J&S Drilling are extremely busy utilising their sonic drill rig to complete low impact sonic drilling projects in Queensland for Tier 1 clients. The team has successfully completed 4 sonic drilling projects since June 2021. With the drill rig only being able to catch small breaks in between each project. This is due to the high demand for sonic drilling across the mining industry. J&S Drilling have just commenced their 5th consecutive sonic programme at one of the largest coal mines in the Bowen basin. A 6 month project comprising of 42 boreholes with Monitoring Bore and VWP installations.
Sonic drilling has rapidly become the preference for drilling techniques when completing drilling in Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF). Mainly due to it little to no requirement for drill fluid or air to advance the rods deeper into the borehole.
The sonic method is extremely low impact on the TSF walls, allowing for confidence in engineers when conducting drilling and sampling operations. Sonic core samples are collected in 2m intervals while advancing the rod string deeper. Providing for SPTs, Push Tube Samples and Piston Samples to be completed at the required intervals.
J&S Drilling are currently utilising a Fraste XL170 Multidrill with Eijkelkamp Duo Sonic system fitted. The Drill rig has 2 drill heads for its multipurpose capabilities. Providing multipurpose capability in Sonic and rotary drilling. Both Drill heads are mounted to the same backboard, allowing for rapid conversion to either drilling methods. The rotary drill head is capable of high-speed diamond coring to low speed, high torque, rotary drilling. This low impact track mounted rig allows access into tight locations with minimal drill pad clearance required. Which proves effective when drilling on TSF walls. The drill rig is fitted with 2 rod handling systems promoting safe handling of drill rods and casing. Subsequently reducing exposure to manual handling hazards and potential injury.
J&S Drilling have hit the ground running again in 2022. Sonic Drilling Projects in Queensland starting in early January, and we are excited to see what the future holds for sonic drilling.
