep oil exploration. Its use in a human rescue mission was unprecedented. The rig’s robustness and stability, however, proved decisive for the operation’s success.

After weeks of delicate technical work, with support from NASA, the Chilean Navy, and engineers from various countries, Plan C’s vertical shaft reached the refuge chamber on October 9. From that point, it became possible to install the specially designed Fénix 2 capsule, built to travel safely up and down the shaft, lifting each miner to the surface.

The rescue began on October 12 and continued overnight into the following day. One by one, the 33 workers were brought up. Some smiled, others wept, but all returned to the surface alive after 69 days underground.

The world witnessed an achievement that combined technology, strategy, and international cooperation.

The Legacy of Plan C

The success of Plan C demonstrated something fundamental: in high-risk operations, having alternatives is essential. The decision to use an oil drilling rig, even though unconventional, was the technical factor that saved lives. The precision of Rig 421, combined with joint planning, made possible what many had considered improbable.

Engineers, technicians, miners, managers, members of the armed forces, and scientists from various countries stood united under one mission: to save lives.

The rescue of the Chilean miners was a powerful demonstration of what can be accomplished when knowledge, courage, and cooperation work hand in hand.

Above all, this story is an example of how technology, when applied with boldness and responsibility, can surpass its own limits. Our admiration goes to all those involved.

References

DMT Group. The Rescue of the 33 Chilean Miners: A Story of Courage and Triumph. Available at: https://www.dmt-group.com.br/en/blog/mining/details/article/the-rescue-of-the-33-chilean-miners-a-story-of-courage-and-triumph. Accessed August 2025.
Wikipedia. 2010 Copiapó mining accident. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Copiap%C3%B3_mining_accident. Accessed August 2025.
Wikipedia. Fénix capsules. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9nix_capsules. Accessed August 2025.
NPR. The Incredible Story Of Chilean Miners Rescued From The ‘Deep Down Dark’. Available at: https://www.npr.org/2014/10/29/359839104/the-incredible-story-of-chilean-miners-rescued-from-the-deep-down-dark. Accessed August 2025.
Smithsonian Magazine. The Capsule That Saved the Chilean Miners. Available at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/the-capsule-that-saved-the-chilean-miners-5620851. Accessed August 2025.
Wikipedia. The 33 (film). Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_33. Accessed August 2025.
HBS Alumni Bulletin. Crisis Management: Chilean Mine Rescue Case Summary. Available at: https://www.alumni.hbs.edu/Documents/events/HBS-ALUMNI-Crisis-Mgmt_5_Chilean-Mining-Rescue-and-Summary.pdf. Accessed August 2025.

The use of wooden boxes for transporting and storing diamond core samples created a number of difficulties, which were common to many companies in the mining industry. Core Case developed new products for this task, which offered a new alternative to the market, that solves these issues and brings other benefits. Core Case’s boxes and accessories are produced in 100% recycled and recyclable plastic (Polypropylene – PP). They have an ergonomic design. They are tough, light and easy to carry. In fact, they are more durable than boxes made of wood or other materials.

16 Reasons to use Core Case

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1st Core Case Workshop – Strengthening the present and shaping the future

Day 1 of the Workshop – Planning

We experienced an unforgettable moment in Core Case’s journey. We held our very first workshop, born from the need to bring together, for the first time, all of our team members from different corners of the map. Strategy, market expansion, product improvements, and quality reinforcement were at the heart of our discussions.

We also had a special mentoring session with Magda de Paula, who led activities focused on team integration, active listening, and collaboration. It was a decisive moment of team strengthening.

More than just a moment of alignment, this was a celebration of our 15-year history, marked by growth, innovation, and human connection.

Day 2 — Amyr Klink – Exploring new horizons: leadership, resilience, and challenges.

On the second day, we were deeply inspired by a talk from renowned sailor and entrepreneur Amyr Klink. Famous for crossing the South Atlantic alone in a rowboat and for his expeditions to Antarctica, Amyr has built a legacy driven by meticulous planning, courage, and discipline. His stories reminded us of the importance of dreaming big, planning with precision, and acting with determination. His insights on risk, decision-making, and teamwork offered valuable lessons for our daily operations.

It was an honour to share this moment with our team members, clients, stakeholders, friends, and supporters of our journey.

