AU2017213568B1 - Identifiable Ore Sample Tray and Tracing Method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the secure labelling of ore sample trays such as core or chip trays to identify the ore sample held therein and provides for the incorporation of an electronically readable tag into the structure of the tray. The tag may be built into the structure during manufacture or be retrofitted into a cavity suitably formed in the structure and then sealed against tampering.

Description

Field of invention [01] The present invention relates to core trays and chip trays into which drilling samples are received for preservation during conveyance and storage and to a means for identifying the tray and, thereby, the sample held therein.

Background to the invention [02] A core drill is a geological exploration too! that has an annular drill bit, used for extracting intact from a sample site an elongate sample representative of the strata through which the drill has passed. It is important to maintain the sample intact for analysis. Importantly, it is as important to archive the sample in a storage facility with accurate identification for later retrieval, should further scrutiny and analysis be demanded. Core samples and other mineral samples have considerable economic value, not least because of the expense in obtaining them and in replacing them, should any be lost, or lose its identification means. The loss can run into thousands of dollars. All too often, the tags attached to samples or to the trays they are carried in are separated from the samples, leading to significant economic loss.

[03] Core-holding trays have been developed with a series of parallel horizontally-disposed channels sized for receiving core lengths and maintaining their separation and structural integrity during transportation off-site and during periods of subsequent storage pending analysis. Because of the weights and sizes of core samples, the trays are rigidly constructed. As numerous samples tend to be collected at each drilling location, the trays need to be uniquely labelled and traceable according to their contents. A chip tray is an open topped box in tray form, for receiving drill core samples, but instead of having a number of elongate parallel channels as does a core tray, it has a multiplicity of open-topped compartments into which samples are placed.

[04] A drawback of currently available core trays and chip trays relates to their identification and traceability. Until tray manufacturers began making use of plastics materials, trays were generally a throw-away item because they were made of limited lifetime materials, such as timber and galvanised metal sheeting, or of lightweight substances like water-resistant cardboard and twin wall polypropylene sheeting, intended chiefly for conversion into signage, packaging, display, surface protection and a multitude of other Industrial applications, known as 'CORFLUTE'.

[05] The use of high density plastics for tray construction vastly improved their structural make-up and durability and increased their suitability for secure transportation of samples. This led to core and chip trays having extensive operational lifecycles, to the extent that they became the vehicle for post-analytical archival storage in core sample libraries around the globe. However, a drawback that remained was in labelling and moreover the tendency for trays and their labels to be separated in the robust worlds of the mining and transportation industries. For example, external tagging by attaching paper, plastics or metal labels has drawbacks in the sense that the tags can become separated from the tray, accidentally - such as by forces of nature, for example high winds, heavy rains, stormwater - or deliberately - such as by vandals, mischief makers and industrial saboteurs - or as a result of being attacked by pests including birds and rodents. Written inscriptions can become illegible through exposure to adverse conditions such as weather, including harsh UV radiation from the sun, or dampness in a storage archive leading to development of mould and other conditions that obscure or destroy written characters. Samples may be retained in archives for years during a down-cycle in a commodity price, but be retrieved for analysis or re-analysis when signs of a new up-cycle emerge. Sometimes, the labelling is so poorly preserved, if not missing entirely, that the only solution is to redrill an exploration site for replacement samples, at considerable cost.

[06] Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a known technology that allows an entity to place unique microchip-containing tags on or in items to have them located or monitored. A software application ('app') being run on a mobile or static device having RFID scanning capability may then be used for reading and presenting details of the object associated with a particular microchip, in context to the particular app. Typically, a tag comprises a microchip (or "1C chip") connected to a coiled antenna. By applying a specific predesignated electromagnetic frequency such as in the radio frequency (RF) range to the antenna, a current is induced for activating and then driving the chip. The chip is programmed to broadcast identifying data in a signal that is then picked up by a reader in its transmission range. The chip may receive and store data sent from the reader/writer and send information stored in the chip memory wirelessly.

