Scientists need to be sure that when the big hammer tool turns in a rock it breaks the surface into a useable powder that will not clog or damage the sample handling mechanism.
The Cambridge University fellow, who is a member of the Northern Ireland Economic Reform Group, expressed worries that the Scottish administration's handling of the matter could damage Northern Ireland's bid to set its own corporation tax.
Monitoring the situation and learning lessons from this cold spell is essential according to Carl Sargeant AM and he will be working closely with the local authorities to assess the damage and the handling of the situation.