The evening continued with moments of fun, celebration, entertainment, and plenty of rock, celebrating our achievements and recharging our energy for the challenges ahead.

We concluded our journey with our participation in Brasmin on the third day, one of the most important mining events in Brazil. Being present once again in this space of innovation and exchange with the industry’s leading names reinforces our commitment to sustainable development, technological advancement, and excellence in the solutions we deliver.

We live upon the rocks, and it is on them that we build our future.

We live on the rocks.

For three days, this phrase gained substance, presence, and meaning.

We brought together people from many places, some who’ve been with us since the beginning, others who joined along the way, but all of them carry the essence of who we are. With us were team members, clients, families, partners, and friends, everyone who, in some way, helped us get to where we are today.

On stage, a sailor who crossed the ocean alone. In front of him, a room full of people who, day by day, are building their crossing together. Amyr’s words reminded us that with courage, planning, and dedication, it’s possible to face even the most uncertain seas. But he also made us realize the immense value of sharing the journey with those who matter. Because achieving something is good, but achieving it together is even better.

Celebrating Core Case’s 15th anniversary over these days was a gesture of alignment with everything we believe in. Mining has taught us to respect time, terrain, and the invisible work, and our workshop reminded us that the same care applies to human relationships.

We move forward upon the rocks, not because they are static, but because they give us the strength to keep going.

+ Watch the full Workshop video:

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[Core Case Lab] Helicopter lifting core boxes for mining.

Test: Thunder Bay – Canada

In remote and hard-to-reach areas, helicopter transport of drill core samples is a constant necessity in mining operations. With this in mind, we conducted a real-flight test with our core boxes, directly comparing their performance with traditional wooden core boxes, which are still widely used in field operations.

The result was clear: Core Case boxes offered perfect stacking, greater stability during air transport, and significantly lower weight. This translated into more boxes per flight, faster load preparation, and increased safety for everyone involved. Geologists, operators, and pilots noticed the practical difference within the first minutes of operation.

During the test, wooden boxes were loaded with the amount recommended by the pilots themselves, following all technical and operational guidelines. Under these conditions, the helicopter was able to lift an average of 56 wooden boxes per flight. With Core Case boxes, we safely lifted 84 units, maintaining the same weight limit and a stable configuration.

This significant difference proves the advantage of our product. The lightweight design and engineering of Core Case boxes significantly increase payload capacity without compromising safety or aerial efficiency.

Less weight per unit means greater productivity.
Fewer flights.
Lower logistical cost per metre of core transported.

Another critical point emerged during simulations in extreme weather conditions. In low-temperature environments, ice formation between wooden boxes increases the risk of sliding and dropped loads. To compensate for this, they must be transported using nets or metal cages, further reducing the helicopter’s usable capacity. Core Case boxes, on the other hand, retain their structural integrity under these conditions and require no additional accessories.

Core Case delivers solutions to meet the mining needs in the field.

Learn more about the test on our YouTube channel:

— Operations: Wisk Air Helicopters
— Film Maker: Palmer Creative Group
— Project Briefing ER Branding

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Lighter load – less effort – same results.

The field demands operational intelligence.

Working with drilling means facing adverse conditions every day. That’s why sample transportation must be safe, practical, and adapted to real field conditions.

Core Case boxes are 50% lighter than wooden ones and feature ergonomic handles on both the front and back, allowing a single person to carry them safely, even on challenging terrain.

Unlike wooden boxes, our cases pose no risk of exposed nails, splinters, or structural degradation over time. Wood can rot, crack, attract insects, and become a health and safety hazard for the team. Core Case boxes, on the other hand, are strong, durable, and made from high-quality recycled material.

50% lighter than wood.
Safe transport by just one person.
No nails, no splinters, no risks.
Made from recycled material.

While other models require two people or excessive effort, our boxes are designed to make handling easier and reduce physical strain on workers — the result is increased autonomy in the field and greater operational efficiency.

Ergonomics also makes a difference.

And more: by choosing Core Case, your company helps reduce environmental impact by avoiding the use of wood. It’s efficiency without compromising your team’s safety or your commitment to the planet.

Want to see how our solutions adapt to your project? Discover the storage capacities of our Generation II boxes and transform your field routine.

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Aligned core boxes – secure core samples.

