J&S Drilling recently completed several 4C and 8C Coring exploration drilling programs for valued clients, on the search for vanadium in Northern Queensland.
Each scope of works comprised of multiple drilling methods to depths up to 60m. In search of rich vanadium ore bodies. Although the resource depths are relatively shallow in comparison to typical exploration programs, various methods were trialled to achieve the best results for J&S Drilling clients.
In this specific area, ground conditions have a reputation for being challenging to drill. With stiff clays overlying unconsolidated sand and limestone. Immediately after the unconsolidated sand and limestone, is typically where the Vanadium ore body is intercepted. J&S Drillings crew were prompt to trial different drilling techniques. Therefore implementing these methods to increase penetration rates. In other words, continuing to deliver high recovery rates of core samples.
The drilling process typically comprised of the following drilling techniques:
8C core was requested by some of J&S Drillings clients. Therfore it was trailed by the drill team. However, it was J&S Drillings first attempt at conventional core of this size and the results didn’t disappoint. The 8C core programs were so successful that J&S Drillings client are now investigating utilisation of this approach for future drilling programs. In conclusion, the increase in core size allows for boosted data, laboratory sampling and a reduction in drill sites and total boreholes.
A Fraste FS400 drill rig was utilised with an 8×4 MAN with 8000L water capacity, a single 350psi/ 1050 cfm air compressors and a 525-60 JCB telehandler. J&S Drillings Fraste FS400 has an automated rod handling system which limits the need to handle drill pipe manually. The automated rod handling system, paired with the JCB telehandler allowed for minimal hands on steel, similarly reduced risk from manual handling injuries.
All programs were successfully delivered free of injury and well ahead of schedule. Due to the successful results delivered by J&S Drillings crew, there is high confidence of further vanadium exploration drilling programs for J&S Drilling in 2024.
