Delivering Critical Geotechnical Data
J&S Drilling successfully completed another geotechnical investigation program for a valued client in the Pilbara, Western Australia, delivering safe, high-quality drilling services in support of a major Tailings Storage Facility (TSF).
The project primarily involved coring through extremely challenging ground conditions, where achieving high-quality core recovery was essential to the investigation. Through the careful selection of drilling methods, drill bits, drilling fluids, and the expertise of our experienced drilling crews, J&S Drilling consistently delivered outstanding core recovery and sample quality.
Completed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with the client’s technical and operational requirements, the project further demonstrated J&S Drilling’s capability to undertake complex geotechnical investigations.
Project Summary
The scope of works included geotechnical and hydrogeological drilling to install instrumentation for the ongoing monitoring of earth structures and groundwater conditions within the tailings storage facility.
The program comprised drilling boreholes for the installation of vibrating wire piezometers (VWPs) and standpipe piezometers to monitor groundwater pressures and water levels within and beneath engineered embankments. Boreholes were drilled to design-specific depths, extending into the underlying natural ground to support long-term monitoring of subsurface conditions.
The works also included Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) at nominated intervals to assess soil strength and stratigraphy, together with selective coring to confirm geological conditions. Instrumentation was installed in accordance with project design requirements to provide reliable long-term monitoring of both the embankments and their foundation materials.
The completed investigation provides critical geotechnical and hydrogeological data to support ongoing asset integrity assessments, operational decision-making, and long-term facility management.
A key measure of success was core recovery. Although J&S Drilling was not the first contractor to drill at the site, the client advised that the recovery achieved by our team was among the highest they had observed, reflecting the experience of our personnel, the effectiveness of our drilling techniques, tooling and our commitment to delivering high-quality geological samples for engineering assessment.
Equipment
J&S Drilling deployed a Fraste FS300 drilling rig for this project, selected for its versatility, reliability, and high-powered performance in demanding ground conditions. The rig is equipped with an automated rod handling system that significantly reduces “hands-on steel” activities, minimising manual handling risks and enhancing operator safety.
Mounted on a robust MAN carrier, the drilling package was supported by a 6×6 support truck, a dedicated 13,000-litre water cart and 4×4 crew vehicle, ensuring efficient logistics and uninterrupted operations throughout the project.
Safety
Safety was a key focus throughout the project, with J&S Drilling successfully completing the works without a single recordable injury. Dedicated S26 Drill Supervisors were deployed on a rotating roster to provide continuous oversight of field operations, ensuring work was carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project requirements.
Regular safety, quality, and environmental audits were conducted throughout the project to verify compliance with both the client’s management systems and J&S Drilling’s integrated management system. This proactive approach supported our ongoing commitment to maintaining certification to ISO 9001 Quality Management, 14001 Environmental Management, and 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management.
Project Outcome
The successful delivery of this project further strengthened J&S Drilling’s relationship with our valued client and reinforced our reputation for delivering safe, reliable, and technically proficient geotechnical drilling services in challenging operating environments.
We thank our client for their continued trust and on-site support throughout the project and look forward to partnering on future geotechnical and hydrogeological investigation programs across Australia.