In mining, where every detail matters to ensure samples’ safety, efficiency, and integrity, core box stacking is a strategic issue.

When core boxes do not align properly, as is common with many market alternatives, the result is a disorganized, unstable, and risky storage setup.

This type of stacking can compromise safety in the core shack, hinder movement, and occupy far more space than necessary. Moreover, the uneven pressure on the bottom cases drastically reduces their lifespan, directly impacting the preservation of stored drill core samples.

Core Case boxes are engineered to eliminate all of these problems.

With perfect alignment, they interlock precisely to form a stable and secure structure. This stability enables large-volume storage with improved ergonomics and safety, optimizing physical space and reducing operational risks.

The lightweight materials, combined with the durability of the components, make handling easier without compromising strength.

The difference is striking when you look at a neatly organized stockpile of Core Case boxes. The alignment reflects professionalism, control, and care for the stored material. But the benefit goes far beyond appearance. Every detail of the design is built to protect core samples over time, avoiding deformation, minimizing wear, and preserving the integrity of geological data.

Choosing Core Case is an investment in the longevity of your projects.

No one takes care of your cores like Core Case.

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Chip Case MINI: evolution born from listening

Chip Case vs Chip Case mini

In 2020, Core Case introduced the Chip Case, a box with 60 compartments specially designed for RC (Reverse Circulation) drill core samples. The goal was to bring more organization, durability, and ergonomics to the daily routine of mining operations. And we did it.

The reception was outstanding, and many mining companies adopted the Chip Case. However, one key lesson from that experience is that listening to our clients is the most effective way to evolve.

Over time, we noticed a recurring pattern: many companies weren’t using all the available compartments. For shorter drill holes or projects that required fewer sampling stages, what was meant to be an advantage turned into wasted space, materials, and even logistics.

That’s when the idea for the Chip Case MINI was born.

Mini in the name.
Huge in performance.

The Chip Case MINI comes with 10 compartments, offering the same level of strength, protection, and durability as the standard version. That means:

✔️ Less weight to carry;
✔️ Lower transport costs;
✔️ Better space optimization in Core Shacks and field sites;
✔️ Faster sample handling and organization.

On top of that, it features our Connecting System, which allows you to quickly and securely attach one box to another. So, if the drill hole is longer, connect it, and you have 20, 30, or however many compartments you need.

Like all our products, the Chip Case MINI is made from 100% recycled plastic, designed to reduce environmental impact and built to last.

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Mining Trends for 2024: Get to know the key points that will shape this industry in the coming year

Mining Trends for 2024

As we begin the year, it is essential to highlight the major trends that will define the mining industry in 2024. Explore the insights below.

1 – Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility:

Adopting more environmentally friendly practices entails reducing carbon emissions, effectively managing waste, and incorporating recycling technologies.

2 – Intelligent and Digital Mining:

Digitalization enhances efficiency and safety in mining by integrating sensors, data analytics, and communication to monitor operations in real-time. This optimization of resources leads to improved worker safety while streamlining processes.

3 – Automation and Robotics:

Autonomous vehicles, automated drilling equipment, and driverless transportation systems are increasingly commonplace, reducing human risks and enhancing productivity within the mining industry.

4 – Advanced Mineral Exploration:

Cutting-edge technologies like aerial geophysical surveying, high-resolution mapping, and geological data analysis are revolutionizing the search for mineral deposits.

5 – Space Mining:

Space mining, despite being in its early stages, holds the promise of an infinite supply of valuable resources from outer space.

6 – Regulatory Pressures and Social Responsibility:

The emphasis on human rights, ethical labor, and transparent practices leads to increased regulations and social responsibility, granting companies like ours a competitive advantage in the market.

7 – Strategic Metals Market:

The increasing demand for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth metals is propelled by electrification and green technologies, playing a crucial role in global supply chains.

8 – Challenges of Water Scarcity:

Efficient water management and recycling are crucial in tackling the challenge of water scarcity, especially in regions with significant mining operations.

9 – Integration of Renewable Energies:

The mining industry is embracing renewable energies such as solar and wind, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions and operational costs simultaneously.

10 – New Business Models:

Collaborative partnerships are emerging among companies, governments, and local communities, aiming to strike a balance between economic development, social responsibility, and environmental preservation.

