Exploration & drilling
Core drilling · Field geology · Remote zones
Context & challenges
Mineral exploration determines the viability and value of a deposit. The quality of geological data collected — directly dependent on the consumables and equipment used — underpins investment decisions that can reach hundreds of millions of dollars. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, exploration campaigns often take place in remote areas with no infrastructure, greatly complicating logistics and supply chain management.
MINEFECT understands the stakes of exploration: every metre drilled represents a significant cost, and core quality determines geological model accuracy. We support you with drilling consumables optimised for your geological formation, reliable instrumentation, and logistics capable of reaching the most isolated sites on the continent.
Key sector challenges
The constraints we help you overcome
Core quality and recovery
Recovering intact, representative cores is the primary objective of exploration drilling. A poor choice of core barrel, bit, or drilling fluid can cause core disintegration, distorting the geological interpretation and forcing costly re-drilling of the same intervals.
Logistics in remote areas
Exploration campaigns often take place in regions with no paved roads, far from any warehouse. A consumable stockout (bits, rods, drilling fluids) can halt an entire campaign for weeks, triggering massive mobilisation and demobilisation costs that dwarf the cost of the missing supplies.
Drill string durability
Rods, bits, and barrels are subjected to extreme mechanical stresses, amplified by geological variation (hard-soft transitions, fractured zones, aquifers). A rod failure at depth can cause a costly lost-in-hole situation and force hole abandonment.
MINEFECT solutions for this sector
Impregnated and surface-set bits adapted to soft, medium, and very hard formations for optimal core recovery.
Single and double tube wireline systems (NQ, HQ, PQ) for safe core recovery at depth.
High fatigue-resistance rods and precision threaded couplings for long-lasting drill strings without fluid loss.
Biodegradable muds, wall-stabilising polymers, and rheology additives for all geological conditions.
Core trays, labels, protective sleeves, and RQD measurement tools for comprehensive field documentation.
Air, track, or river delivery with packaging adapted to challenging transport conditions in remote African zones.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions from our clients
Bit selection depends primarily on rock hardness (RQD, compressive strength) and abrasivity. For soft to medium formations (limestone, marl), wide-matrix coarse-diamond bits are favoured for fast penetration. For hard to very hard formations (quartzite, granite), fine-matrix fine-diamond bits provide better wear resistance. Fractured formations require double-tube systems to prevent core loss. Our technical team can help you select based on your site's geological data.
For depths up to 300 m, NQ (47.6 mm core diameter) is often sufficient. Between 300 and 800 m, HQ (63.5 mm core) offers the best recovery-cost trade-off. For deep holes (800 m+) where core recovery is a priority, PQ (85 mm core) is recommended. It is also common to start in PQ and reduce to HQ or NQ (coring-in-core) depending on formations encountered.
We recommend starting with rigorous planning based on your drilling programme: planned metres, expected formations, and access lead times. On this basis, we size an initial safety stock (typically 20–30% above forecast) and schedule replenishment deliveries. If unexpected conditions arise (harder formations, abnormal consumption), our alert system enables a response within 24 to 72 hours.
Yes, we offer a range of natural polymer-based (guar, modified cellulose) and synthetic biodegradable fluids that meet the requirements of environmentally sensitive zones. These products are certified non-toxic and naturally degrade, limiting impact on soils and groundwater. Safety data sheets and ecotoxicological test results are available on request.
In the event of a lost drill string (broken rod, stuck string), the first step is to assess recoverability with an overshot tool. We supply these fishing tools and retrieving rods. If the string is unrecoverable, options are side-tracking or hole abandonment with regulatory back-filling. We can advise on the best strategy and rapidly supply the necessary fishing equipment.
An exploration campaign to prepare?
Share your drilling programme, expected geological formations, and site location. We'll prepare a complete supply plan for your campaign.