Mineral Exploration Drilling
Specialist Drilling Services for Coal, Hard Rock & Resource Projects
Reliable, High-Precision Drilling for Exploration & Mine Support
Slade Drill offers a comprehensive range of mineral exploration and resource drilling services across regional NSW and southern Queensland, including active regions such as the Shoalhaven, Nowra, Windsor, Richmond, the Blue Mountains, and the Southern Highlands. With over five decades of field experience, we support geologists, mining companies, and infrastructure developers with safe, accurate, cost-effective drilling solutions.
Whether you're gathering core samples, testing resource viability, or establishing service holes for a mining site, our skilled team and purpose-built rigs are equipped to deliver consistent results even in the complex terrain of Southern Highlands mining zones, Blue Mountains escarpments, and coastal NSW exploration on the north and south coast of NSW.
Our Exploration & Resource Drilling Services
Diamond Coring
Precision core recovery is ideal for geological analysis and sampling
Chip & Bulk Sampling
Fast, non-core methods for geochemical profiling and volume estimates
Reverse Circulation (RC) Drilling
High-efficiency method for mineral exploration with reduced contamination
PCD and Down-Hole Hammer Drilling
Ideal for hard formations requiring deep penetration and borehole stability
Mud Drilling
Used for bore control and stabilisation in specific formations
Overburden Drilling (Tubex)
Dual-wall drilling system for unconsolidated or soft ground
Mine Service & Support Drilling
We provide tailored groundwater solutions for a wide range of clients, including:
Vertical and Inclined Holes
for methane drainage, water injection, or mine ventilation
Dewatering Bores
for site stability and water control
Large Diameter RC Drilling
for bulk sampling or infrastructure preparation
Rig Specifications
Slade Drill operates a fleet of high-capacity rigs to suit a wide range of exploration and mine support drilling applications:
| Rig | NQ Core Depth | HQ Core Depth | Open Hole (4" Rods) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SR15/20 Rig | 1250m | 1000m | 800m |
| Drillwell 1000 Rig | 800m | 600m | 500m |
- SR15/20 Rig: Jack-up based, mobile by truck or crawler, designed for high-capacity exploration work
- Drillwell 1000 Rig: Truck-mounted and highly adaptable for remote or rugged site conditions
All rigs are maintained in-house and operated by experienced personnel for safe, consistent performance.
Industries & Project Types We Serve
- Mineral exploration (coal, hard rock, base metals)
- Geotechnical investigations for civil projects
- Environmental and hydrological drilling
- Mining infrastructure development
- Resource feasibility and sampling programs
Our Work in the Field
Servicing mineral exploration projects from the Central Coast to the Shoalhaven, with expert knowledge of NSW’s geological zones
including Bowral, Blue Mountains, and beyond.
Water Bore Headworks
Valve and Pipe Assembly at Artesian Outlet
Rural Water Bore Drilling
Water Bore Installation
Onsite Casing Welding
Artesian Drilling
Remote Setup
Mineral Exploration Drilling
Artesian Bore Installation
Irrigation Bore Drilling
Tank and Mud System in Bushland Setup
Remote Water Bore Drilling
Irrigation Bore Drilling
Compressor Rig and Generator Units in Rural Pasture
Artesian Bore Flow Test
High-Pressure Water Discharge from Bore
Mineral Exploration Drilling
Mineral Exploration Drilling with Core Rig
Water Bore Drilling
Drillwell 1000 Rig Setup
Water Bore Headworks
Valve and Pipe Assembly at Artesian Outlet
Rural Water Bore Drilling
Get Expert Support for Your Next Exploration Campaign
We deliver the technical depth, equipment capability, and safe work practices for successful drilling outcomes.