Presently, the Mining Industry is undergoing continuous transformation marked by innovation and an escalating emphasis on social and environmental responsibility.

Core Case stands out among the leading companies, championing innovation and a staunch commitment to environmental preservation.

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Core Case Spotlight: A Journey of Global Recognition in the Industry

Core Case has recently been showcased in the newest edition of one of the world’s most esteemed reports, curated by Global Business Reports (GBR).

This acknowledgment surpasses mere acknowledgment; it solidifies Core Case’s unwavering dedication to spearhead and innovate within its industry.

Revealing the Global Recognition Process

GBR’s industry reports are renowned for their precision and capability to furnish timely, firsthand insights to global business decision-makers.

For Core Case, this feature not only underscores operational excellence but also illuminates the company’s strategic foresight in an ever-evolving business environment.

The Indispensable Significance of Sector Reports

Sector reports hold immense importance in the evolution of companies, offering vital insights to understand market expansion, streamline supply chains, guide investments, and discern global trends. Within this context, Core Case recognizes the significance of these invaluable resources and expresses gratitude for GBR’s dedicated efforts.

GBR stands out by offering in-depth research and updated information spanning a variety of industries, such as Mining, Oil & Gas, among others. This commitment to comprehensiveness and accuracy reflects not only GBR’s scope but also the diversity and complexity of modern industries.

The Importance of Good Projects and Investments in the Mineral Sector

In a recent publication, Daniel Bortowski, Director of Core Case, emphasizes the significance of geological analysis and engineering in the creation of successful projects within the mineral sector.

"Players mainly focused on raising capital in the stock markets, without seriously addressing geological analysis or engineering of potential deposits, resulting in quickly selling off poor projects. This situation hindered a real opening of the industry."

Additionally, Daniel underscored the necessity for government incentives to entice investments and foster the establishment of new mines. In this context, advocating for the advancement and implementation of innovative technologies is crucial, wherein automation emerges as a technology offering a myriad of operational benefits.

Thanks and Future Commitments

Core Case extends sincere appreciation to GBR for its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional insights.

Being featured in esteemed publications fuels our ongoing mission to pioneer and influence the future of our industry. We eagerly anticipate making further strides in contributing to the Mineral Sector.

Read full magazine

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Trends and Technologies in Drilling Management

The search for innovations to enhance geoscience data acquisition and management is a reality in mining companies. Therefore, we have selected five trends and technologies in drilling technology.

Among these trends, the following are highlighted:

automation and robotics
data optimization and analysis
implementation of artificial intelligence
adoption of technologies and good practices aimed at ESG preservation
digital transformation technologies aimed at obtaining data directly from the drilling source with production logs

Drilling is an Essential Process

Currently, drilling is an essential process for the geological understanding of a mine or mineral exploration project. Mining companies invest substantial resources in drilling programs every year. Thus, core samples comprise one of the few certainty resources on subsurface geology.

Geologists are able to describe, analyze and extract chemical, physical and lithological features from there and can have an estimate on mineral resources and several other geologies, mine and mining site routines. Therefore, any deviations taking place during the drilling stage can have an impact on various process throughout the mining chain.

In summary, the importance of drilling is such that new management trends and technologies are emerging more and more. Here are some of them.

Automation, Robotics, Scanners and Sensors

The use of automated machines, sensors and scanners that record high quality images is a growing trend in warehouses.

This equipment enables geology teams to extract more information from samples. They promote efficiency gains, decrease manual inputs, organization and data standardization.

This hardware can be equipped with a number of sensors. In addition to traditional RGB, spectral, hyper-spectral and laser band sensors to scan 3D core samples.

Solutions include from image recording and processing to software with artificial intelligence based on computational vision. This brings several insights that would otherwise be difficult for geologists’ eyes (and magnifiers).

Moreover, the use of automated robots in combination with rolling system workbenches enable case handling in warehouses.

Efficiency is key. This includes the adoption of practices and technologies to enable digital and direct recording of drilling information. For instance, core sample cases can be identified with QR CODES and RFID in addition to header physical engravings. This enables machines and software to later identify cases without the need of operator inputs.

Artificial Intelligence

Another major trend is the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to acquire drilling core samples. The use of machine learning is already a reality. It brings numerous use opportunities within the mining value chain, especially for geology teams.

