Program One: Drilling Technologies

Program Leader

Soren Soe (UniSA)

Program Objective

This Program will extend the capability of Coiled Tubing (CT) drilling so it can drill deeper, is steerable and delivers the highest quality sampling.  Coiled tubing technology promises drilling at 1/5th the cost of conventional diamond drilling and thus has the potential to drive a revolution in mineral exploration whilst delivering significant health, safety and environmental benefits.  Drilling tasks that are more suited to conventional drilling will also be tackled by the MinEx CRC, developing technologies for optimising the performance and increasing the productivity of Reverse Circulation (RC) and diamond drilling techniques.

Industry Partners:

• Anglo American
• BHP
• Epiroc
• Geotec Boyles
• Imdex
• LKAB Wassara
• McKay Drilling
• MIRWA
• Sandvik
• South 32

Program 1 Projects:

Project 1: Drilling Optimisation

Project 2: Coiled Tubing Drilling for Definition of Mineral Deposits