Australasian Drilling

A USTRALASIAN 

Drilling 

The Official Journal of the Australian Drilling Industry Association Limited & The New Zealand Drillers Federation INC. 

REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST NO. NBG0073: AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL LIBRARY ISSN 1320-6524 

June/July 2015 

THE THREAD THAT JOINS THE INDUSTRY 

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Volume 34, No 3 

June/July 2015 

CONTENTS 

Australasian Drilling 

(Incorporating Australian Drilling and The NZ Driller 

is the official journal of The Australian Drilling 

Industry Association Limited and The New Zealand 

Drillers Federation Inc.) Registered by Australia 

Post NBG 0073 Australian National Library ISSN 

1320-6524. 

Reproduction in part or whole is not permitted 

without the written permission of the Chief 

Executive Officer of The Australian Drilling Industry 

Association Limited. 

The Association accepts no liability or responsibility 

for opinions expressed in this magazine, or for 

any loss or damage arising from any inaccurate 

information contained in any article or 

advertisement. 

Editor 

Christine Young 

PO Box 3020, Frankston East, VIC 3199 

Phone: +61 (0)3 9770 4000 

Fax: +61 (0)3 9770 4030 

Email: editor@adia.com.au 

Advertising Enquiries 

Australia, New Zealand, Asia, North America 

David Murray Smith, AGS Media 

5 Price Street, Melrose Park, SA 5039 

Mobile: 0411 748 213 

Phone: +61 (0)8 8277 9088 

Email: david@agsmedia.com.au 

Web: www.agsmedia.com.au 

GUEST FOREWORD 

Brendan Pearson: Minerals Council of Australia..................................................................... 7 

AUSTRALIAN DRILLING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 

CEO: Nigel Carpenter............................... 5 Introduce rt health fund..........................19 

ADIA Contacts...........................................10 New Members.......................................... 20 

Publications Available..............................10 DrillFest 2015 Preview............22: 4 pages 

From the Editor’s Desk............................14 Coming Events.........................................40 

Activity on the Western Front................16 

SAFETY 

Alan Girle................................................... 24 beyondblue.............................................. 26 

TRAINING 

WARITC .............................................................27 ADITC ............................................................... 28 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

Europe, Africa, Middle East 

Fabio Potesta 

Mediapoint and Communications SRL 

Corte Lambruschini-C 

SO Buenos Aires 8 Int 9, 16129 

Genoa, Italy 

Email: info@mediapointsrl.it 

Web: www.mediapointsrl.it 

Design & Printing 

Doran Printing Pty Ltd 

46 Industrial Drive, Braeside, VIC 3195 

Phone: +61 (0)3 9587 4333 

Fax: +61 (0)3 9587 3177 

Email: art@doranprinting.com.au 

Web: www.doranprinting.com.au 

AMEC.......................................................... 30 

BUSINESS MATTERS 

R&D Tax Incentives.................................. 33 

REGULARS 

Quiet Industry Achievers: Eric ‘Jacko’ 

Turnbull.......................................................12 

Minerals stats.............................................31 

Feature Segment: 

Minerals exploration............................... 36 

Subscriptions 

ADIA Head Office 

Phone: +61 (0)3 9770 4000 

Fax: +61 (0)3 9770 4030 

Email: adia@adia.com.au 

Web: www.adia.com.au 

Trade Practices Act 

The attention of advertisers is drawn to the Trade 

Practices Act 1974 and the provisions of the Act 

which apply to advertising. 

It is not possible for The Australian Drilling 

Industry Association Limited to ensure that 

all advertisements which are published in this 

magazine comply in all respects with the Act and 

the responsibility must therefore be on the person, 

company or advertising agency submitting the 

advertisement for publication. The Association 

reserves the right to refuse any advertisement 

without stating a reason. 

NEW ZEALAND DRILLERS FEDERATION 

NZDF President’s Report........................ 38 Drill 2015................................................... 39 

MEMBER NEWS 

Fordia SEA................................................. 39 

CLASSIFIEDS 

MarketPlace ..............................................41 List of Advertisers..................................... 46 

Service Guide .......................................... 42 

AUSTRALASIAN DRILLING JUNE / JULY 2015 

www.adia.com.au 3

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ADIA NEWS 

STAFF COLUMN 

CEO’S REPORT 

Nigel Carpenter 

Chief Executive Officer 

Safety 

Sadly, ten deaths have occurred at 

Australian mines in the first five months 

of this year. Thankfully, none of these 

incidents involved drilling rigs. Last year 

there were a total of fourteen deaths at 

Australian mines. 

This is a timely reminder to assess 

and upgrade your safety training and 

procedures where necessary. Everyone 

has the desire and right to make it home 

safely from work. For more information, 

visit www.adia.com.au/industry-safety/. 

WA royalty rates 

The ADIA welcomes the WA government’s 

announcement that royalty rates will not 

be increased for any commodities across 

the forward estimates. Royalty income is 

forecast to be $3.67billion next financial 

year which is about 14 per cent of the 

state’s total income. The drilling industry 

needs an increase in exploration activity 

and decisions such as increasing royalty 

rates would only have a negative impact 

on drilling activity. We need decisions 

which attract investment. 

Annual ADIA membership renewals 

The transition underway in the resources 

sector, from construction through to 

production, has been exacerbated by 

volatile commodity prices. These dual 

challenges are making life tough for 

companies, employees and the ADIA alike. 

The current operating environment 

across the drilling sector has put 

pressure on the ADIA’s revenues. 

Without our members renewing the 

ADIA will struggle to deliver basic 

member services and benefits. We need 

your support now more than ever. 

During the past year, we increased the 

value of ADIA membership with more 

member rewards and a new advocacy 

program. 

We are representing our members’ 

needs to government and other 

stakeholders including: 

• Lobbied for the federal government’s 

Exploration Development Incentive 

(EDI) 

• Helped stop an increase to the WA 

gold royalty rate 

• Lobbying the federal Assistant 

Minister for Education to protect the 

drilling industry’s national training 

package 

• Representation to government on 

changes to the WA Water Act 

• Working with the National Uniform 

Drillers Licensing Committee 

(NUDLC) to create a national 

waterwell license 

In March, we released our members’- 

only health insurance package with rt 

health fund. We are regularly improving 

the ADIA website which now has an 

‘Industry Safety’ section. In the coming 

weeks, we are adding a ‘Job Centre’ 

which will help our members find 

employees or employment. 

The ADIA continues to deliver a growing 

number of quality networking events and 

workshops including DrillFest2015 which 

will be held in Perth from 21st-22nd 

October. DrillFest is free for members to 

attend. For more information, visit www. 

adia.com.au. 

ADIA membership also ensures you 

receive your own Australasian Drilling 

magazine six times a year. Australasian 

Drilling is the only source of news and 

information for the onshore drilling 

industry. 

Your membership also entitles you to a 

business listing on the ADIA’s website 

which receives nearly 5,000 visitors per 

month. This is the perfect time to renew 

to claim your membership subscription 

as a tax deduction. 

We hope you renew your membership 

so we can keep giving back to our 

members in 2015/2016. Please contact 

me if you have any questions regarding 

your renewal on 0408 506 232 or nigel@ 

adia.com.au. 


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QUEENSLAND RESOURCES COUNCIL 

MINERALS COUNCIL 

OF AUSTRALIA 

By Brendan Pearson 


It is clear that Australia’s mining industry is 

facing a number of challenges including 

sharply lower commodity prices. 

