Lake Lyle Hydro Project (GHD)

In November 2023, Tier 1 Drilling was contracted by GHD to perform a geotechnical investigation for the Lake Lyle Hydro Project near Lithgow, New South Wales. This four-month project required advanced drilling methods and equipment to gather essential data for the development of the hydro project.

The scope of work included air hammer rotary drilling, with cuttings collected via a cyclone system to extract samples for analysis. The deepest hole drilled was 270 metres (8-inch diameter), which required precise techniques to ensure the integrity of the samples. Additionally, PQ and HQ wireline coring was conducted at inclinations of 60 degrees, with holes reaching depths of up to 480 metres. These coring methods allowed Tier 1 Drilling to collect high-quality core samples for the client, contributing valuable information regarding the subsurface conditions.

One of the most significant challenges encountered during this project was the remote and difficult track access to the drilling sites. The rugged terrain necessitated the use of specialised track support equipment to navigate and operate efficiently. To meet the client’s specific target locations, navi drilling techniques were employed, enabling the team to achieve the desired drill angles and reach target depths despite the complex environment.

Tier 1 Drilling deployed advanced equipment, including the Hanjin 16 Multi rig and Sandvik D712 rig, along with a 4WD 10,000L water truck to support the drilling operations. The combination of this equipment, along with the team’s expertise in managing challenging sites, ensured the successful completion of the drilling programme.

The Lake Lyle Hydro Project demonstrated Tier 1 Drilling’s ability to deliver precise geotechnical services in difficult environments while meeting the technical requirements of large-scale infrastructure projects. Their ability to adapt to environmental challenges and utilise innovative techniques like navi drilling was instrumental in completing the programme to the client’s satisfaction.