Geotechnical borehole drilling is generally carried out as part of the site analysis process prior to mining or construction.
It forms a crucial component of civil engineering, mining, construction, and environmental projects, as it provides valuable information about the subsurface conditions that cannot be obtained through surface observations alone.
This information is critical in ensuring the safety and longevity of structures built on a specific site. Unsafe rock or soil conditions can pose an enormous safety risk and, in extreme cases, could even trigger a structural collapse.
By law, a site analysis is required before a building permit can be granted, to identify any issues that could pose a risk to the development.
In the mining industry, geotechnical drilling not only plays a critical role in enabling mining companies to make informed decisions regarding the design, construction, and operation of mining infrastructure, but also provides vital information in the search for deposits of minerals, oil, gas, and other valuable resources.
Furthermore, geotechnical core drilling may also be used by scientific researchers who wish to acquire samples, such as ice cores, to provide an insight into the earth’s physical make-up – including the constitution of ice sheets or geological structures – and climate history.