The correction in prices has led some to 

diminish both the industry’s contribution 

to the economic success of Australia 

over the past decade; and to claim that 

mining will not continue to play a large 

part in our economic future. 

Both propositions are wrong. 

To provide some context on the mining 

sector’s contribution over the last decade, 

the Reserve Bank of Australia released 

research last year that measured just what 

Australia would have looked like if the 

mining boom did not happen. 

The research demonstrated that 

household incomes – across the 

country, not just in the mining sector 

– were 13 per cent higher than they 

would have been without the boom. 

Real wages were 6 per cent higher. 

Unemployment was 1.25 per cent lower 

than it would have been. That is not a 

bad dividend. Better living standards, 

higher wages and 150,000 more jobs. 

The expansion of the last decade 

will also ensure that mining will 

remain a big part of our economic 

story for decades to come. 

The one trillion dollars invested in 

the resources sector over the last 

decade has increased the capital 

stock of the sector by a factor of 

four. 

Some point to the slowdown in activity 

in China. 

Last year, China’s economy grew at 

a rate of 7.4 per cent. But it must be 

remembered that this growth is in an 

economy that is now twice as big as it 

was in 2005. 

There are two very good reasons why 

we shouldn’t prematurely write off 

China’s growth prospects. 

China is under-urbanised given its per 

capita GDP. The urbanised population 

is estimated currently at close to 55 per 

cent which is below the average for 

countries with similar levels of per capita 

GDP. China will still be under-urbanised 

relative to other countries at roughly 

similar levels of development, even if it 

succeeds in adding another 100 million 

to its urban population by 2020, which is 

the current plan. 

This continuing urbanisation trend will 

continue through the 2020s and 2030s, 

and will require huge investments in 

housing, public utilities and transport 

systems in third and fourth tier 

cities where most rural migrants are 

expected to settle. It will require huge 

investments in major cities as they 

improve residential standards; build 

new industries; and improve and add to 

essential transport, communications, 

education and health infrastructure. 

And it will generate new streams of 

wealth that will be reflected in shiny 

new automobiles and other consumer 

durables. In short, urbanisation will 

underpin continuing strong demand 

for steel and other versatile metals like 

copper and aluminium. 

China’s energy consumption will also 

increase very substantially in the next 

10-20 years. Under the IEA’s central 

scenario, additions to China’s electricity 

capacity between 2014 and 2035 are 

projected to be approximately double 

the capacity added in the United States, 

Europe and India, and to be nearly five 

times the capacity added in South East 

Asia. 

Coal will continue to play a dominant 

role in China’s energy mix for many years 

to come. The industrialisation of western 

and central China, increasing levels 

of urbanisation and rising per capita 

energy consumption as an essential 

part of development will continue to be 

the major factors on the demand side. 

Adoption of high efficiency coal-fired 

generating technology, carbon capture 

and storage (CCS) and new advanced 

coal gasification plants should also add 

significantly to demand and extend the 

longevity of the ‘coal age’. 

And we should not overlook India, which 

is expected to overtake China as the 

world’s most populous country by 2030. 

The working age population alone in 

India is expected to reach around 1 

billion by 2030. 

Put simply, while commodity 

prices are not likely to return to 

the peaks of a few years ago, the 

Australian minerals sector is still 

likely to be a major contributor to 

the national economy over the 

next few years. 

For Australia’s top 5 commodity exports 


www.adia.com.au 7


QUEENSLAND RESOURCES COUNCIL 

– iron ore, coal, gold, copper and 

alumina - these exports generated $142 

billion in export earnings. In 2018-9, 

these same commodities are expected 

to generate $177 billion in export 

earnings - a compound annual growth 

rate of 4.5 per cent. 

Let’s look at iron ore in particular, given 

the recent debate. Based on recent 

media commentary, some people may 

deduce from the current debate about 

iron ore that its contribution to the 

economy is contracting rapidly. 

This is not correct. The recent federal 

budget estimates show iron ore and LNG 

contributions to exports to continue to 

increase: iron ore will be a $90 billion 

export industry within two years. 

While on the subject of mining’s 

contribution to the economy, it is 

worth highlighting just how much tax 

the Australian sector contributes to the 

Treasury coffers. 

According to the latest Australian Tax 

Office data, the mining industry paid 

more than $13 billion in company tax 

alone in 2012-13. This is the second 

highest contribution by a sector after 

financial services. 

Another way to put it is that despite 

accounting for less than 1 per cent of 

all companies liable to pay company 

tax, the mining industry paid more than 

20 per cent of the total amount of all 

company tax. 

There is no doubt that mining pays its 

fair share of tax. 

However, mining contributes far more 

than just tax and jobs to the nation. 

The industry has made large gains 

with Indigenous Australians over the 

last few decades, and the pay-off that 

relationship is delivering about $2.5 

billion in native title payments annually. 

The procurement spend by mining 

companies with Indigenous businesses 

is about $3 billion annually, according 

to respected Indigenous Leader and 

academic Marcia Langton who recently 

reviewed the industry’s relationship with 

Indigenous Australia. 

That’s about 350 times the amount 

that the Commonwealth Government 

currently spends with indigenous 

businesses. 

The bottom line is that the outlook for 

Australia’s mining industry as a whole is 

much more promising than many socalled 

experts would suggest. 

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CONTACTS 

AUSTRALIAN DRILLING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION LIMITED 

PRESIDENT: Jonathan Nitschke I SECRETARY: Todd Symons 

Administration 

HEAD OFFICE 

PO Box 3020, Frankston East, 

Victoria 3199 Australia 

Phone: +61 (0)3 9770 4000 



Chief Executive Officer: 


Mobile: +61 (0)408 506 232 

Email: nigel@adia.com.au 

Editor: 


Email: christine@adia.com.au 

Administration & Accounts: 

Michelle Ebblewhite 


WESTERN AUSTRALIA 

Industry Development Officer 

Mark Bolland 

Mobile: +61 (0)409 155 073 

Email: mark@adia.com.au 

Turn to pages 19-22 for all the 

DrillFest 2015 details 

Board of Directors 

Rick Armstrong +61 (0)8 6213 0729 

Andrew Gilbert +61 (0)419 904 854 

James Colby +61 (0)8 9459 7174 

Peter Hall +61 (0)413 608 050 

Peter Hanias +61 (0)419 344 699 

Steven Mathams +61 (0)428 774 574 

Jonathan Nitschke +61 (0)438 868 396 

Richard Reed +61 (0)400 365 887 

Simon Spaulding +61 (0)3 6424 6900 

Phil Spence +61 (0)448 290 819 

Todd Symons +61 (0)427 058 258 

Tim Westcott +61 (0)8 9494 1352 

Life Members 

Geraldine Langtry 

Tony Walsh 

John McLean 

Mike McDermott 

Don MacPherson 

Stan Gricks 

Gary Daly 

John McAvan 

Bob Adams 

Graeme Wallis 

Alan Ryan 

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QUIET INDUSTRY ACHIEVERS 

ERIC ‘JACKO’ TURNBULL 


By Christine Young 

Eric ‘Jacko’ Turnbull has used almost 

every drilled method. He’s drilled 

pretty much everywhere in Australia. And 

he’s drilled for countless underground 

resources. All of it has been while 

working for the same drilling company. 

He began offsiding with Longyear (now 

Boart Longyear) nearly 39 years ago in 

August 1976. 

‘I went through some of the early 

days when we trialled the first lot of 

impregnated diamond bits at Olympic 

Dam, and hated them at first, no-one 

thought they would last, but look at 

them now!’ he says. 

