Blog

Drilling Techniques For Mining Exploration

The early stages of any mining operation need to be efficient, cost-effective and completed using high quality equipment. Locating lodes and deposits can be expensive if not done correctly and core samples can easily become contaminated if not extracted correctly, so be sure to read the following guide to drilling techniques for mining exploration to ensure your operation proceeds on schedule and to budget. If you are in the market for drilling equipment (auger attachments) for use in mining projects, contact Tebco today and we will recommend a solution which suits the requirements of your operation.

Types of Drilling

Rotary Air Blast

Rotary air blast drilling is the simplest and most economic option for exploration of mining sites. Samples are evacuated from the space located between the auger and the borehole walls. Triblade or down-the-hole hammer augers are used and are usually three to six inches in diameter. Rotary air blast drilling is used to gain insight into the mining potential at low-cost sites. Samples retrieved using rotary air blast drilling can easily be contaminated, however, so to reduce the potential for contamination reverse circulation or diamond core drilling techniques must be utilised following identification of a potential mining site.

Reverse Circulation

Reverse circulation is a drilling technique which reduces the potential for contamination within core samples traditionally retrieved using rotary air blast drilling. Whereas in rotary air blast drilling, samples are evacuated between the rod and borehole walls, with reverse circulation drilling, samples travel through rods to a sample splitter located at the surface of the shaft. All contact between samples and the borehole wall is thereby avoided and thus contamination of samples is avoided. Reverse circulation drilling is quick and is usually performed with a down-the-hole, tricone or triblade auger attachment with a diameter of 140mm, to depths of 50 to 200 metres.

Diamond Core Drilling

Diamond core drilling is used in the mining industry to probe the contents of known deposits and potential mining sites. A rock core with a small diameter is removed from the deposit and analysed by geologists using chemicals. Rocks are often analysed in petrographic, structural and mineralogical studies.

Contact Tebco Australia

If you are looking for an auger bit for use in your construction, mining, civil or infrastructure project, just call Tebco Augers today to place an order. We have a vast selection of auger bits and additional equipment available for lease and sale. Our stock is manufactured using only the highest-quality processes and assemblies and is compliant with all relevant Australian standards. Check out our online store or call us on (02) 4677 2649 to make an order for our drill bits today.