[07] Australian patent 2013101332 discloses an electronic quality control and quality assurance system for the handling of samples from primary industries including agriculture and mining, wherein bags that are used for holding samples for analysis are electronically tagged with RFID devices that are placed within the bags or sewn into the fabric of the bags and programmed to identify the contents.

[08] No solution is proposed for the identification or tracing of samples held in open trays of substantially rigid structure designed for stacking on top of each other. The trays are an order of magnitude larger than the bags in longitudinal and lateral dimensions.

Objects of the invention [09] It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide a core tray or chip tray having identifying means for rendering it traceable and its contents to be identifiable.

[010] In this specification, the term 'core tray', when used below, is to be interpreted to include other open-topped ore sample holders having a substantially rigid structure of plastic or other suitable material, for example the chip tray or chip box. The ore sample may be a drill core or a fragment of a core or rock.

[011] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the present application.

[012] Further, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense - of "including, but not being limited to" - as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense whereby they may mean "including this and nothing else".

Summary of invention [013] According to the invention, in a first aspect, a core-drill sample-identifying tool comprises a machine-readable tag incorporated within a core tray structure, the tag comprising a microchip and an operatively connected antenna, the microchip being configured for storing data relating to a sample in the tray.

[014] In a preferred form of the invention, the structure is adapted to receive the tag within a sealable cavity.

[015] Further preferably, the core drill sample-identifying tool comprises sealing means for the cavity to be sealed against tampering after receiving the tag. The sealing means may be an applied coating, for example an epoxy resin that bonds with the plastics from which the structure is made.

[016] In a further preferred form of the invention, the core tray structure is adapted for receiving the tag at a predesignated portion of the structure common to a multiplicity of like, or at least similar, trays.

[017] In a still further preferred form of the invention, the tag is inaccessible when the tray is stacked on a tray of like design.

[018] Preferably, the tag is retained within a portion of the structure peripheral to a receptacle where the samples are retained. Further preferably, the peripheral portion comprises a nodular formation extending from the structure at or adjacent a corner thereof.

[019] In a further preferred form of the invention, the microchip is configured for activation responsive to incident radiation, and programmed to cause transmission, on activation, of a signal comprising at least a portion of the data. Preferably, the data comprises one or more of the following: sample composition, depth at which obtained, location where obtained, weight of sample when obtained, date and time obtained, last recorded location of the tray, last recorded weight of the tray with sample. Other relevant data may be added.

[020] Still further, in a preferred embodiment, the microchip comprises a writable portion for storing initially loaded data and additional data. Initially loaded data is data that may be programmed into the microchip before it receives an ore sample. It may also refer to the data stored on the chip after the sample has been placed in the tray and optionally weighed, but before the sample has undergone analysis, at which stage additional data may or should have been generated concerning its characteristics., such as composition. The initially loaded data may therefore identify the sample but not the tray in which it is placed.

[021] In a further embodiment, at least a portion of the microchip is rewritable for updating or replacing previously stored data. The replacement data may include the weight of the sample remaining after processing, or the weight sent to archival storage.

[022] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an ore sampleholding tray having a machine-readable identification tag secured within its structure, the tag comprising a remotely readable microchip, on which is stored data uniquely identifying an ore sample in the tray.

[023] In an embodiment, the microchip is adapted to identify the tray with reference to the sample.

[024] In a preferred form of the invention, the tag is secured by sealing within a cavity in the structure.

[025] Preferably, the tray comprises a settable sealing substance holding the tag within the structure.

[026] In a preferred embodiment, the tag is secured within the structure during manufacture of the tray.

[027] In a preferred form of the invention, the tag is located within a predesignated portion of the structure.

[028] Preferably, the predesignated portion is accessible from beneath the tray.

[029] Further preferably, the predesignated portion is located at a corner of the tray.

[030] Even more preferably, the predesignated portion comprises a protrusion from a surface of the structure.

[031] In an embodiment, the protrusion is in an upward direction.

[032] In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion provides support to a tray of like design in a stack of such like trays.

[033] In a further preferred form of the invention, the microchip is adapted to identify the tray with reference to the sample only.