He’s drilled the conventional RC 

(reverse circulation) method ‘then we 

went to face sampling hammers and 

high performance hammers. I guess 

everything just got bigger and bigger as 

we went. You’d run a little compressor 

in the old days. Now we have two, and 

sometimes three, 1450psi compressors 

running for RC and dual rotary waterwell 

drilling’, he says. 

Eric would rather be knee deep in 

limestone than the limelight. He has lots 

of remarkable stories from the drilling 

fields though. There’s no sense of drama 

or exaggeration. He speaks with a voice 

of experience that has overcome many 

challenges. He just got on with the job at 

hand. And still does. 

Eric was no stranger to hard work in the 

outdoors before he started drilling. He 

hails from Queensland where he was 

originally doing fencing work on outback 

stations. In the early 1970s, he headed to 

Adelaide with a mate looking for work. 

He found jobs at dairies before landing 

a gig in Glenelg with horseracing legend 

Bart Cummings. 

During this time, Eric had become mates 

with Brenton Manners who got a job 

with Longyear and is also there to this 

day. Eric heard from Brenton that it was 

going well so he decided to give it a go. 

Eric’s first job as a driller’s offsider was 

in Luina on the west coast of Tasmania. 

It was ‘a big surprise’ for a Queensland 

boy. 

‘I’d never seen ice or snow in my 

life before. So it was an experience, 

especially trying to keep warm’, he says. 

The drill crew staved off the cold by 

stuffing their pockets with burlap/ 

hessian. ‘Once you were warmed 

up, you were fine, because you had 

raincoats on over everything. Other than 

that, you just got cold’, he says. 

Eric’s first rig was a Longyear 38 which 

was drilling BQ holes [60mm] down to 

600 metres. He says drilling itself hasn’t 

changed that much since then though 

the advent of digital navigation and 

survey technology has made a huge 

impact on improving target results. 

Before survey cameras, drillers used ‘a 

little instrument called a tropari instead 

of a camera. It was a little set of gimbles 

and you wound it up like a clock. It was 

probably only 4 or 5 inches long and it 

just had its own brass pressure sleeve. 

And when the clock turned round, it 

locked in everything like azimuth and 

dip’. 

He says the new instruments are a 

‘Godsend’ for the information they 

collect but the biggest advance is in 

safety such as rod-handling machinery. 

‘People were getting hurt and you can’t 

have that’, he says. 

Without the benefits of modern 

technology and training programs, Eric 

quickly learnt that working on a rig safely 

and efficiently was all about paying close 

attention to everything. 

‘Everything you really learnt, you learnt 

from the people you were working with. 

That’s where your experience came 

from. You just watched, listened and did 

as you were told, pretty much’, he says. 

After nine months, he was 

unceremoniously made a driller on a job 

in Queensland. 

He’d been drilling for three months on 

a crew with some long-time drillers 

which included a gentleman called Fred 

Dargatz. ‘We all went in to Capella to 

have a beer because we thought we’d 

finished the program. I was keen to 

get home, and he said, “You’d better 

not drink too much because you’re 

on the levers tomorrow, you’re drilling 

tomorrow”. And I looked at him like: 

What are you talking about?’ He was 

back out on site the following day with 

an offsider and they were joined by a 

crew one month later. 

It was around this time that Eric was 

dubbed ‘Jackson’ by John Dargatz, 

Fred’s brother and also a driller. ‘His 

English wasn’t all that great and he 

started calling me all these different 

names. It was all in fun. One day he said, 

I’ll call you Jackson, it’s easier’, he says. 

And in fine Aussie tradition, Jackson 

soon became ‘Jacko’. 

Eric isn’t too concerned about the 

names or titles he’s been given over the 


QUIET INDUSTRY ACHIEVERS 


years. Sometimes he’s a field supervisor, 

sometimes he’s in operations or 

commissioning a rig. He just goes where 

he’s needed. 

‘I’ve taken on different roles as they 

come up. When the role finishes, you 

virtually go back supervising until 

another turns up’, he says. 

These roles have taken him to Chile, Fiji, 

Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, South 

Africa, Kalgoorlie and the Pilbara (WA); 

and to Roxby Downs in South Australia 

on a 22-rig project. 

He’s been back to the west coast of 

Tasmania drilling for scheelite, which 

ia a tungsten ore, and has not drilled it 

anywhere else in Australia. 

‘You’d run radial faced bits so you didn’t 

wash the sample away. It was just like 

pouring thick cream into the core trays. 

That was really, really difficult. But 

you adapt. Once you’ve been around 

a long time, you can go into some of 

these difficult areas, and think your way 

through them’, he says. 

At the other end of the scale, Eric drilled 

in an underground mine in South Africa 

which reached temperatures of up to 

65ºC. This was a real eye-opener: partly 

because his drill crew kept disappearing 

to get relief from the heat and partly 

because of the different drilling style. 

‘They turned a rod string back-to-front 

and they have the bit on the box end of 

the rod. Then they just drill with water 

up the outside of the string and push the 

core down the drill string so it’s like a 

reverse diamond drilling technique. They 

don’t use inner tubes or anything like 

that. It’s been used quite successfully by 

them’, he says. 

A highlight for Eric was going to 

Chuquicamata Copper Mine in northeast 

Chile which is the world’s biggest 

open pit copper mine by excavated 

volume. Chuquicamata is nearly 3,000 

metres above sea level; and it’s the 

world’s second deepest open pit mine at 

850 metres. 

Eric was helping to commission a 

Longyear LMP 850 RC drilling rig. Due 

to the high atmospheric pressure at the 

mine, the rigs weren’t able to operate 

with the standard Australian motors. 

‘So we put the extra big motors in them. 

When they put the rigs down in the 

mine, you’d look up and think, Oh god, I 

don’t know how I’m going to get out of 

here … because it was just so deep. You 

look down over the lip and the trucks 

are like mini-toys down at the bottom. It 

was quite an experience working there’, 

he says. 

‘From Antofogasta, the roads just go 

up and up and up. Brakes on trucks 

wouldn’t hold sometimes. It’s just that 

steep and that long. There were a lot of 

accidents on that road. But that’s the 

game. And the people were great. 

I’ve been lucky I guess. Over the years, 

I’ve met some really, really good people 

in and out of the drilling game. 

When Eric started in the industry, the 

standard roster was thirteen weeks on 

and two weeks off. Firm friendships were 

formed during these long stints in drilling 

camps. 

‘It’s a long time away from your family 

when you’re doing those stints. You 

learnt to respect people’s privacy and 

you just got along with them as mates. 

You weren’t going anywhere’, he says. 

Eric is still happy going wherever the 

work takes him; and is enjoying spending 

more time with family especially now he 

has grandkids. 

He sees a lot of promise in some of the 

new drillers coming through the ranks 

and is confident about handing over the 

baton when the time comes. 

‘The new generation is moving it 

forwards now and good luck to them I 

say’. 


www.adia.com.au 13

ADIA NEWS 

STAFF COLUMN 

FROM THE 

EDITOR’S DESK 

As most of you will be aware, the 

ADIA is facing similar challenges 

and difficulties to many businesses 

in the drilling industry. Nonetheless, 

we are committed to delivering on all 

member services: especially Australasian 

Drilling. For those readers not aware, the 

magazine is compiled based on a ’50- 

50 rule’: for every page of advertising, 

we produce a page of editorial. The 

magazine may have shrunk this year but 

it’s still able to supply readers with all 

the articles they look forward to: Quiet 

Industry Achievers; Guest Foreword; 

CEO Report; and training, safety and 

industry news. Join ADIA or renew your 

membership today and you’ll receive this 

mag six times a year. 


