How to submit core and drill cuttings to the OGSR Library

If you have core or cuttings from a licensed Ontario well, this page is the current starting point for sample collection, supply pickup, delivery, and follow-up.

What this page is for

The OGSR Library receives and manages drill cuttings and core submitted from oil, gas, salt, storage, and related well activity in Ontario. This page explains where to get sampling supplies, what to send, where to deliver materials, and how to prepare for staff review.

Where to get sampling supplies

Chip samples: Sample bags are provided at no charge from the OGSR Library to cover the licensed interval. Vials are available for a charge if you will be vialing your own sample. To arrange pickup of bags, vials, or to confirm what your project requires, contact the OGSR Library before delivery or collection.

Rock Core: Core boxes that are compliant with OGSR Library's specifications are available from the library. Arrange purchase of core boxes before drilling.

What to send

• Cuttings: Bagged drill cuttings or properly prepared vials for the required sampled interval.
• Cores: Boxed or boxed and slabbed to specifications, with correct labelling.
• The sample processing fee as listed in the fee schedule. Cheques made out to Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Trust.
• The interval top depth in metres.
• The interval bottom depth in metres.
• The well operator as listed on the licence document.

Where to deliver sample bags, vials, and cores

Deliver sample material directly to the library unless staff have given you another instruction. If you are uncertain about timing, packaging, or what should accompany the submission, contact the library before dispatch.

All deliveries should be made to the large yellow garage door at the south side of the building. Alert staff when you arrive by phone or front door bell.

For core deliveries: We do not have a loading dock or forklift. Please make delivery by truck with power tailgate only and do not overload palets.

Fees and related specifications

Sample processing fees, core handling charges, and the current core slabbing specification are listed on the fees page. Review those details before arranging delivery, especially for full diameter core and custom preparation.

Finding records of sampled wells

Once the well has been recorded, related public information can typically be tracked through Wellcards, mapping tools, and linked reports after the applicable confidentiality period has ended.

Viewing well samples and cores

After the standard confidentiality period, samples are available for viewing at the OGSR Library. Development well samples are generally available after 31 days, while exploratory well samples are generally available after one year.

Anyone may visit the library to view available samples during operating hours, subject to current library procedures and staff direction.

Sampling of cores in generally allowed with permission and direction from OGSR Library staff. All sampling work must be conducted by OGSR Library staff at the warehouse rate. As a condition of sampling, results of testing must be submitted to the OGSR Library for addition in the public well file, after an agreed upon confidentiality period.

Sampling is not allowed if the process of sampling would destroy a vertical interval of core. Cores are submitted and managed to ensure compliance with provincial rules, they may not be removed from the facility.