[034] Preferably, the microchip is responsive to a remotely transmitted scanning signal. Preferably the scanning signal is electromagnetic.

[035] In a preferred form of the invention according to this aspect, the microchip is electronically activatable by the scanning signal to emit identification data relating to the sample.

[036] In a still further preferred form of the invention, the tag is tamper resistant. Preferably, the tag is tamper resistant to the extent that physical force is required to disrupt the tray structure for the tag to be accessed and removed.

[037] In an alternative embodiment, the tray portion within which the tag is secured has a transparent window through which the tag is visible. Preferably, the tag comprises visual display means oriented toward the window.

[038] The visual display means may provide data identifying the tray or the sample within.

[039] Preferably, the visual display means is activated by a scanning signal. The display means may comprise a light emitting diode (LED), or a liquid crystal display (LCD) or similar.

[040] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of identifying an ore sample in a core tray, comprising the steps of providing a core tray having within its structure a machine-readable identification tag comprising an electronically readable microchip, placing a sample in the tray, storing on the microchip data that uniquely identifies the sample in the tray, and causing the microchip to cause transmission of at least a portion of said data, sufficient to identify the sample, to a data-receiving device.

[041] In a preferred form of the method, the tag is incorporated by sealing it within a cavity in the structure. Preferably, the cavity is within a predesignated portion of the structure. In a preferred embodiment, the predesignated portion is located at a corner of the tray. The portion may comprise a protruding feature. The feature may have further functionality.

[042] Preferably, the further functionality comprises providing a support for stacking of trays of like design above the tray in question.

[043] In a further preferred form of the invention, the method includes sealing the tag against removal from the structure. A suitable sealant is for example a curable polyepoxide compound.

[044] Further preferably, the method includes sealing the tag at a predesignated portion that is inaccessible once the tray is stacked upon a tray of like design.

[045] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes directing remotely a scanning signal to be received by the microchip and causing the microchip to be activated.

[046] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided method of tracing a sample in an ore sample-holding tray, the method comprising the steps of providing an ore sample tray having a structure within which is incorporated an identification tag comprising an electronically readable microchip, placing an ore sample for later tracing in the tray, storing on the microchip data uniquely identifying the sample and causing the microchip to cause transmission of at least a portion of said data to a data-receiving device, together with data enabling location of the tray.

[047] In a preferred form of the invention, the method includes the step of weighing the sample and storing weight related data on the microchip.

[048] In an embodiment, the location data includes information about the storage location of the sample in a storage facility for ore samples.

[049] In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing an ore sample-holding tray for archiving, the method comprising the steps of providing an ore sample tray having a structure within which is incorporated a sample-identification tag comprising an electronically readable microchip, placing an ore sample for archiving in the tray, storing on the microchip data uniquely identifying the sample and programming the microchip to cause transmission of at least a sample-identifying portion of said data on demand from an authorized interrogating device.

[050] In a preferred form of the invention, the method includes the step of programming the microchip to store data pertaining to its location.

[051] In a further preferred form of the invention, the method includes programming the microchip to update the data pertaining its location from time to time.

[052] Preferably, the method further comprises including in the location data information about the storage location of the sample in an ore sample storage facility.

[053] Further preferably, the tag is incorporated by sealing it within a cavity in the structure.

Brief description of drawings [054] In order that the invention may be readily understood, and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus:

Figure 1 shows in upper perspective view a preferred embodiment of a core tray according to this invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the channel profile of the tray of Figure 1 taken on line A-A' in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view of the underside of the tray of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a stack of microchipped core trays of Figure 1 being scanned by a portable tag reader.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention [055] The invention will now be described within the context of a core tray for holding a drill core sample. However, the invention has application also in the context of a chip tray wherein core fragments or other relatively smaller geological samples than drill cores are held, transported and stored.

[056] The tag of the sample-identifying means of this invention is uniquely configured to provide data for identifying the sample retained in the tray.

[057] Depending on the data storage capacity of the tag, the data may include date and time, location co-ordinates, depth of drill hole, driller information, rig information, geological information, sample weight and the like. The data may be determined by the supervising geologist at the sample retrieval site and may be added to later, for example at the analysis stage, or at the place of archiving.

