Mechanised underground hard rock mining specialist Pybar Mining Services has signed an agreement with Mauritius-based drilling services company Capital Drilling to comarket underground hard rock mining services in Africa.

Under the three-year agreement, Pybar will use Capital Drilling’s experience in Africa, where the company has been providing drilling services for mining operations for 15 years. However, Capital Drilling will also benefit from Pybar’s know- ledge in proving underground hard rock mining services.

Pybar CEO Paul Rouse says partnering with an established industry player such as Capital Drilling will facilitate entry into the African market. He highlights that, the focus remains on Australia, but that, with a large number of projects seeking to move underground in Africa, there is an opportunity to trans- fer its capabilities and best practice safety systems to a market that can benefit greatly from its expertise.

Further, Capital Drilling’s executive director Brian Rudd says the company has an uncompromising focus on safety, a solutions- focused approach and a commitment to providing customers with the most efficient and professional service.

“We look forward to working closely with Pybar to provide our customers with integrated solutions for underground mining projects throughout Africa,” asserts Rudd.

Pybar and Capital Drilling are set to execute an agreement to determine the way in which the projects will be undertaken should the comarketing efforts become successful in securing contracts in Africa.

Capital Drilling has a fleet of more than 90 drill rigs and offers services, including exploration, development, grade control and blast hole drilling to mineral explora- tion and mining companies.

Pybar describes itself as having has the agility and responsiveness of a private company combined with the capabilities and resources of a market leader.

Founded in 1993, Pybar Mining Services is the third-largest underground hard rock mining contractor in Australia.

Together with Pybar Group companies, Pybar provides a comprehensive service for the mining sector.

The group’s wholly owned subsidiary, HMR Drilling Services, provides specialist underground core drilling capability and surface exploration, while majority-owned JTMEC provides electrical design and construction.

Affiliate company PJL Group is a mecha- nical and engineering business with core competences in mining machinery and equipment rebuilds,maintenance, engineering and fabrication. PJL carries out Pybar major equipment rebuilds.

With group resources based in all major mining centres in Australia, Pybar has the ability to provide a scalable service for projects of any size.

Collectively, Pybar Group employs over 1 000 employees.