Editor 

I have been researching and developing 

a number of digital marketing and 

communications platforms to improve 

services to our members. We have been 

sending ad hoc e-news bulletins for 

some time now; and intend on sending 

them on a monthly basis now, that is, 

in-between magazines. Please contact 

me if you would like to be added to the 

email list. Our LinkedIn and Facebook 

communities are rapidly growing at 

the moment which is fantastic for an 

industry supposedly not engaging much 

in new media. Watch this space! 

Drilling Industry Register 2015/16 

I’ve started to compile the next Drilling 

Industry Register. The best way to update 

your details is via the ADIA website; 

contact me if you need login access. 

Please call or email me whether or not 

you have changes for your company 

listing. This will ensure I print the correct 

information and your customers know 

how to contact you. 

Note: The annual Drilling Industry 

Register is a directory of ADIA members 

and entry in it is only available to ADIA 

company members. This is another great 

reason to be an ADIA member! 

Until next time, keep on drillin’! 

Contact: christine@adia.com.au 

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kwik-ZIP® is a registered trademark of kwik-ZIP Pty Ltd Certified to ISO 9001: 2000 


ADIA NEWS 

STAFF COLUMN 

ACTIVITY ON THE 

WESTERN FRONT 

Mark Bolland 

Industry Development Officer 

According to the DMP WA’s 2014 

mineral & petroleum industry review, 

the value of Western Australia’s mineral 

and petroleum industry in 2014 reached 

just over $114 billion. 

Iron ore remained the state’s highest 

value commodity, accounting for $65 

billion (75 per cent) of total mineral 

sales in 2014. This represents a decrease 

of six per cent from 2013 which can 

be attributed to the sharp drop in iron 

ore prices in the second half of the 

year. Project expansions, together with 

strong demand led by China, saw iron 

ore achieve record levels of export 

quantities. In total, 697 million tonnes 

of iron ore were exported which was an 

increase of 25 per cent on the previous 

calendar year. 

The US dollar gold was weaker 

throughout 2014 compared to the 

previous period and averaged US$1,266 

an ounce, down 10 per cent. In 

Australian dollar terms, the gold price 

averaged A$1,413, a fall of three and a 

half per cent. This resulted in total sales 

of $8.7 billion for 2014, close to that of 

2013. 

Together iron ore and gold accounted 

for $73.7 billion (85 per cent) of all 

mineral sales in 2014. 

The petroleum sector, which includes 

crude oil, condensate, LNG, natural gas 

and LPG (butane and propane), was 

valued at $27.6 billion, an increase of 

11.8 per cent on the previous year. This 

increase was largely attributed to LNG. 

The Australian dollar averaged 90 US 

cents for the period, a fall of seven per 

cent. This weakening of the Australian 

dollar helped to offset falling commodity 

prices. Traditionally perceived as a 

commodity currency, the Australian 

dollar decreased in line with falling 

commodity prices and therefore 

shielded producers to some extent from 

lower prices. Increased output, the result 

of considerable investment in resource 

projects, particularly iron ore, also 

boosted the end result. 

ABS figures showed that mining 

investment activity in Western Australia 

fell slightly during 2014, with the state’s 

mining industry investing $46 billion, 

a one per cent decrease compared to 

2013. This result was not unexpected as 

large investment in mine expansions and 

new projects slowed in the transition 

from construction to the production 

phase of the resource lifecycle. 

Western Australia remained the nation’s 

leading mining investment destination, 

attracting 55 per cent of total national 

capital spending of $83 billion. 

Although recent falls in commodity 

prices have also caused some mining 

companies to re-evaluate their 

investment positions the dominance 

of the resources sector in the nation’s 

economy is expected to continue. This 

is due to the number of projects which 

have been expanded or developed, in 

particular iron ore and LNG. 

As at March 2015, Western Australia 

had an estimated $179 billion worth of 

resource projects under construction or 

in the committed stage of development. 

A further $118 billion has been identified 

as being allocated to planned or possible 

projects in coming years. 

DrillFest 2015 is marching forward with 

well over half of the available exhibition 

space allocated to ADIA members 

involved; and the show is being highly 

anticipated by the drilling industry. 

For further information, contact me at 

mark@adia.com.au or mobile 0409 155 

073. 

ADIA welcomes these new 

members to the fold ... 

Individuals 

Michael Greenham 

Companies 

Welltech Total Water Management 

(Perth, WA) www.welltech.com.au 


FRANKLIN 

IRRIGATION 

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For over 70 years Franklin 

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have proven to be ideal for the 

most demanding applications. 

They offer unmatched reliability, 

service and availability for all 

your pumping needs. 

www.franklinwater.com/au 1300 FRANKLIN (372 655) 

FE1129 1/15

INTRODUCTION 

Jonathan Nitschke 

ADIA President 

On behalf of the ADIA board and 

staff, I’d like to invite the drilling 

industry in Australia and beyond to visit 

DrillFest 2015 in Perth, WA. DrillFest 

is a show like no other in the industry 

with a focus on practical, hands-on 

demonstrations and workshops. 

We are offering free entry to delegates 

so this is a great chance to bring your 

drilling crews to brush-up on the latest 

technology and trends. 

I appreciate that many are doing it tough 

in the current challenging market. 

However, we all have reason to be 

confident about DrillFest: 

• we sold all sponsorships within a 

month of setting it up 

• we have already sold more than half 

the exhibition booths 

Our thanks especially go to the 

companies who are generously 

supporting DrillFest with sponsorship 

and/or by buying an exhibition booth 

(more than one or two in some cases). 

We couldn’t run this show without your 

support. 

The industry may be slow but we are 

a determined, resilient and resourceful 

group of people. This downturn won’t 

last forever. 

DrillFest will be an excellent opportunity 

to learn and share knowledge while 

connecting with old friends and new. 

Moreover, it provides numerous 

opportunities for delegates, exhibitors 

and sponsors to increase profit and 

improve their businesses. 

There will be an industry briefing on the 

first evening which will be a prime forum 

to mingle with potential and existing 

customers. And there’s no better excuse 

to take a rare break from work. 

DrillFest is the only major industry event 

this year so make sure you support your 

industry and association. 


www.adia.com.au 19

Exhibitor Prospectus 

y 

e 

e 

DrillFest is traditionally a low-key 

affair that gives participants an 

opportunity to discuss current issues 

and learn from industry specialists 

and colleagues. DrillFest 2015 is a 

highly interactive show with live 

demonstrations, workshops and product 

launches. There will also be an industry 

briefing on the first evening of the event 

to allow exhibitors and their guests to 

network in a relaxed social setting. 

• Australasian Drilling readers 

• Chamber of Minerals & Energy WA 

• Members of the Association of 

Mining Exploration Companies 

• Members of the Spatial Industries 

Business Association 

• Members of the Australian Land & 

Groundwater Association 

DrillFest 2015 will be heavily promoted 

• Members of the Australian Society for 

to numerous industry stakeholders: 

There will also be an industry Sundowner on the Trenchless first Technology 


(Incorporating Australian Drilling and The NZ 

evening of the event to allow exhibitors and their guests 

Driller is the official journal of The Australian 

• Members of Australian Drilling 

Drilling Industry Association Limited and The 

to network in a relaxed social setting. 

New Zealand Drillers Federation Inc.) 

