Project

J&S Drilling have successfully executed another multi-scope drilling program for a valued client in the Northern Goldfields region. Over the course late 2024 to mid-2025, J&S Drilling operated up to 3 drill suites on site to deliver the project safely and efficiently. Despite some challenging geology, remote work environment and on occasions, cavernous ground, the team successful delivered scope of works as per our clients’ requirements.  

The scope of works largely comprised of geotechnical drilling, with some large diameter conventional coring and deep exploration core holes;

Geotechnical Drilling –

The primary purpose of J&S Drilling services on site was to execute a geotechnical program, comprising of 47 boreholes, with a combination of both vertical and inclined drilling. For the geotechnical program specifically, J&S Drilling deployed 2 drill rig suites and personnel to execute the program.

The Geotechnical scope of works called for PQ Diamond Core Drilling from surface to depths up to 120m. Where ground conditions permitted, J&S Drilling utilised Reflex tooling for core orientation. Relfex gyro surveys were also undertaken on specified core holes throughout the program.

On completion of drilling, J&S Drilling installed Vibrating Wire Piezometers (VWPs) in selected boreholes. The team at J&S Drilling has a wealth of experience installing VWPs, which made light work of the task.

Core recovery was a key talking point from J&S Drillings client throughout the project. Although J&S Drilling weren’t the first contractor to deliver drilling services on this site, core recovery rates achieved were among the highest observed by the client to date, reflecting exceptional drilling precision and sample integrity.

Shallow and Deep Exploration Core Holes –

While on site completing the geotechnical program, and in the interest of avoiding the need to mobilise another drill contractor, J&S Drillings client requested their availability to complete shallow and deep HQ exploration core holes. J&S Drilling promptly committed to the drill program and mobilised additional tooling to site to execute the works.

In the shallow exploration core holes, PQ coring was utilised from surface to the target depth.

In the deep exploration core holes, PQ coring was conducted through the tertiary material until competent rock was encountered. Once the PQ was at the required depth, this was cased off and HQ coring continued to the target depth.

Despite experiencing areas of lost circulation and cavernous ground, the exploration core holes were completed successfully.

6 inch Conventional Core Holes –

In addition to the exploration core holes, our client also requested J&S Drilling to investigate the prospect of completing large diameter coring for bulk sampling. J&S Drilling has developed their skillset with large diameter conventional coring techniques over the past few years, predominantly in our East Coast Operations.

The team adapted well to the conventional coring method, providing high-quality large diameter core samples. Despite some challenging ground conditions and reduced penetration rates, the team were determined to deliver the scope and continued to advance throughout the program.

Equipment –

Fraste FS300 – For the deeper geotechnical and exploration core holes, J&S Drilling utilised a Fraste FS300 Drill Rig, mounted on an 8×4 carrier, with 6×6 Water Truck and 4×4 Support Vehicle. The Fraste FS300 handles 6.0m drill rods hands-free, avoiding the requirement for human intervention, and subsequently reducing injuries from manual handling activities. The Fraste FS300 is a highly adaptable rig with ample power for this type of project.

Edson 3000WB – For the shallower geotechnical core holes, J&S Drilling utilised a multi-purpose Edson 3000WB drill rig. The Edson drill rig is mounted on a 4×4 truck, coupled with a 4×4 Water Truck and 4×4 Support Truck, this suite allows for a smaller overall footprint and increased ability to work in tight-access areas.

Fraste 250 XL Max Track Machine – Although this Drill rig and suite didn’t arrive until the tail end of the program, J&S Drilling management team selected a Fraste XL Max due to its ability to work in tight access areas, with a vast range of automated functions. The XL Max was paired with a Tri-axle dog trailer, towed by a 6×6 Water Truck, and 4×4 Support Truck. This Drill Rig and suite was the chosen to undertake the large diameter, 6C conventional core holes. The Fraste XL Max handles 3.0m drill rods hands-free, avoiding the requirement for human intervention and subsequently reducing injuries from manual handling activities.

Safety –

Throughout the project, J&S Drilling and their drill teams managed to deliver the project safely and most importantly, without injury. J&S Drilling deployed drill supervisors to oversee daily operations on the drill rigs, with the supervisors working on a back-to-back roster. Regular internal safety, quality and environmental audits were completed by the supervisors, ensuring compliance with the client’s safety systems and expectations, while continuing to comply with J&S Drilling auditing schedule to retain ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 55001 certification.

Our clients lease spans over an area of approximately 20km, highlighting the importance of daily planning and time management to avoid down-time. Daily travel to and from site were seen as the highest risk to safety and well-being of our personnel, due to long distances, fatigue and interaction with other road users. J&S Drillings support and light vehicles are fitted with IVMS tracking, influencing positive driver behaviour.

In Conclusion, the successful project execution strengthened the relationship between J&S Drilling and our client. J&S Drilling thanks our client for on-ground support and we are looking forward to delivering similar successful scopes in the future.