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Surface Drilling Services

Surface coring: 

Surface coring is a specialized drilling technique used to obtain continuous, cylindrical samples (cores) from subsurface geological formations. These cores provide valuable, high-resolution data on rock structure, mineral content, and stratigraphy. The process is essential for resource exploration, geotechnical investigations, and environmental studies, offering insights into subsurface conditions without extensive excavation. Advanced equipment and precise techniques ensure the integrity and accuracy of the extracted cores for detailed analysis.

Common Core Sizes:
The most widely used core sizes in surface coring are:

  • BQ (36.5 mm or 1.43 inches): Smaller core diameter, often used in exploration projects where minimal disruption or lower costs are priorities. BQ cores are suitable for preliminary studies or areas with limited access.
  • NQ (47.6 mm or 1.87 inches): One of the most popular core sizes, offering a good balance between core size and cost-efficiency. NQ cores are widely used in mineral exploration because they provide sufficient material for detailed analysis while keeping drilling costs reasonable.
  • HQ (63.5 mm or 2.5 inches): Larger diameter cores allow for more accurate geological analysis, particularly when studying rock formations. HQ cores are often preferred for projects requiring higher precision, such as detailed mineralogical and geotechnical studies.
  • PQ (85 mm or 3.34 inches): The largest of the common core sizes, PQ cores are used when maximum sample volume is needed. These larger cores are ideal for detailed geotechnical investigations and resource evaluation, providing robust data on rock integrity, structure, and mineral content.


Reverse Circulation Drilling :
Reverse Circulation (RC) Drilling is a fast and cost-effective drilling method primarily used in mineral exploration and geotechnical investigations. In RC drilling, compressed air is used to drive a dual-walled drill rod, where rock cuttings are transported through the inner tube to the surface. This process prevents contamination, providing clean, accurate samples from various depths. RC drilling is ideal for quickly reaching deeper targets, offering high penetration rates and large sample volumes, making it suitable for orebody definition, grade control, and pre-feasibility studies.

Rotary Drilling :
Rotary drilling is a widely used technique in oil, gas, water well, and geothermal exploration, as well as in large-scale civil engineering projects. It involves rotating a drill bit at the end of a drill pipe to break through rock formations and create a borehole. Drilling fluid, or “mud,” is circulated to cool the bit, stabilize the wellbore, and carry cuttings to the surface. Rotary drilling is effective for drilling deep, large-diameter holes and is known for its efficiency and ability to penetrate hard rock formations.

Conventional Core Drilling :
Conventional core drilling is a method used to retrieve continuous cylindrical rock samples (cores) from subsurface formations. In this technique, a hollow drill bit with a core barrel attached is rotated, cutting through the rock and capturing the core inside the barrel. Drilling fluid is circulated to cool the bit, lubricate the drill string, and remove cuttings. Conventional core drilling is widely used in mining exploration, geotechnical investigations, and oil and gas exploration, providing high-quality, intact samples that offer detailed insights into rock properties, mineral content, and geological structures

Grade Control Drilling :
Grade control drilling is a critical process in the mining industry, used to precisely delineate ore boundaries and optimize resource extraction. By drilling closely spaced holes, typically within a production environment, high-resolution samples are obtained to assess the grade, quality, and distribution of the mineral deposit. This information allows for accurate differentiation between ore and waste, enabling efficient mine planning and material handling.

The results from grade control drilling inform decisions on blast design, stockpile management, and processing strategies, ensuring that only high-grade material is directed to the mill while minimizing dilution. By improving ore recovery and reducing waste extraction, this process enhances operational efficiency, lowers production costs, and maximizes overall profitability. Grade control drilling also supports sustainable mining practices by ensuring optimal use of resources and reducing environmental impact.

 
Sonic Drilling :
Sonic drilling is a sophisticated drilling technique leveraging high-frequency acoustic vibrations to achieve rapid and efficient subsurface penetration. This method utilizes a sonic drill head that generates high-energy sonic waves, causing the drill bit to oscillate and effectively reduce friction, allowing for swift advancement through diverse soil and rock formations.

Sonic drilling services are essential for accurate subsurface exploration and analysis, providing clients with reliable data for informed decision-making in environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations, and resource exploration. This advanced technique ensures high efficiency, precision, and minimal environmental disruption, delivering optimal results for complex drilling projects.