[058] Preferably, the microchip is therefore capable of being updated by the adding of subsequently acquired data.

[059] The microchip is accommodated in a microchip-receiving feature that forms part of the tray structure, in a location where there is room for receiving it without undue risk of external interference such as impacts from extraneous objects, including other trays, interest from rodents and other pests and tampering. The location of the tag is preferably uniform across a range of trays and identical for trays designed to be stackable. If the locations are not uniform, then, because of the size of the typical tray, short range RFID tags may escape notice by the reader/scanner. This issue does not arise in the case of sample bags, because of their relatively smaller size and compact shape.

[060] The tag may be retrofitted to an existing tray using plastics heat bonding techniques known in the art. It may also be cemented in place using an applied curable substance such as an epoxy resin, that bonds with the structural plastics materials of the tray. For trays still to be manufactured, for example by a moulding process, the moulds may be modified to include a sealable cavity within the tray structure, or may allow for the tag to be built into the tray structure by including it in the mould or in the injection compound mix itself. Initial programming of the tag may be performed either before installation of the tag into the tray or later in situ, once the tray is formed, or the tag has been placed in the cavity and sealed in position. A nonlimiting example of a suitable sealant is an epoxy resin. The time at which initial programming takes place is optional and may be performed merely to identify each tray for later tracing, by allocating it an unique digital identification string. It will be appreciated however that the actual tray need not be individually identified, such as by a serial or code number, provided that the sample it holds is assigned suitable identifying properties.

[061] To withstand harsh mining exploration environments and the elevated temperatures used in the injection moulding of trays or thermal embedding or sealing of the tag in the receiving cavity, the tag is preferably one that is suited to such conditions. An example of a tag considered suitable is supplied by SkyRFID, Inc.of Canada, under the title "FR4 Harsh Environment Tag Gen 2 UHF" (see http://skyrfid.com/RFID Harsh Environment Tag.php). Alternatively, but not exclusively, other suitable tags of smaller dimensions are obtainable from SK-Electronics Co., Ltd of Japan, contactable via the internet website pages at http://www.sk-e! .co. ip/sales/rfid/en/introduction/#minimum.

[062] Programming a RFID is performed using RFID programming software known in the art and that may be loaded on to a computational device such as a mobile phone or customised reader/writer. As mentioned above, it may optionally entail a first phase in which tray identifier data is uploaded to the chip in the tag. The data may be in encrypted form for security. Later, once the tray has received a sample, with which it will be associated for the life of the sample, further data pertaining to the sample is added, also preferably in encrypted form. However, the entire programming may alternatively be performed only when the core sample is obtained and loaded into the tray channels, when it can be identified by location, time and pertinent further data. In this instance, the tray itself need not be individually named or numbered.

[063] The tag and thus tray location may be established on a geographical level by programming the microchip to store given, predetermined or intended location co-ordinates. The location co-ordinates may relate to the place at which the sample was obtained, or to the location of the laboratory or archive to which the sample is being transported or being held. The tag location may be a near real-time or instantaneous location, determined alternatively, or in addition, by configuring the microchip to receive, from time to time, location data transmitted from existing location-giving infrastructure, such as mobile telephone network transmission towers, global positioning satellites, or private or localised communications networks such as a proprietary 'wi-fi' network. The data received by the tag antenna are stored and periodically updated by the microchip program and are broadcast to an interrogating device which has activated the chip.

[064] The tag is actuated in a preferred embodiment by near field communications signals transmitted by an authorised interrogation device which then scans for a response to be emitted from the tag. Where the data stored is password protected, the scanning signal includes the necessary code for satisfying the password authorisation test. The response may contain signature data of the tray, but will contain signature data pertaining to the tray contents, provided such contents data has been uploaded previously by the driller or other upstream handler of the sample.