• On LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter 

Industry Association 

Registered by Australia Post NBG 0073 Australian 

National Library ISSN 1320-6524. 

DrillFest 2015 will be heavily promoted to numerous 

Reproduction in part or whole is not 

permitted without the written permission of 

the Chief Executive Officer of The Australian 

industry stakeholders: 

Drilling Industry Association Limited. 

The Association accepts no liability or 

• Members of the Australian Drilling Industry 

responsibility for opinions expressed in this 

magazine, or for any loss or damage arising 

from any inaccurate information contained 

Association 

in any article or advertisement. 

• Australasian Drilling readers 

• Chamber of Minerals & Energy WA 

• Members of the Association of Mining Exploration 

Companies GOLD 

• Members of the Spatial Industries Business 

Association 

• Members of the Australian Land & Groundwater 

Association 

SILVER 

• Members of the Australian Society for Trenchless 

Technology 

• On LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter 

Expressions of interest BRONZE are also sought from companies 

or organisations who would like to present a paper at the 

event, run a workshop or run a product launch. Offers will 

be selected for their relevance and general interest to the 

target audience. 

We also welcome enquiries about Demonstration 

sponsorship which is 

an excellent opportunity to reach Area key Sponsor drilling contractors 

in one location. Contact Mark on 0409 155 073 or mark@ 

adia.com.au. 

Sponsors 

Editor 


P.O. Box 3020 Frankston East, VIC 3199 

Phone: (03) 9770 4000 

Fax: (03) 9770 4030 






Phone: (08) 8277 9088 



Europe, Africa, Middle East 

Fabio Potesta 




Genoa, Italy 






Phone: (03) 9587 4333 

Fax: (03) 9587 3177 



Subscriptions 

ADIA Federal Office 

Phone: (03) 9770 4000 

Fax: (03) 9770 4030 




The attention of advertisers is drawn to the 

Trade Practices Act 1974 and the provisions 

of the Act which apply to advertising. 

It is not possible for The Australian Drilling 


all advertisements which are published in 

this magazine comply in all respects with 

the Act and the responsibility must therefore 

be on the person, company or advertising 

agency submitting the advertisement for 

publication. The Association reserves the 

right to refuse any advertisement without 

stating a reason. 

www.adia.com.au 

Expressions of interest are also sought 

from companies or organisations who 

would like to present a paper at the 

event, run a workshop or run a product 

launch. Offers will be selected for their 

relevance and general interest to the 

target audience. 

We also welcome enquiries about 

sponsorship which is an excellent 

opportunity to reach key drilling 

contractors in one location. Contact 

Mark on 0409 155 073 or 

mark@adia.com.au. 

Contents Volume 32, no 1, January/February 2013 

Inside this Issue 

Regular Features 

Cover Story: 

q 

q 

The voice of the drilling industry 

d 

Media Partners 


Platinum Sponsors of 

Drill 2015 | West Coast | South Island 

20-23 August 

Hanjin 45-D 

45-CBM with Jack-Up Platforms 

KEY FEATURES 

• 45,000kg pullback 

• 350mm Ø working table 

• 0 – 1100 spindle rpm 

• 10m stroke 

• 14,700 Nm torque 

• 1800m H, 1500m rotary/DHH 

• Tracks with remote tramming 

• Rod handling system 

• Jack-up platform & rod sloop 

KEY BENEFITS 

• Small footprint 

• Multi-purpose capability 

• Excellent power-to-weight ratio 

• Modern, user-friendly controls 

• Exceptional value-for-money 

• Rig parts & 24/7 support 

McCullochs D&B 

207 Midland Highway 

Epsom, Victoria 3551 

(03) 5445 6900 

sales@mccullochs.com.au 

www.mccullochs.com.au

Demonstration 

Area Sponsor 

27 Belmont Avenue 

Belmont WA 6104 

t: 08 9475 2022 

info@perthexpo.com.au 

www.perthexpo.com.au 

ABN: 71 916 718 729 

Drill Fest 2015 

21 - 22 October 2015 

Ascot Race Course, Bookmaker Pavilion 

Designed By: Gabriel 

Account Manager: Elaine 

Revision No: 3 

Organiser: - 

DrillFest 2015 Exhibition Area 

Revision Date: 12/02/2015 Approval Date: 

Stand System: Seamless Page Content: Plan 

Scale: N/A 

DrillFest2015.dwg 

Correct at the time of printing . Exhibitors should check the currency of the plans as the event organiser 

reserves the right to make alterations as required. Plan subject to venue approval. © Perth Expohire 2015. 

Copyright C 2015 Perth Expohire 

Advanced Pump Technologies 

Age Developments Pty Ltd 

Alpha Geoscience Pty Ltd 

AMC Drilling Fluids & Products 

Austex 

Australasian Mining Services 

Auto Control Systems 

Blue Chip CNC Machining 

Boart Longyear Australia 

Corporaal Enterprises 

Darling Downs Drilling-Modpod 

Downhole Surveys 

Drilling Tools Australia 

Drillstar Engineering 

Dynapumps 

Energy Power Systems Australia 

Evolution Drill Rigs Pty Ltd 

Franklin Electric 

Hard Metals Australia Pty Limited 

Hardcore Diamond Products 

Harlsan Industries 

HMI/Hard Metal Industries 

Intersight 

kwik-ZIP Centralizers 

MEH Equipment Hire Pty Ltd 

Metzke 

Mincon Rocktools 

Ozcon Industries 

Penske Power Systems 

Sandvik Mining & Construction 

Schramm Australia 

Shakti Pumps 

Total Eden 

Welldrill/Fraste 



www.adia.com.au 23

ADIA NEWS 

rt health fund 

RT HEALTH’S TIPS 

FOR STAYING HEALTHY 

Men are notorious for ducking the doctor. But catching problems early makes them easier to treat. So, don’t put off regular 

health checks. In this article, rt health fund offers simple tips and health tricks brought to you by our health and wellbeing 

team, Australia’s not-for-profit health fund serving people in the energy and transport industries. 

Breathe better. Breathe out from your 

nose and then suck air you’re your 

body via your nose. Your lungs will fill 

with nitric oxides a chemical found at 

the back of your nose. This helps to 

open up blood vessels helping you feel 

calmer and more alert. 

Don’t forget to floss. Keeping your 

mouth and gums healthy prevents oral 

bacteria from entering the body and 

causing inflammation. See your dentist 

twice a year for a good clean and ensure 

your teeth are in top form. 

Do something positive about stress. 

Being stressed may mean that you don’t 

eat properly, or smoke and drink, which 

all increase your risk of heart disease and 

emotional illness. Talk to your GP who 

can help you. And try to make time for 

yourself to relax, unwind and get the rest 

your body needs. 

Fill up half way. Pile on the veggies every 

lunch and dinnertime and you’ll soon tip 

the balance towards healthier eating. 

Snack smarter. Too much salt can raise 

your blood pressure. And, since three 

quarters of the salt you consume is 

likely to come from ready-prepared/ 

processed foods, try to cook from 

scratch if you can and fill up on fresh – 

veggies and fruits that is! 

Switch to fish. Even white fish contains 

omega-3 fats, these are essential fats 

that your body can’t make and you have 

to get from foods. They are powerful 

anti-inflammatories and even have a role 

in moderating your mood. 

Exercise outside. Whatever the season, 

the sun reacts with a fatty substance in 

your skin to make vitamin D which many 

Aussies are short on. But be careful 

to always protect your skin from the 

damage by the sun. 

Get moving. Your heart is a muscle and 

all aerobic exercises strengthen your 

muscles. 

