Exploration Diamond Drilling (Sky Metals)

In April 2023, Tier 1 Drilling began an exploration diamond drilling programme for Sky Metals, focusing on tin deposits in the West Wyalong region of New South Wales. The project spanned April to August 2023, with the aim of uncovering valuable tin resources across a range of depths and challenging geological conditions.

The drilling programme involved holes ranging from 120 metres to 400 metres in depth, with inclinations between 50 and 65 degrees, specifically designed to maximise the efficiency of sample collection and data gathering. One of the significant challenges of this project was the extremely hard granite rock encountered at various depths, which required Tier 1 Drilling to develop custom in-house designed drill bits to successfully penetrate the formation without sacrificing performance or accuracy.

To overcome the difficult access and maintain operational continuity, the project utilised the Hanjin 16 Multi rig alongside a 10CR track rod carrier and a 4WD water truck to ensure smooth logistics and water supply at the remote site. Above ground sumps were also deployed to manage water and cuttings efficiently, maintaining a clean and controlled drilling environment.

The granite rock formations tested the equipment and expertise of the team, but the ability to design and implement custom drill bits was a key factor in successfully completing the project on time. The adaptability and problem-solving approach of Tier 1 Drilling was a major contributor to the project’s success, with Sky Metals receiving valuable data for assessing the tin deposit’s potential.

Tier 1 Drilling’s ability to handle tough drilling conditions while delivering high-quality samples highlighted their capacity to meet client requirements, even under difficult geological and environmental conditions. The successful completion of the project reaffirmed Tier 1’s standing as a reliable partner in exploration drilling.