[065] Where the tag is equipped with a visual display, the chip may be programmed to respond to a successful activation signal by causing illumination of a diode to signal the presence of the tray and sample being sought or traced. In this embodiment, the tag is embedded in a portion of the structure having translucent properties, preferably even a transparent window, allowing it to be seen by a suitably positioned human observer. The window may be of a suitably engineered Perspex® compound to withstand the sample gathering environment.

[066] Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, showing a preferred embodiment of this invention in perspective view, a core tray is generally denoted by the number 10. It is of substantially rigid construction, made of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), injection moulded to shape, as is well known in the art. However, the tray may be made of any other suitable impact resistant substance, including metals and other plastics, for example ABS, without departing from the scope of this invention. The tray is generally rectangular, defined by a base 12 bounded by pairs of opposed longer sides 14,14' and opposed shorter end walls 16,16'.

[067] In this embodiment, the tray has four core-receiving channels 18 formed in the upper surface 20 of the base. The channels extend longitudinally along the length of the core tray and are closed at their opposite ends by end walls 16,16'. The channels have side walls 22 extending upward so that proximate walls of adjacent channels are separated by an interposed joining strip 24 to form an intervening dividing wail, as shown in Figure 2. The base also has an underside 26.

[068] The opposing side walls 22 of each channel slope inwardly and curve further at rounded sections 28 to meet a channel base section 30. The walls taper inwardly allows a greater range of core sample diameters and irregularities to be stably supported in their respective channels.

[069] It will be appreciated that the channels may be defined by differently shaped profiles and still fall within the scope of the claims to this invention. The tray dimensions may be varied for manufacture to meet particular field requirements.

[070] With reference to Figure 3, the underside of tray 10 is shown with like numbering denoting like parts and features. Reinforcing elements of two kinds 32, 34 help keep the channel side walls 22 from buckling, especially in an outward direction that would increase the channel size and available receiving space for a core sample. Such an increase would lead to sample being less securely held and increase the likelihood of its shifting during transit and the risk of its breaking and disintegrating.

[071] The first kind of reinforcing element 32 is disposed orthogonally to the longitudinal axes of the channels between which it extends and the second kind 34 is disposed non-orthogonally between the walls of adjacent channels.

[072] Side walls 14, 14' extend vertically downwardly to define, and end in, a downwardly-projecting skirt 60. The skirt extends below each of the end and side walls 16,16', 14, 14' so that it surrounds channels 18 collectively. When a first tray 10a is placed upon a like tray 10b, skirt 60 of tray 10a fits within the perimeter defined by upper rim 80 of tray 10b below it. The skirt fits within the rim to the extent permitted by the sloping edge of brace portion 46. This enables a space 82 to be maintained between the upstanding projection 54b of the lower tray and the overhanging lip 38a of the upper tray. Space 82 enables a flexible, ring-like fastener 70 to be placed over and around projection 54b in a taut manner for tethering it to another tray of like design.

[073] The external wall features of the tray operate to allow nodule formation 54b, which protrudes generally upwardly from the extending lip of a lower-placed tray in a stack, to remain available for engagement by the fastener. These correspondingly positioned formations are provided at each corner of the tray to provide four points of engagement and hence increased stability of a stack of trays against relative movement, such as during transit from drilling site to analytical facility. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, nodule formation 54b is the site of choice for receiving an identification tag of suitable sizing and communication range. The tag is preferably inserted from below, into a cavity in the nodule. If the cavity has not been formed in the moulding process of the tray, it may be formed after tray manufacture, by drilling or inserting a sufficiently heated prong that causes the plastics material of the nodule to melt temporarily and leave a cavity. The tag is placed in the cavity and the cavity is sealed with molten plastics of like or compatible composition. Alternative sealing compound of settable nature may be used, including adhesives capable of bonding with the tray material.

[074] When the projections are aligned in the stacked trays, a fastener may be applied to connect them to laterally adjacent trays and stop them from uncontrolled separation. The fastener may take the form of an O-ring of selected limited extensibility, but with tensile strength sufficient to prevent uncontrolled separation of the leading and following trays. The fastener is of tautness and an operative length substantially sufficient to keep the trays in abutment when aligned.