From sample images it is possible to train computational vision models to partition and classify several parameters. For instance, identification of flaws, cracks, texture and lithological classification.

However, computational vision can be used in many other geological or geotechnical classifications. It is possible to optimize several processes such as extracting the size of core samples in the case to check for development and recovery.

These algorithms use background data and descriptions and can be retrofitted from new geologist inputs. However, in order for artificial intelligence models to be effective, it is essential to acquire images in a uniform and high quality manner.

A common scenario in several projects is the progression of geologic interpretation. Over time there are changes to the terms used, acronyms and description format. Moreover, new important geologic markers can be discovered and become the basis to outline mineralized bodies in current interpretation.

Geologists often need to endeavor to gather legacy and new descriptions in building and updating geologic models. This process frequently needs trips to the warehouse, looking for old drilling cases to reinterpret or reassess.

Artificial intelligence models can help in this scenario. Old core sample images can be used in AI models to extract geological indicators that weren’t noted in the past.

However, every technology has its limit. Old pictures may not have the required quality for good algorithm response. A spectral sensor would be needed to obtain the required data.

This trend is not about replacing geologists by algorithms, but to expand their capabilities and possibilities. By exploring AI resources, they can achieve more assertive results and optimize them.

Sustainability, Governance and ESG

The mining industry is ever more committed to conservation, employee safety and ESG matters. This includes the implementation of practices to assess the environmental impact of value chain activities and to measure their implications.

Mining companies have adopted the use of ESG Analytics solutions to identify opportunities for improvement in drilling operational chains. And by complying with such guidelines, they propose actions to reduce waste, environmental and social impacts.

An innovation example in this regard is the adoption of Core Case sample packages. This product has revolutionized the industry by replacing old wood cases by recycled plastic cases. This replacement reduces wood use as a drilling input and contributes to plastic decrease and removal from nature.

Moreover, the recycled plastic cases manufactured by Core Case are more resistant and durable than wooden cases. This eliminates future waste by replacing cases, which have systems to ensure better worker safety and comfort. Such as stacking, pallet and handling protections.

Infrastructure

A common occurrence in mining companies is the lack of sufficient warehouse space to store drill core. This makes them use warehouse external space which is constantly surrounded by case and pallet piles. This causes deterioration of identification and loss of core sample information.

Thus, a significant effort is being made by handling and transport personnel to manage storage rooms and absorb case streams. Frequent handling to reorganize storage rooms can result in the loss of core samples and valuable geologic information.

The trend in large mining companies is the creation of large central storage warehouses. Large enough to accommodate and store several projects or mines. These structures include solutions and technologies to facilitate and optimize core sample use and handling. Work benches with rolling systems, pallet holders, robotization and automatic, etc.

In this context, the implementation of tools to manage warehouse inventories and document case transfers and handling is essential.

Digital transformation, integrated systems and real-time data management

Drilling is a key method to acquire geologic information required for the exploitation, planning and operation of any mining enterprise.

However, it is characterized by its high costs and a complex activity chain. It includes sample extraction and case identification, transport, warehouse handling, description, sawing, sampling activities, analyses and storage.

In most companies, these activities are performed by several teams, both internal and external. Many of these processes are managed by sorted tools, whether physical or digital. However, this approach fragments and hinders integrated management of drilling operations.

In this sense, there are growing investments in integrated management systems that enable full process visibility throughout the chain.

The implementation of 4.0 industry technologies, IoT devices, Business Intelligence, analytics and management and control solutions is a reality.

Real-time data analysis tools enable timely problem identification for decision-making and correction purposes.

Core Case Tech’s CORE MANAGER allows users to track core sample cases from the moment they are stored to their final storage location. It optimizes inventory management, handling and drilling warehouse activities by using QR CODE and RFID technologies embedded in the cases.

Digital data collection and integrated management aim at increasing the efficiency of drilling operations. They reduce losses, waste, deviations and data errors from drilling by digitizing the controls.

A New Drilling Era

The drilling status quo is changing. It can be concluded that these five trends and technologies in drilling management show that the process can be understood differently. Large mining companies are aware of the trends that promise to revolutionize management, eliminating old, rudimentary practices.

Author: Marcéu Barreto

Review: Rochelle Kazap

Layout: Débora Souza

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