MinEx CRC Project 2 (CT Drilling) researchers recently travelled to Gallivare, northern Sweden, to observe over two days of underground demonstrations with major sponsor LKAB Wassara.

These demonstrations provided an opportunity to observe the LKAB Wassara CT rig in action, showcasing its steering, logging, and drilling survey capabilities.

The LKAB Wassara system displayed significant advancements in automation software, drilling process improvements and active steering towards the planned borehole trajectory during hammer drilling. The rate of penetration (ROP) achieved during these tests was particularly impressive, efficiently drilling into the iron ore deposit. Additionally, live data from positioning sensors used for active steering was also demonstrated, further highlighting the system’s progress.

MinEx CRC representatives then visited the Stockholm office to discuss technology developments, trial outcomes and commercial opportunities for the bottom-hole assembly (BHA) currently being developed within this project.