[075] In Figure 3, an RFID tag 84 is shown fixed in an alternative embodiment, this time below upper rim 80 of the tray. It is placed out of plain sight behind a peripheral lip formation 38. This placement serves to reduce the risk of dislodgement and human interference. A settable sealing substance 86 is applied to hold the tag in place substantially permanently. The substance in this embodiment is a solidified plastic such as polypropylene. However, alternatives may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. The tag may be glued to the outer surface of the tray using a suitable adhesive and thereafter be coated with a curable compound, such as an polyepoxide or similar sealant, which hardens into a protective shell.

[076] In an alternative embodiment, the tag has a visual display element operatively connected to the chip. In this embodiment, the protruding nodule 54b of Figure 1 has a transparent window section outwardly directed for observance by a human onlooker.

[077] The display may be a simple light emitting diode (LED) or be in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD). The chip in the tag is programmed to activate the LED to signal activation in response to a scanning signal, or, in the case of the LCD, to display more extensive data, such as a code number allocated to the tray or to the sample it holds, it will be appreciated that depending on the size of the display, the window and the dimensions of the data characters, less or more information may be displayed at the programmer's choice.

[078] Referring to Figure 4, two stacks of trays 100,110 are shown placed upon a pallet 116 ready for transportation. A fastener band 170 is shown passing over and around projection nodules 154A and 154B on the bottom trays of each stack. A handheld reader 88 emits interrogation signals to and receives responses from individual tags embedded within the nodules 154A, 154B and like nodules in the trays above. In addition to the electronic tag, each tray has an adhesive sticker label attached against a flat label-receiving surface in the central portion below an overhanging lip 38 on the short end each tray. Lip 38 provides a formation under which personnel may place their fingers when lifting the tray. This section is liable to be grasped by workers handling the trays so is unsuitable for incorporation of the electronic tags. Besides, the plastics wall in this portion is less thick than that of the corner nodules, affording the tags a lesser degree of protection than the nodule. Advantageously, the nodule is visible from at least two sides of the tray, facilitating both radio frequency scanning and visual access.

[079] A tray-tethering fastener 170 may be provided already attached to the tray, for example to the front end of the tray bearing the labelling space 52 in Figure 1, ready for attachment in a tandem arrangement to the rear of a leading tray. The fastener fits around nodules 154A and 154C. Nodule 154C does not include an identification tag, as the tag is contained within nodule 154B at its adjacent corner, which corresponds with the corner 154A of the tray in adjacent stack 100.

[080] Reverting to Figures 1, 3 and 4, the spacer elements of both kinds described above extend from base level 30 to the top of channel side walls 22, meeting with the underside of inter-channel joining strip 24. By extending at base level from side to side of adjacent channels and continuing up the opposed channel sides to the top, continuous reinforcement is provided to the channel walls where meeting the plane of the reinforcing elements, irrespective of type. This reinforcement provides additional protection for the RFID tag, especially when in the form of an elongate strip, as buckling carries the risk that the adhesive bond between tag and tray maybe compromised, or a seal on a recess may be disrupted, leading to possible separation and loss of the tag.

[081] An advantage of the present invention is that the electronic tag is incorporated into a tray structure in a way that hides its presence - at least to casual observers - removing it as a potential target for vandals. In cases where an external label is applied to the tray, such as at the front end, a casual vandal may be satisfied in attacking the label. Even in the instance where the electronic tag has a visible display in the form of an LED, the LED is not activated except with a suitable scanner - and only then when the scanning signal passes security authorisations programmed into the tag microchip. The casual observer will therefore not be attracted by the illumination of the LED.

[082] Another advantage is that physical violence is required to access the tag once it has been incorporated into the tray structure. Violence will be required to remove the sealant. Further violence will be required to remove the tag if it has also been adhered to an internal surface of the tray structure. In addition, in the case of the tag being in the microtag category, it is more likely to escape notice.

[083] A further advantage is the economic benefit that the modest expense of a tag brings, in avoiding redrilling costs that would result from losing information about the origin of the sample.

