Max Peddlesden, Chief Operating Officer at GeologicAI, leads the design and operational implementation of core scanning programs globally. In this article, he shares some best practices in implementing complex operations in challenging locations, informed by his 25 years of experience working with global supply chains.
During my time with GeologicAI, I have seen core scanning evolve from a niche technology into a foundational part of modern exploration and drilling. Using high-resolution imagery, hyperspectral data, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), LiDAR, and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) now gives teams the ability to extract far more consistent and scalable insight from core than ever before.
Despite the maturity of core scanning technology, the value of acquired data and the intelligence it provides is not dependent on the scanner or the technology. More often, project success is determined by the program design—ensuring it is properly defined, operationally prepared, and aligned to business outcomes before scanning begins.
The principles below, far more than just the scanner, are what I have determined contribute to greater success for a scanning program.
1. Set clear objectives and be intentional
Start by determining what you are trying to achieve. What does success look like?
Making conscious choices about which holes to scan, which data to collect, and the decisions that data is meant to inform results in better outcomes rather than treating scanning like a blanket activity.
Each project has different objectives. Refining geological models and furthering geochemistry insights require different scanning strategies. By setting objectives early in the program design process and aligning with your core scanning partner, the core scanning program can be configured to increase the value of the data you collect.
2. Focus on how sensors complement each other
Focus on how sensors complement one another rather than each in isolation.
High-resolution imagery supports structural and textural interpretation. Hyperspectral data adds mineralogical context. XRF and LIBS provide different but complementary geochemical perspectives. LiDAR captures geometry and surface profile.
Alone, these are important data markers. Together, they provide a combined insight and data intelligence to make informed decisions.
3. Core preparation: where data quality is won or lost
Core preparation drives data quality more than any other variable in core scanning programs. Treat it like a critical part of the core scanning workflow, not a secondary task.
Clean, dry, well-puzzled core with stable surfaces and clear, readable depth markers consistently produces better results across all core scanning sensors. No amount of calibration or post-processing can recover data quality lost through poor core preparation.
4. Pre-qualify box types and core handling configurations before mobilization
Not all core box and handling configurations work the same with every scanner.
Although modern core scanners and their software can accommodate all box types, not all box types produce the best results. Discovering that the choice of box type does not produce optimal results on-site contributes to delays and costly rescans.
By pre-qualifying the box type and handling configurations before mobilization, you have the opportunity to protect data integrity before the scanning program even begins.
5. Treat core scanning as part of the operational workflow
Core scanning at scale is not an operational tool, but rather part of your operational workflow.
Facilities, logistics, staffing, throughput planning, QA/QC, and change control are all just as important as the technology. When it is treated as an integral part of site operations rather than a standalone service, reliability improves, downtime decreases, and data consistency increases.
6. Establish your data pipeline
Value from core scanning data only emerges when it is clearly defined, delivered in usable formats, and integrated into existing workflows.
By establishing where and how you will be using your data early, your core scanning partner can work with you to deliver their data products in the format you need them at the intervals that meet your expectations and operational requirements.
Clarity here avoids rework, reprocessing, and missed opportunities later in the project lifecycle.
Final thoughts
Core scanning delivers its greatest value when it is intentional, operationally ready, and aligned with outcomes.
Companies that invest time upfront—defining objectives, selecting the right holes, thinking critically about sensor mix, validating box types, and preparing operations—are the ones who consistently see better data, smoother execution, and stronger downstream impact.
The technology is powerful. The real differentiator is how well it’s set up to succeed.
For more information: Visit geologicai.com or get in touch with Max on LinkedIn