Blast your belly. The fat around your 

middle – belly fat – is different to other 

kinds of fat. It produces chemicals that 

trigger inflammation and chronic (longterm) 

conditions like heart disease. So do 

what you need to do to lose weight and 

target exercise to reduce your middle. 

rt health fund is ADIA’s chosen partner 

for members’ health insurance. Visit 

www.rthealthfund.com.au. 

Work-ready 

casing solutions 

and service that 

exceeds expectations 

The name Surepipe might be new to you, but 

we’re not a new business. Once known as East 

Coast Pipe Supplies, we’ve been delivering 

quality casing solutions to businesses around 

Australia for more than 28 years. That’s not 

about to change. 

Work easy. Work safe. Work fast. 

PHONE 1300 327 473 

www.surepipe.com.au 


ADVERTORIAL 

BOURNEDRILL 

50 YEARS PAST AND 

LOOKING AHEAD 

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 

Built To Last ... 

The year was 1965. 

Sir Robert Menzies was in his eighteenth 

year as Prime Minister; Margaret Court had 

just won her sixth consecutive Australian 

Open singles title; pounds shillings and 

pence was the currency of the day; and 

man had not yet walked on the moon. 

The Bourne brothers (L to R) 

Ken, Don, George and Graham. 

In the same year, two young brothers, 

having both recently completed their 

apprenticeships - the elder, Graham, a 

fitter and turner and the younger, George, 

a blacksmith - ventured out on their own 

to set up a small industrial workshop in 

Archerfield, Brisbane. 

The Bourne brothers started with a simple 

-concept: to provide engineering services 

to the growing geophysical, waterwell, 

mineral exploration and oil drilling 

industry in Queensland. Their company 

grew from strength to strength, originally 

operating as Bourne Exploration Tool and 

Machining, and evolving into what is now 

known today as Bournedrill Pty Ltd. 

In 2015, Graham and George Bourne, 

proudly celebrate 50 years in business. 

Bournedrill is still located at the original 

site of 133 Beatty Road, Archerfield, with 

engineering services being offered far 

beyond those envisaged in 1965, to a 

market that now encompasses the four 

corners of the globe. 

At first, their time was occupied with only 

the repair and modification of imported 

drilling equipment. Much of this equipment 

was old long before it arrived on the shores 

of Australia; and the maintenance required 

was quite considerable. 

Changes within this industry were afoot, 

and as the workload increased for these 

young men, brothers Don and Ken joined 

their siblings in the business in 1967 

and 1969 respectively, having both now 

completed their own apprenticeships. 

With each of the Bourne brothers having 

a different trade qualification, the 

company’s capacity for diversity instantly 

doubled. 

With great forethought and hard 

work, the Bournes were able to 

develop their own range of drilling 

equipment and tools. This milestone 

- to manufacture a product that 

met with the demands of the harsh 

Australian environment - was reached 

in a little over five years since the 

company’s inception. 

During the 1970s, the Bournes launched 

the first Bourne ‘R’ series mechanical 

rotary table design rig, manufactured as 

the accepted standard for geophysical and 

coal exploration work. This rotary table 

drill rig was built for the Queensland Mines 

Department. Bournedrill is proud to say 

it’s still in operation today! After passing 

through the hands of several owners, it’s 

now operating within the fleet of drill rigs 

owned by Watson Drilling of Deniliquin, 

NSW. 

In addition to this, the manufacturing of a 

range of tungsten carbide inserted drilling 

bits, drill pipes and thread substitutes 

were added to the product range. 


www.adia.com.au 25

ADVERTORIAL 

BOURNEDRILL 


The first rig manufactured - Bourne 1500R 

A major step was taken in 1975, with the 

company securing and completing its first 

export order by sending a 1000R drill rig 

to Singapore. 

This first sale gave Bournedrill exposure to 

the export market. It was followed up with 

the winning of an aid contract to Burma 

which led to the winning of another export 

contract to Thailand for 26 drilling rigs. 

With the Australian Government’s 

aid program, Australian Development 

Assistance Bureau, (ADAB), giving 

acceptance to the Bournedrill range of 

drilling equipment, its product was now 

exposed to nations previously inaccessible. 

This introduction was invaluable to 

Bournedrill as an emerging company. 

By the late 70s, development began on 

the ‘THD’ series hydraulic top head drive 

rigs, built specifically for the mining and 

waterwell industries. This style of rig was 

more desirable for waterwell projects, 

especially overseas. 

With the growth of the business came 

the growth of the premises. The original 

workshop was housed in a ‘Tiger Moth’ 

aircraft hangar and it cut a lonely figure on 

the 2.5 acre block of land. 

In 1971, they replaced the first building 

with a purpose-built workshop, which 

still stands today and now houses stateof-the-art 

machinery to tackle the most 

complex of engineering tasks. 

Over the next decade, three more 

workshops were built on site to 

accommodate the welding and fabrication 

aspects of the production line. 

During this time, staff numbers rose to 

just over 150 and they worked a two-shift 

roster to meet the demands of the mining 

industry which was in its zenith. 

Always respectful of their 

beginnings, Graham and George 

ensured the youth of the day were 

given equal opportunities by way 

of offering apprenticeships. To this 

day, an apprenticeship scheme 

remains strongly in place at 

Bournedrill with two more young 

men about to join the ranks of the 

150 men who passed through the 

doors before them, to become 

fully qualified tradespeople. 

As a family-based operation, second 

and third generation family members 

have had successful employment 

opportunities at Bournedrill, some 

within the apprenticeship scheme and 

others working for school holiday work 

experience. 

L700THD 

Drill Rig 


ADVERTORIAL 

BOURNEDRILL 


Since then, Bournedrill has manufactured 

just under 800 pieces of major drilling 

equipment, with over 50 per cent 

being exported to countries from 

Brazil to Zimbabwe and everywhere in 

between. Thailand stands as the country 

having imported the largest number of 

Bournedrill drilling rigs: well in excess of 

-170 rigs thus far. 

2000THD Drill Rig, set up on drill site 

In addition to drilling rigs, the number of 

significant manufacturing and machining 

jobs undertaken number in their 

thousands. 

With the arrival of the 90s, the 

marketplace began to change. New words 

like ‘Induction’, ‘Workplace Health and 

Safety’ and ‘Quality Assurance’ arose daily 

in the vocabulary used, alongside terms of 

‘mine safe’ and ‘mine ready’. 

Bournedrill took up the lead, 

invested heavily in implementing 

an audited QA system to maintain 

momentum within the drilling 

industry with this investment - 

still paying dividends today. 

Bournedrill opened its doors on 6 

June (1965) which is also Queensland 

Day. Nearly 30 years down the track, 

the business was nominated in The 

Premier of Queensland’s Award of 

Export Achievement in the Small to 

Medium Manufacturer category for eight 

consecutive years. The business won this 

award in 1996 which was shared and 

celebrated by management and staff alike. 

The Premier of Queensland Award 

for Export Achievement 

THD45 Drill Rig 


www.adia.com.au 27

ADVERTORIAL 

BOURNEDRILL 


Looking forward, the Bourne brothers may not be 

around to see the company celebrate its centenary 

year in 2065. However, they do rest easy knowing 

the company is in solid hands due to their investment 

in great staff. They look forward to writing another 

chapter for Bournedrill in recognition of the 

company’s diamond anniversary ten years from now. 

