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Where are you based?

J&S Drilling operates from locations across Australia with our main operations in Perth, Western Australia, Central Queensland, and satellite operations in the Northern Territory. These locations enable us to provide drilling services across Australia’s key mining, construction, and industrial regions.

What services do you provide?

Our multidisciplinary approach covers the complete spectrum of on-land and over-water drilling requirements. We deliver reliable and efficient drilling services across exploration, water well, geotechnical, marine, and environmental sectors.

How long have you been in business?

J&S Drilling has been operating since 1982, giving us over 40 years of experience in the Australian drilling industry. Founded by John and Sheryl McLellan, we’ve grown from a sole trader operation to become one of Australia’s leading drilling contractors.

What makes J&S Drilling different from other contractors?

We combine decades of experience (over 200 years combined) with a commitment to innovation and transparent and communicative service. We’re known for our seamless service and quality samples.

What types of drilling equipment do you operate?

Our extensive fleet includes truck-mounted rigs, track-mounted rigs, trailer rigs, and jackup barges. All equipment is regularly rebuilt and upgraded to ensure optimal performance across diverse geological conditions and access requirements.

How do you ensure equipment reliability?

We maintain preventive maintenance programs with in-house workshop facilities and qualified mechanics and boiler makers. Our equipment is regularly rebuilt to manufacturer specifications with critical spares available to ensure continuous operations and adherence to project schedules.

Can you access difficult or remote locations?

Yes, our fleet includes track-mounted rigs for steep terrain, small-footprint rigs for restricted spaces, helicopter-portable systems for remote locations, and marine platforms for over-water operations. We operate where other drilling contractors cannot.

What sampling and testing equipment do you use?

We deploy sampling equipment including Dennison samplers, piston samplers, sonic sampling systems, SPT equipment, DCP, vane shear apparatus, and packer testing systems. We also install instrumentation including monitoring bores, vibrating wire piezometers, inclinometers, extensometers, and gas monitoring wells.

How often is your equipment updated?

We invest in advanced drilling equipment and technology every few years. Our commitment to innovation means we continually upgrade our fleet with the latest drilling technologies to ensure optimal performance, safety, and efficiency across all operations.

How do you ensure safety on drilling sites?

We operate under stringent zero-harm protocols with continuous safety training, risk management, and emergency response procedures. Our ISO-certified safety management systems and experienced teams ensure safe operations across all drilling environments, from mine sites to remote locations.

What qualifications do your drillers have?

Our drillers hold Class 1, 2, and 3 licences across Australia. Our team includes trade-qualified professionals, certified safety specialists, and project managers with extensive industry experience. Drillers and drillers assistants hold Certificate III and Certificate II in drilling respectively. We provide continuous training and development opportunities to maintain the highest standards.

How do you coordinate with other contractors and consultants?

Our dedicated project managers integrate seamlessly with consulting workflows, providing real-time progress updates, technical documentation, and coordinated scheduling. We maintain open communication channels and adapt our operations to support your project requirements and stakeholder needs.

What documentation and reporting do you provide?

We provide technical documentation including detailed drilling logs, geological descriptions, sample records, testing results, and compliance reporting. Our documentation supports engineering analysis, regulatory submissions, and project decision-making with digital data management systems.

How quickly can you mobilise for urgent projects?

Our strategic locations and maintained fleet enable mobilisation for urgent projects. We deploy experienced crews to accommodate emergency response scenarios and tight project schedules while maintaining our quality and safety standards.

Do you provide training opportunities for drilling professionals?

Yes, we offer Nationally Recognised Training, continuous professional development, and mentoring programs. Our team includes licensed and qualified instructors providing skills advancement whilst working alongside highly qualified professionals on diverse projects across Australia’s drilling industry.

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