JSE-listed Master Drilling has entered into a joint venture (JV) with Italian construction company Ghella to establish a new Italy-based company called TunnelPro.

TunnelPro will pursue tunnel-boring projects in the smaller-scope civil construction and broader mining industries, while also offering select product supply and professional services to industry third parties.

Master Drilling CEO Danie Pretorius commented in a statement last week that the JV was aligned with Master Drilling’s strategy to pursue a wider, more diversified footprint. Through TunnelPro, Master Drilling will access projects in new sectors and across various countries, while providing a platform for further vertical integration and risk mitigation.

Through the JV, Master Drilling and Ghella have acquired the business and trademarks of SELI Technology – an Italian company that designs and manufactures tunnel-boring machines and offers project support through professional services for the civil construction industry.

“The acquisition of SELI also gives us access to critical intellectual property and a deeper pool of skills, from engineers to experienced tunnelling personnel,” said Master Drilling tunnelling strategy executive Koos Jordaan.

Through TunnelPro, Ghella will be able to access mining- sector projects in which Master Drilling is well entrenched, while Master Drilling will further diversify its activities into the smaller civil and construction sectors requiring tunnel boring . . .”

Founded in Italy in 1894, Ghella has a rich history, with unique skills and experience in underground works and is renowned worldwide for its experience and know-how in the use of tunnel-boring machines.

The company is involved in the construction of many infrastructure projects, such as subways, railways, motorways, and water and hydraulic works, around the world.

Master Drilling is a South African company founded in 1986, which exploits technology to deliver disruptive, customised, safe and blast-free drilling solutions to its clients.

The JV will be owned 51% by Ghella and 49% by Master Drilling.