Vanadium Exploration – 4C & 8C Coring
J&S Drilling has recently completed several exploration drilling programs for valued clients targeting vanadium deposits in Northern Queensland.
Each scope of work incorporated multiple drilling methods to depths of up to 60 metres in search of high-grade vanadium ore bodies. While the target depths were relatively shallow compared to typical exploration programs in Queensland, a range of drilling techniques were trialled to optimise outcomes for J&S Drilling’s clients.
Vanadium’s unique properties – particularly its ability to exist in multiple oxidation states and its chemical stability make it a valuable resource across a range of industries. Its growing importance in energy storage technologies, such as vanadium redox batteries (VRBs), further positions it as a key contributor to the transition toward sustainable and renewable energy solutions.
Ground conditions in the project area are known to be challenging, typically consisting of stiff clays overlying unconsolidated sand and limestone. The vanadium ore body is generally intercepted immediately below these unconsolidated formations. In response, J&S Drilling’s crew proactively trialled and implemented a variety of drilling techniques to improve penetration rates while maintaining high core recovery.
The drilling process typically comprised the following methods:
- Rotary Air Blade through stiff clays
- Rotary Air Blade through unconsolidated sand and limestone
- Installation of 177mm PVC casing for 4C core holes or 300mm PVC casing for 8C core holes to stabilise the borehole and prevent sand ingress
- 4C or 8C coring through the vanadium ore body
- Rotary Air Blade beneath the ore body to termination depth
At the request of several clients, 8C core drilling was trialled by the J&S Drilling team. This marked the company’s first use of conventional coring at this size, delivering outstanding results. The success of the 8C programs has led clients to consider adopting this method for future drilling campaigns. The increased core diameter enables improved geological data collection, enhanced laboratory sampling, and a reduction in the number of drill sites and total boreholes required.
The programs were completed using a Fraste FS400 drill rig, supported by an 8×4 MAN truck with an 8,000-litre water capacity, a single 350 psi / 1050 cfm air compressor, and a 525-60 JCB telehandler. The Fraste FS400 is equipped with an automated rod handling system, significantly reducing the need for manual handling of drill rods. Combined with the use of the telehandler, this setup minimised hands-on interaction with drill steel and reduced the risk of manual handling injuries.
All programs were delivered safely, with zero injuries, and ahead of schedule. The strong results achieved by J&S Drilling have generated high confidence in securing further vanadium exploration drilling opportunities in the future.
