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Drilling

Drilling is a core industry activity within the mining and resources sector, involving the boring of holes into the earth to explore for, define or extract mineral deposits. It encompasses exploration drilling, used to identify and delineate orebodies, as well as production drilling, which supports the extraction of ore in open-pit and underground operations. Techniques include diamond drilling, percussion drilling and blast-hole drilling, each suited to different geological conditions and project stages. Drilling contractors provide specialised rigs, crews and technical expertise to mining companies on a contract basis, allowing miners to scale activity without owning fleets. The sector is capital-intensive, requiring investment in rigs, consumables such as drill bits and rods, and skilled personnel. Drilling activity levels are a widely used indicator of exploration confidence and future mining investment, rising during periods of strong commodity prices and contracting during downturns. Safety, efficiency and accuracy are key operational priorities, given the cost implications of poor-quality drilling data on resource estimation. Technological advances, including automated and remote-operated rigs, are improving productivity and reducing risk to personnel. The industry serves major mining regions across Africa, including South Africa, and supports commodities ranging from gold and platinum-group metals to base metals and diamonds. Drilling companies often compete on turnaround time, data quality and the ability to operate in difficult terrain or depth conditions.

Drilling News


Capital reports higher revenue, drilling platform gains momentum
Capital reports higher revenue, drilling platform gains momentum
15th October 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

London-listed Capital has delivered group revenue of $115.7-million for the third quarter – a 23.3% increase year-on-year but a 1.4% decrease quarter-on-quarter.  Revenue for the first nine months... 


UK drill rig manufacturer uses Vesconite bushings for more than three decades
28th May 2026

A UK-based drill rig manufacturer has used low-friction wear-resistant Vesconite bushings on its trailer-mounted drill rigs and drill stands for more than 30 years, highlighting its faith in the... 


An image of the Sukari mine
Capital expects further growth after stronger 2025 performance
19th March 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

London-listed mining services company Capital achieved strong results for the year ended December 31, 2025, marking a clear transition from the challenges of the prior year, executive chairperson... 


Feaver Group Logo
Delivering drilling solutions that perform where it matters
4th February 2026

In mining and exploration, performance is measured in outcomes — metres drilled, uptime maintained and programmes delivered safely and efficiently. In some of the world’s most demanding... 


Drill rig underground at Bulyanhulu mine, in Tanzania
Mining services company Capital expects more revenue gains in high-demand environment
20th January 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

London-listed mining services provider Capital says it delivered a strong finish to the year ended December 31, 2025, with full-year revenue having been at the upper end of revised and raised... 


Mining’s hidden bottleneck goes digital as CorePlan puts spotlight on earthworks at IMARC
9th October 2025

Mining’s most expensive delays often come from its least visible stage: earthworks. Before a rig even turns, programs slip off track. Contractors run in silos. Costs vanish into spreadsheets. By... 


How Rosond equips youth for tomorrow’s skills economy
How Rosond equips youth for tomorrow’s skills economy
15th July 2025

(Virtual Showroom)Leading drilling technology solutions provider Rosond is redefining its role not just as a drilling-industry training provider, but as a launch pad for the digital-savvy workforce... 


Trump exhorts US to drill oil, gas after Iran attacks
Trump exhorts US to drill oil, gas after Iran attacks
24th June 2025 By: Bloomberg

US President Donald Trump urged his administration on Monday to boost drilling rates and market players to keep oil prices down amid fears that the aftermath of the US attacks on Iran's nuclear... 


Drill rig at Siguiri gold mine
Capital foresees revenue gains this year despite lower first-quarter results
23rd April 2025 By: Marleny Arnoldi

London-listed mining services company Capital has signed four new contracts for diamond and reverse circulation drilling in Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania, which will help meet its revenue... 


dump trucks
Capital board makes noncash provisions, impacting 2024 profits
10th March 2025 By: Darren Parker

London-listed mining services company Capital’s board has taken the decision to book noncash provisions in 2024, primarily relating to historical value-added tax receivables and various laboratory... 


Image of Atlas Copco DrillAir compressor
Air compressors for variety of drilling applications
6th March 2025

A range of air compressors specifically engineered to provide maximum air flow at any pressure setting is said to offer efficient and sustainable solutions for a range of drilling applications... 


Reko Diq
Barrick to expand Capital’s service offering at Reko Diq
20th January 2025 By: Darren Parker

London-listed mining services company Capital has received a letter of intent from gold mining company Barrick Gold Corporation, the operator and 50% owner of the Reko Diq copper/gold project, in... 


US sets stage for second oil and gas auction in Alaska refuge
US sets stage for second oil and gas auction in Alaska refuge
7th November 2024 By: Reuters

The Biden administration took a key step toward holding a required sale of oil and gas leases in an Alaska wildlife refuge with the publication of a final environmental review, the Interior... 


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pqt: 0.021s - ct: 0.06s - 105pq - 2rq
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