As one of the leading exploration drilling companies in Perth, Precision Drilling Australia provides reliable exploration drilling services that are tailored to your unique requirements. Our exploration drilling programs support mineral exploration, resource evaluation, and geological assessment across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and South Australia.
Our expertise in mineral exploration drilling, including reverse circulation (RC) drilling, air core drilling, and exploration diamond drilling, sets us apart from other exploration drilling contractors. With meticulous attention to detail, comprehensive client support, and state-of-the-art exploration drilling equipment, we are well-equipped to deliver high-quality samples and accurate subsurface data across both brownfield and greenfield sites.
Please contact our professional team for further information on our range of surface and underground exploration drilling services.
Exploration drilling is a critical process in the resource extraction industry, used to locate and assess potential deposits of valuable minerals and resources. Exploration drilling contractors employ specialised equipment, including dedicated exploration drill rigs, to extract core samples and rock chips from the subsurface.
Mineral exploration drilling allows geologists to analyse these samples to determine the composition, structure, and quality of the deposits, ultimately guiding decision-making for potential mining projects. The method selected for each drill hole depends on the target depth, ground conditions, required sample type, and the specific objectives of your exploration program.
Partnering with a proven and reliable exploration drilling contractor delivers significant advantages for your project. Key benefits include:
Shallow drilling refers to the process of drilling relatively shallow boreholes into the earth’s surface to explore and extract valuable resources, assess geological conditions, or perform environmental studies.
There are several methods of shallow drilling, each with its own advantages and suited to different applications:
Auger drilling utilises a hand-held power auger or a small vehicle-mounted auger, similar to the post hole diggers used in farming. This method is effective for drilling shallow holes and is particularly useful for soil sampling, environmental testing, and geotechnical investigations.
Air drilling comprises three primary shallow drilling techniques: air core, reverse circulation (RC), and rotary air blast (RAB). These methods typically employ a utility, track, or small truck-mounted rig with an onboard or towed air compressor.
Air drilling generates rock chips by forcing compressed air down the drill hole, lifting the chips to the surface. This method is efficient and minimally invasive, requiring minimal site preparation and rehabilitation, making it well suited to early-stage mineral exploration drilling programs.
Exploration diamond drilling uses a truck-mounted or track rig with support vehicles to extract a continuous cylinder of rock, known as core. The method involves water and drilling fluids, which are either stored in an in-ground sump or above-ground tanks.
Exploration core drilling demands significant site preparation and rehabilitation, but it provides accurate and continuous core samples of exceptional quality. It is commonly used in combination with reverse circulation drilling for mineral and coal exploration drilling programs where precise sample recovery is critical.
Deep drilling refers to the process of drilling deep boreholes into the earth’s subsurface to explore, evaluate, and extract valuable resources or assess geological conditions.
There are several methods of deep drilling, each with its own advantages and suited to different applications:
Air core and reverse circulation (RC) drilling methods can be adapted for greater depth capability using utility, track, or small truck-mounted rigs with an onboard or towed air compressor.
Air drilling generates rock chips by forcing compressed air down the drill hole, lifting the chips to the surface. This method is efficient and minimally invasive, requiring little site preparation and rehabilitation, and is a productive option for deep mineral exploration drilling programs.
Exploration diamond drilling at depth uses a truck-mounted or track rig with support vehicles to extract a continuous cylinder of rock. The method involves water and drilling fluids, which are either stored in an in-ground sump or above-ground tanks.
Exploration core drilling at depth demands significant site preparation and rehabilitation, but it delivers accurate and continuous core samples. Our diamond drilling capability spans core sizes from HWT3 through to PQ3, with wireline retrieval systems to maintain core recovery and sample quality at significant depths. This method is commonly used in combination with reverse circulation drilling for mineral exploration drilling programs.
Rotary mud drilling is predominantly used for petroleum and deep stratigraphic drilling. This method generates fine rock fragments and uses water and drilling fluids to lubricate the drill bit and return the rock fragments to the surface. The drilling fluids are contained in either in-ground sumps or above-ground tanks.
Rotary mud drilling rigs are generally larger than those used for other methods, requiring more support vehicles and site preparation. This technique is well suited to exploration drilling for oil and gas and other deeply buried resources.
At Precision Drilling Australia, we understand the challenges that arise in remote areas of Australia regarding suitable accommodation and communication access. We are committed to continually improving client and staff well-being across all remote operations.
Our handpicked team are leaders in their field, with specialist knowledge and expertise in remote exploration drilling across the Pilbara, Goldfields, Kimberley, Mid-West, and beyond. We have developed state-of-the-art accommodation that is durable, reliable, and secure, with sustainability a key factor in our design approach. Our self-sufficient camp logistics and FIFO workforce capability allow us to mobilise efficiently across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and South Australia, ensuring your exploration program progresses without interruption.
From gold exploration drilling to oil and gas, and all mineral exploration drilling in between, we are well-equipped to assist you. Please contact our professional team for more information.
With experience in all aspects of Exploration, Geotechnical, Environmental drilling, and Hydro and Water Well Drilling, we are here to look after our clients in a professional, ethical, and reliable manner, while maintaining safe, environmentally responsible practices.
Reach out to discuss your next project.