Providing advanced and effective drilling solutions and services across geographies and sectors sets South Africa-based drilling company Master Drilling apart from its competitors, says Master Drilling group business development manager Izak Bredenkamp.

“We are flexible and provide specialised services to suit our clients’ requirements. Applying technology development to our offering, results in us having a competitive advantage which improves business performance.

“Our technologies and applications – be it raiseboring, horizontal drilling or shaft boring systems that replace conventional shaft-sinking methods – are all designed to deliver the perfect response to global industry trends,” he explains.

He adds that, with underground mines becoming deeper, more time is dedicated to travelling to the face, resulting in a loss of productivity.

Automation, therefore, offers a solution whereby rigs can be run remotely from the surface, with 24-hour production.

Incorporating automation into the company’s operations not only eliminates human error but also leads to s lower maintenance costs, notes Bredenkamp.

The correct application of technology and experience also enables Master Drilling to break new ground, he says.

For example, the company set a world record this year with the completion of the 1 382 m pilot hole for raiseboring at Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde mine in Limpopo.

“What is impressive about this record is that it was achieved using a tool that had never before been used for such an application, coupled with one of our high technology machines.”

ur ultimate objective is to find solutions that assist with productivity throughput. We are open to joint ventures with clients, as well as joint technology development projects.”

It is a fast-changing industry, and companies need to be agile to adapt, says Bredenkamp.