Mineral exploration across Western Australia demands reliable, cost-effective subsurface sampling techniques capable of penetrating complex cover. From paleo-channels and heavy clay horizons to weathered basement structures, obtaining accurate geological samples efficiently is essential for any exploration campaign.

At Bostech Drilling Australia, we have pioneered specialised exploration drilling techniques for over 30 years. As industry leaders in Aircore, Rotary Air Blast (RAB), and Slimline Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling, our custom-engineered rigs deliver high-quality samples while upholding a strict commitment to environmental preservation.

1. What Is Aircore Drilling?

Aircore drilling is a specialised technique designed primarily for unconsolidated ground, sedimentary layers, and soft clay formations. Unlike standard Rotary Air Blast (RAB) drilling, where sample returns pass between the drill rod and the hole wall, Aircore drilling utilises dual-wall drill rods.

Compressed air is injected down the outer annulus of the rod to the drill bit face, forcing ground samples up through the inner tube. This closed-system return offers distinct operational benefits:

  • Uncontaminated Sample Quality: Returning cuttings through an inner tube prevents cross-contamination from wall collapse or higher geological strata.
  • Rapid Penetration Rates: High-speed drilling allows exploration teams to cover extensive ground quickly, lowering cost per metre compared to traditional heavy RC drilling.
  • Versatile Mineral Targeting: Ideal for sampling gold, lithium, copper, mineral sands, rare earths, and uranium across greenfields tenements.

2. Key Advantages: Aircore vs Standard RC Drilling

Choosing the appropriate drilling method directly impacts exploration budgets and campaign timelines:

Exceptional Cost Efficiency: Aircore rigs are lighter and require less fuel and logistical support than heavy RC rigs. This translates into lower operational overheads, enabling exploration managers to drill more metres within fixed exploration budgets.

Superior Mobility in Remote Terrain: Bostech designs and builds compact, custom-engineered drill rigs and all-wheel-drive support vehicles in-house. This custom fleet can easily access remote, off-track sites, shallow farm paddocks, and sensitive environments where heavy machinery cannot operate.

Seamless Transition to Slimline RC: When encountering harder basement rock, our Slimline RC capabilities allow sampling to continue without mobilising additional machinery or changing crews, maintaining project momentum.

3. Protecting the Environment: Zero Impact Drilling

Environmental stewardship is a priority for exploration projects in Western Australia. Bostech’s proprietary Zero Impact Drilling methodology ensures exploration activities leave minimal surface disturbance.

  • Self-Contained Sample Trailers: Specially designed trailers capture drill cuttings, groundwater, and drill waste, preventing surface contamination.
  • Spill Mitigation: In-built environmental containment guards protect topsoil from oil or fuel leaks during operation.
  • Site Rehabilitation: Compact rig footprints allow quick, effective site remediation once drilling is completed.

Why Choose Bostech Drilling Australia?

  • 30+ Years of Proven Expertise: Trusted by junior explorers through to Tier 1 mining houses across Western Australia and Australia.
  • In-House Engineering & Manufacturing: Rigs and down-hole tools engineered specifically for harsh Australian ground conditions.
  • Fully Self-Contained Remote Operations: Equipped with custom support trucks, self-contained camps, and satellite communications for remote work.

Organise Your Next Exploration Drilling Programme

Discuss your upcoming exploration project with the technical team at Bostech Drilling Australia.

Contact Bostech Drilling today to request a competitive quote or learn more about our Aircore and Zero Impact drilling capabilities.