Mining
drilling.
Experts in mining drilling since 2006, FTE Drilling operates in Canada, the United States, Africa, and South America.
Explorations and mining operations.
FTE Drilling’s expertise drives mining projects forward, whether by reducing costs and timelines, ensuring continuous operations, or providing equipment suited for the most challenging conditions.
The quality of our work and our strategies has one goal: to maximize the profitability of your mining project.
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At FTE Drilling, we offer effective mining drilling solutions that optimize project costs, reduce timelines, and minimize the environmental impact, all while fully adhering to industry standards for quality and safety. How do we achieve it?
Our employees are trained in the latest drilling technologies to assess the needs of each of our clients with the highest precision. In addition to this, they undergo regular in-depth training on safety practices, emergency procedures, and the safe use of equipment.
Regarding the environment, our equipment adapts to all grounds and conditions, and allows for dry drilling with no water, minimizing negative impacts.
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Mines perform best when every step of the mining production cycle operates efficiently and without interruption. This is why we have implemented an operational strategy based on the following five pillars:
- High-performance equipment tailored to the mandate.
- Efficient logistics for managing spare parts and consumables.
- A skilled, structured, and experienced team.
- A committed HSE system in all areas of execution.
- A diverse mix of international experts and local knowledge.
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Mining exploration projects are, by definition, located in remote and difficult-to-access regions. We know you rely on us to provide drilling equipment suited to different terrains, as well as drilling specialists who are qualified and capable of facing your challenges. At FTE, our large fleet of drills and various auxiliary equipment allows us to offer high-performance drilling solutions at all times for mining operations in Canada, the United States, South America, and Africa.
- Rotary Air Blast (RAB)
- Grade Control
- Air Core (AC)
- Blast Hole Drilling
- And much more!
Types of mining drilling offered.
RC drilling (reverse
circulation drilling).
Up to 1,000 m deep
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Remarkable execution speed
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Guaranteed soil sample quality
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Cost-effective solution for high-volume samples
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Mining drilling that requires no water
Learn more about RC drilling in this article.
What is RC drilling?
RC (reverse circulation) drilling is a type of mining drilling where the ground is repeatedly and rapidly hammered using compressed air, with a pressure force that can reach up to 1 000 psi. The ground particles are crushed and returned to the surface through a closed circuit, hence the name “reverse circulation.”
At the circuit exit, a device (cyclone) is used to attach a bag to collect the drilled soil sample, which is then analyzed in a laboratory.
Why choose RC drilling?
RC drilling allows for the rapid and cost-effective determination of mineralization presence and/or ore content over large areas.
In exploration campaigns, this type of mining drilling helps identify mineralized zones, especially in the oxidized layer, but also in fresh rock.
In mining production, especially in gold mining, RC drilling is used to identify gold content upstream of excavation work, enabling the separation of ore (high, medium, and low gold content) from waste material.
Diamond drilling
(core drilling).
Up to 3,000 meters deep
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High-quality core samples
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Suitable for all types of ground
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Easily transportable equipment for hard-to-reach locations
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Ideal for deep drilling projects
What is diamond or core drilling?
Diamond drilling, also known as core drilling, retrieves a cylindrical rock sample, commonly called a “core”, to provide valuable information about the geological structure of the ground.
This type of drilling typically requires proximity to a water source such as a lake, river, or well (within 3 km) to supply the drill with water.
The drill head is fitted with a crown embedded with diamond bits and a hollow center, allowing it to cut through the rock while simultaneously penetrating the ground. The drilled core is then brought to the surface using a cable and winch system. Once extracted, the core is placed in a sample box for a geologist to conduct an initial visual inspection.
Why choose diamond drilling?
In exploration, this method allows for accurate identification of mineralized zones.
During mining feasibility studies, diamond drilling is essential as it helps gather critical data on the geological structure of the deposit.
Sonic drilling.
Up to 300 meters deep
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High-speed penetration through soft ground
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Excellent soil samples quality
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Ideal for installing monitoring instruments
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Enhanced precision for data collection
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Waterless drilling method
Learn more about sonic drilling in this article.
What is sonic drilling?
Sonic drilling is a fast and efficient technique used to penetrate soft ground and, to some extent, bedrock, while maintaining the integrity of the collected samples. It is frequently chosen for geotechnical investigations and the installation of measuring devices.
Since it doesn’t require water, sonic drilling is performed dry with minimal equipment, making it particularly efficient in remote or water-scarce environments. The method involves advancing the core barrel to collect an undisturbed sample, followed by advancing the casing to secure the borehole.
Why choose sonic drilling?
In mineral exploration, sonic drilling is often used to sample overburden layers. It allows for the recovery of intact soil samples from various strata while preserving their natural structure for accurate analysis.
This method delivers excellent recovery and preservation of soft soil layers, making it a top choice for high quality sampling.
Dual rotary drilling.
Up to 1,000 meters deep
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Compatible with various specialized drilling methods
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Effective in unstable and challenging ground conditions
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Large-diameter drilling capacity (up to 24 inches)
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Accurate identification of soil layers
What is dual rotary drilling?
Dual rotary drilling, also known as DR drilling, is a method that allows the casing to be advanced simultaneously with the drill bit. This makes it especially effective in unstable soils and difficult terrain.
Site preparation is a key component of this technique. Large-diameter casings are typically required and must be transported and positioned around the rig. Water and cutting collection systems must also be set up to support the operation.
As drilling progresses, the casing is advanced at the same rate as the drill bit using a rotary table. A discharge head is attached to the casing to channel cuttings into a container or settling basin on site.
Why choose dual rotary drilling?
This method is especially useful for dewatering wells, where verticality and borehole stability are critical. It’s also ideal for terrains where other techniques fail or when the surface casing installation is required.
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