THD25VP Drill Rig 

When asked of his most rewarding 

moment, Graham Bourne, Managing 

Director, cited the great sense of 

achievement felt when a project, either a 

new drill rig or a reconstruction job, was 

completed. He says one of Bournedrill’s 

biggest achievements was completing 

a heliportable drilling rig to be exported 

and used in the inaccessible highlands of 

Papua New Guinea. 

The build required a tight design and build 

schedule, with a test assembly of the drill rig 

being undertaken with the use of a single rotor 

helicopter. Each weight-regulated component of 

the drill rig puzzle was lifted from our workshop 

to the assembly site some 500 metres away. The 

total project went smoothly with both the test and 

final build and the performance of this heliportable 

drill rig was above and beyond the client’s 

expectations. This rig is now long gone from 

operating in PNG but the memory of its design and 

construction remains vivid. 

That project was special – just as special as knowing 

that the first Bournedrill drilling rig that rolled out of 

the humble workshop at 133 Beatty Road, all those 

decades ago, is still in operation today. It confirms 

the answer to question: ’Built to last?’ 

2000THD Drill Rig 


ADIA NEWS 

STAFF COLUMN 

ADIA’S DRILLSKILL TRAINING CLOSURE 



As you are well aware, the drilling sector 

is going through a difficult period. The 

impact of the sector’s downturn is being 

felt broadly. Training is no exception. The 

ADIA’s training arm, DrillSkill Training, 

experienced a rapid and sustained drop 

in revenue over the best part of a year. 

Whilst it is normally a fairly quiet trading 

time over Christmas and New Year, 

the expected upturn in business as 

we moved into the New Year did not 

eventuate. Drilling companies have 

further cut back their discretionary 

expenditure, including training. Further, 

the ADIA has been experiencing financial 

difficulties for a couple of years and was 

not in a position to manage DrillSkill 

through this difficult period. 

The ADIA was therefore forced into 

the difficult decision to close DrillSkill 

Training. Although the organisation has 

served our industry well in developing 

and delivering required quality drilling 

training to members and others in 

the sector, and developed a loyal and 

expanding customer base, there was 

insufficient work coming in to justify 

it continuing. Furthermore, there are 

insufficient reserves for us to reduce the 

scale of our operations and try to work 

through this difficult period. 

Our primary objective has been to 

minimise the disruption to our customers 

and to provide them with a way forward 

with their training efforts. This has 

involved DrillSkill Training finalising 

as much existing work as possible 

and issuing qualifications, as well as 

transferring existing work of a longer 

term nature across to another suitable 

Registered Training Organisation (RTO). 

We formed an agreement with the 

Australian Drilling Industry Training 

Committee (ADITC), which is also an 

RTO with scope covering the drilling 

operations area, to transfer our 

traineeship and fee-for-service work. 

The aim has been to make the transition 

as seamless as possible and to ensure 

a continuing level of quality service 

to existing customers. As part of the 

transition we introduced the ADITC’s 

RTO Manager, Gabrielle Deschamps, 

to our customers. This allowed us to 

jointly explain the transition process and 

answer any questions customers had. 

I am happy to answer any questions 

members may have. Please note that 

the current Course Coordinator at 

DrillSkill Training, Vanessa Tedesco, will 

transfer across to the ADIA and has 

been assisting me to tidy up the final 

operations of DrillSkill Training before 

(and after) it is formally de-registered. 

Mobile: 0408 506 232 

Email: nigel@adia.com.au 

GN Solids Control 

• Hydraulic jack-up, self-lifting system for fast, easy moving 

• Available in sizes GN200GPM / 500GPM / GN800GPM / GN1000GPM 

• Service and spares available from TT Asia-Pacific 

• Customized Mud Cleaning Unit for HDD, Oil & Gas, CBM and Diamond drilling 

Hebei GN Solids Control Co., Ltd 

No. 3 Industry Road, Dachang Chaobai River Development Area, 

Langfang, China 065300 

Tel: +86-316-5276990 

Contact Name: Sophia Zhao 

Email: sophia@gnsolidscontrol.com 

Web: www.gnsolidsaustralia.com 

TT Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd • 6 Devlan Street, Mansfield, Qld 4122, Australia • Tel: 07 3420 5455 

Email: sales@tt-asiapacific.com • Web: www.tt-asiapacific.com 


www.adia.com.au 29


(Incorporating Australian Drilling and The NZ 

Driller is the official journal of The Australian 

Drilling Industry Association Limited and The 

New Zealand Drillers Federation Inc.) 

Registered by Australia Post NBG 0073 Australian 

National Library ISSN 1320-6524. 

Reproduction in part or whole is not 

permitted without the written permission of 

the Chief Executive Officer of The Australian 

Drilling Industry Association Limited. 

The Association accepts no liability or 

responsibility for opinions expressed in this 

magazine, or for any loss or damage arising 

from any inaccurate information contained 

in any article or advertisement. 

Editor 


P.O. Box 3020 Frankston East, VIC 3199 

Phone: (03) 9770 4000 

Fax: (03) 9770 4030 






Phone: (08) 8277 9088 

The ADIA needs your membership. 


Your membership allows 


the ADIA to deliver industry benefits Europe, Africa, Middle East and services. 

Fabio Potesta 




Genoa, Italy 

During the past year, the ADIA: 

Regular Features 


• Advocated for the federal government’s Exploration Development 



Incentive (EDI) 



Phone: (03) 9587 4333 

• Helped stop an increase to the WA gold royalty rate 

Fax: (03) 9587 3177 



• Lobbying the federal government to protect the drilling industry’s 

Subscriptions 

national training package ADIA Federal Office 

Phone: (03) 9770 4000 

Fax: (03) 9770 4030 

Cover Story: 

• Representation to government Email: on adia@adia.com.au changes to the WA Water Act 



• Launched DrillFest 2015 to be held In Perth on 21 & 22 October. 

The attention of advertisers is drawn to the 

Trade Practices Act 1974 and the provisions 

of the Act which apply to advertising. 

Our industry faces many challenges, It is not possible and for The the Australian ADIA Drilling has been 


delivering increased benefits, but all we advertisements need which are your published in membership. 

this magazine comply in all respects with 

the Act and the responsibility must therefore 

Memberships are due by 30 June, be on 2015. 

the person, company or advertising 

agency submitting the advertisement for 

publication. The Association reserves the 

right to refuse any advertisement without 

Renew your membership by contacting stating a reason. the ADIA on 

03 9770 4000 or adia@adia.com.au. 

www.adia.com.au 

Contents Volume 32, no 1, January/February 2013 

Inside this Issue 

q 

q 

The voice of the drilling industry

HEALTH & SAFETY 

SAFETY ALERT 

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE 

BUS ROLLOVER FATALITY 

Mines safety alert no. 314 | 19 March 2015 | Version 1 

What happened? 

At 6.55am on 12 March 2015, 5 crew at 

a surface coal mine had finished night 

shift and were returning to the industrial 

area in a 21¬seater, 4 wheel drive bus. As 

the bus was travelling down a low wall 

ramp, it appears to have drifted from 

the left side of the road to the right with 

the driver side wheels going up onto a 

bund causing the bus to roll over onto 

its passenger side. Tragically 1 passenger 

was killed, with 5 others sustaining minor 

injuries and the vehicle receiving minor 

damage. 

Comments 

The Mines Inspectorate is still 

conducting its investigation and all 

contributing factors to the accident have 

not yet been established. However, the 

investigation has already identified the 

following recommendations. 

