Drilling guide: The different methods of exploration and aircore drilling
There are several drilling techniques that can be used to identify and locate resources to be potentially mined and each of these methods extracts resources in a different way. In this guide, we’ll look at the various drilling methods and how they work, as well as what makes aircore drilling unique.
Here’s a quick rundown of the different drilling techniques we believe you should be aware of.
Exploration drilling
Exploration drilling is the process of searching for and locating subsurface resources. This type of drilling is used to identify the nature and size of a potential resource deposit. There are a variety of methods that can be used for exploration drilling, including rotary drilling, percussion drilling and aircore drilling.
Aircore drilling
Aircore drilling is a unique drilling method that uses compressed air to create a rotating column of air. This column of air can be used to drill through a variety of materials, including soil, rocks and ice. Aircore drilling is often used in place of traditional drilling methods, as it is more efficient and causes less damage to the surrounding environment. Aircore drilling projects are typically undertaken for the purpose of mineral exploration or construction.
There are a number of factors that make aircore drilling unique. First, the use of compressed air creates a more powerful drilling action than traditional methods. Second, the use of air instead of water prevents the formation of mud, which can cause environmental damage. Third, the use of an aircore drill allows for a more accurate drilling process, as it eliminates the need to remove debris from the hole. Finally, aircore drilling is less expensive and faster than traditional drilling methods.
RAB drilling
RAB drilling is a type of aircore drilling used for mineral sample extraction. A rotary auger is used to create a circular hole in the ground. After that, a sampling tube is inserted into the hole and the sample is extracted with compressed air. RAB drilling is a quick and efficient method of collecting mineral samples, typically done to assess the quality of a potential mining site.
Slimline Reverse Circulation Drilling
Reverse circulation drilling, or RC drilling, is a drilling technique that employs dual wall drill rods comprised of an outer drill rod and an inner tube. The drill cuttings are transported back to the surface in a continuous, steady flow through these hollow inner tubes. RC drilling is often used in mineral exploration, as it allows for rapid sampling of a large area. The technique can also be used in urban areas, as it produces minimal noise, dust and is less likely to cause damage to underground infrastructure than traditional drilling methods.
Zero impact drilling
Zero impact drilling is an environmentally friendly method of drilling that aims to not harm the environment in which the drilling is taking place. This can be done through the use of different drilling methods and by using environmentally friendly materials. For example, a company might use a water-based drilling fluid rather than a traditional petroleum-based fluid.
For more questions on aircore drilling or the other drilling methods above, feel free to contact our friendly Bellevue team on 08 9250 4252 today. You can also visit our website to learn more about the wide range of drilling services that we offer.