[084] These embodiments merely illustrate selected examples of the core tray tracing and identification system of the invention providing for the lowering of the risk of loss or mis-identification of core samples during transportation, analysis and storage. With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further embodiments by means of which to put the claimed invention into practice.

Claims (19)

1. An ore sample-identifying tool comprising: a. a core-or chip tray having i. a structure defining a receptacle, in which a core sample is retainable in use, and ii. a portion peripheral to said receptacle, said portion comprising a nodular formation accessible from beneath the tray; and b. a machine-readable tag incorporated to be hidden within said portion of the structure, the tag comprising a microchip and an operatively connected antenna, the microchip being configured for storing data relating to a sample in the tray, the data when read identifying the sample.

2. The sample-identifying tool of claim 1, wherein the structure is adapted to receive the tag within a sealable cavity within the nodular formation.

3. The sample-identifying tool of claim 2, wherein the nodular formation protrudes from the structure.

4. The sample-identifying tool of claim 3 wherein the nodular formation extends from the structure at a corner thereof.

5. The sample-identifying tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tag is inaccessible when the tray is stacked on a tray of like design.

6. The sample-identifying tool according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the microchip is configured for activation responsive to incident radiation, and programmed to cause transmission, on activation, of a signal comprising at least a portion of the data.

7. The sample-identifying tool of claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the microchip is rewritable for updating previously stored data.

8. The sample-identifying tool of claim 7 wherein a portion of the previously loaded data was loaded at the time the tray received the sample.

9. An ore sample-holding tray having a machine-readable identification tag secured by sealing to be hidden within a cavity located within a nodular portion of the tray structure, whereby the cavity is accessible from beneath the tray, the tag comprising a remotely readable microchip, on which is stored data uniquely identifying an ore sample in the tray, and identifying the tray with reference to the ore sample.

10. A tray according to claim 9, wherein the nodular portion comprises a protrusion located at a corner of the tray and is adapted for providing support to a tray of like design in a stack of such like trays.

11. A tray according claim 9 or claim 10 , wherein the microchip is responsive to a remotely transmitted scanning signal.

12. A method of identifying an ore sample in a core or chip tray comprising the steps of: a. providing a core or chip tray i. having a structure defining a sample-receiving receptacle, ii. comprising a nodular portion peripheral to the receptacle and accessible from beneath the tray, and iii. including a hidden identification tag comprising an electronically readable microchip contained within the nodular portion; b. placing an ore sample in the tray; c. storing on the microchip data uniquely identifying the sample; and d. causing the microchip to cause transmission of at least a portion of said data, sufficient to identify the sample, to a data-receiving device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the tag is incorporated into the tray structure by sealing it within a cavity located within the nodular portion.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13 including the step of remotely activating the microchip to cause data transmission.

15. A method of tracing a sample in an ore sample-holding tray, the method comprising the steps of providing an ore sample tray having a structure comprising a nodular portion accessible from beneath the tray, within which portion is incorporated a hidden identification tag comprising an electronically readable microchip, placing an ore sample for later tracing in the tray, storing on the microchip data uniquely identifying the sample and causing the microchip to cause transmission of at least a portion of said data to a data-receiving device, together with data enabling location of the tray, causing the microchip to store data pertaining to its location, and causing the microchip to update the data pertaining its location from time to time.

16. The method of claim 15 including the step of including in the location data information about the storage location of the sample in an ore sample storage facility.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the tag is incorporated by sealing it within a cavity located at a corner of the tray structure.

18. A method of preparing an ore sample-holding tray for archiving an ore sample, the method comprising the steps of providing an ore sample tray having a structure comprising a nodular portion accessible from beneath the tray, within which portion is incorporated and hidden a sample-identification tag comprising an electronically readable microchip, programming the microchip to store data pertaining to its location and to update the data pertaining its location from time to time, placing an ore sample for archiving in the tray, storing on the microchip data uniquely identifying the sample and programming the microchip to cause transmission of at least a sample-identifying portion of said data on demand from an authorized interrogating device.

19. The method of claim 18 including the step of including in the location data information about the storage location of the sample in an ore sample storage facility.