Recommendations 

Mine site senior executives should review 

the adequacy and effectiveness of the 

traffic interaction and vehicle principal 

hazard management plan. These reviews 

should include controls such as: seat 

belt use and monitoring design and 

construction of roads including berm 

specification road inspection schemes 

adequacy of roll over protection vehicle 

stability ensuring drivers are competent 

and authorised suitability of speed limits 

for pit conditions speed monitoring. 

Authorised by Andrew Clough 

Chief Inspector of Coal Mines 

Contact: Neil Reynoldson, Acting District 

Inspector of Mines, +61 7 4999 8510 

Issued by the Queensland Department 

of Natural Resources and Mines 

STEMMING TRUCK ROLLS OVER 

SIGNIFICANT INCIDENT REPORT NO. 2151 

Subject: Overloaded stemming truck 

rolls over 

Date: 11 May 2015 

Summary of incident 

A loaded stemming truck was being 

driven at low speed through a right 

hand turn to enter a drill pattern. As the 

stemming truck turned, it rolled onto 

its left hand side, resulting in the load of 

stemming spilling out and also injuring 

the passenger. The emergency response 

team was mobilised to provide medical 

assistance and secure the scene. The 

investigation determined that there had 

been after-market modifications to the 

truck. Instead of a competent person recalculating 

the truck’s gross vehicle mass 

(GVM), the new GVM was estimated by 

the supplier, who was not the truck’s 

original equipment manufacturer (OEM), 

based on a similar stemming truck 

used at another site. At the time of the 

rollover, the loaded truck’s mass was 

actually 4.5 tonnes overloaded despite 

being 2.1 tonnes less than the estimated 

GVM. 

Note: GVM is the maximum permissible 

operating mass of a vehicle, and includes 

the chassis, body, fuel, accessories, 

driver, passengers and load. 

Direct causes 

The GVM estimated by the supplier was 

6.66 tonnes greater than the design GVM 

calculated by engineering consultants 

after the incident. The stemming truck 

had been overloaded as the GVM 

provided was incorrect. 

Contributory causes 

Full operating manuals, drawings 

and engineering sign-off were not 

provided by the supplier of the modified 

stemming truck. The truck, which was 

hired, was not subjected to the same 

approvals process as purchased vehicles. 

Actions required 

Mine operators 

Ensure equipment, whether hired or 

purchased, is supplied with the correct 

safe working loads. Ensure competent 

persons approve any modifications. 

Suppliers, importers, manufacturers, 

modifiers and designers 

Suppliers, importers, manufacturers, 

modifiers and designers have obligations 

under section 14 of the Mines Safety 

and Inspection Act (1994) and Part 6 

of the Mines Safety and Inspection 

Regulations (1995), including: ensuring 

the design and construction of plant for 

use at a mine does not expose persons 

to hazards providing safety information 

as specified by the relevant Australian 

Standards. 

Further information 

Visit www.dmp.wa.gov.au/ 

ResourcesSafety for information on 

occupational safety and health in the 

Postal address: Mineral House, 100 Plain 

Street, East Perth WA 6004 Telephone: 

(08) 9358 8002 Facsimile: (08) 9358 

8000 ResourcesSafety@dmp.wa.gov.au 

www.dmp.wa.gov.au wa.gov.au 


www.adia.com.au 31

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HEALTH AND SAFETY 

OSTARA AUSTRALIA 

FUNDING FOR JOBS 

It’s a challenging time right now for many in the drilling industry in Australasia. Some businesses are 

struggling to stay viable, with some being forced to put off staff in order to keep operating. 

But there are ways for organisations 

to keep their valued workers – and 

for those organisations still going 

strong, to be able to recruit more. After 

all, great people are a keystone to any 

organisation. High quality workers help 

build an organisation’s capacity and 

increase its ability to succeed, even in a 

sluggish market. 

This is where Ostara Australia comes in. 

Ostara Australia is a national not-forprofit 

organisation that specialises in 

matching employers with job seekers 

who are disadvantaged through health, 

age, disability or cultural background. The 

organisation’s goal is to help employers 

build diverse, inclusive and mentally 

healthy workplaces for all Australians. 

Ostara Australia also has a successful 

program to help employers retain 

quality people who are at risk of losing 

their job due to injury, disability or 

illness (including mental illness). The 

government-funded Job Retention 

Program is designed to support both 

employee and employer work through 

any challenges, finding mutually 

beneficial solutions in order to keep 

a valued employee in work. As such, 

it might be a valuable resource for 

organisations in the drilling industry 

helping employees in difficulty. 

Support provided by Ostara Australia 

might include: 

• a comprehensive workplace 

assessment; 

• workplace modifications or special 

equipment (if applicable); 

• support in the workplace to manage 

the impact of the injury, disability or 

illness; 

• advice about job redesign; 

• provide training to support job 

retention; 

• linking the employee with relevant 

health care providers; 

• or providing mental health awareness 

training for all team members. 

Ostara Australia’s Job Retention Program 

can help your business retain the 

knowledge and skills of your highly valued 

employees who might otherwise leave. It 

can help you avoid the costs associated 

with recruiting and training new staff, 

reduce absenteeism and improve 

employee well being. Ostara Australia 

may also be able to help you access other 

federal government assistance. 

New employees, new skills 

– and possible subsidies 

Ostara Australia is the largest mental 

health specialist within the disability 

employment services sector and has 

matched over 1,700 job seekers with 

employers during the past year. Since its 

establishment in 2001, Ostara Australia 

has partnered with more than 6,000 

businesses across Australia to place 

candidates into sustainable employment 

in a wide range of industries. 

Those businesses have benefited from 

employing enthusiastic, committed 

people who are supported by an 

organisation with the expertise and 

experience to make them valued 

contributors to an organisation’s 

operations. 

They have received ongoing 

government-funded support, including: 

• help for the new employee to settle 

into the role; 

• advice and expertise in making any 

necessary adjustments to ensure the 

person does the job effectively; 

• support in making the workplace 

mentally healthy; 

• and providing disability awareness 

training for staff. 

Ostara Australia also provides employers 

with information about federal 

government wage subsidies that may 

be available. The subsidies exist to help 

encourage businesses to hire people 

from disadvantaged backgrounds – 

including eligible businesses employing 

people with a disability in the drilling 

sector. 

Speak to Ostara Australia today: you may 

be able to access significant government 

funds to help your business grow. Phone 

1300 562 7335 or visit www.ostara.org.au. 

AUSTRALASIAN MINING SERVICES PTY LTD 

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Rotary drill pipe, subs, deck bushing 

Technical support 

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Head Office Perth WA • Tel: (08) 9454 3444 • Fax: (08) 9454 3400 

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Singleton NSW • Tel: (02) 6571 3155 • Fax: (02) 6571 3677 

Townsville QLD • Tel: (07) 4728 3433 • Fax: (07) 4775 1933 


www.adia.com.au 33

TRAINING 

AUSTRALIAN DRILLING INDUSTRY TRAINING COMMITTEE 

ADITC NEWS 

Virginia Hilliard 


ADITC and DrillSkill 

After the closure of DrillSkill in Perth, 

the trainees who were registered 

with DrillSkill were transferred by 

agreement to ADITC’s RTO, so that they 

could complete their qualifications and 

training. ADITC’s RTO Manager, Gaby 

Deschamps, and the DrillSkill Operations 

and Training Manager, Lee Jackson, 

visited the companies together to assist 

in making a smooth transfer for all 

concerned. 

ADITC is pleased to be able to provide 

assistance to the individuals; the 

companies; and our fellow drilling 

industry organisation. 

ADITC provides clear driller 

licensing information on our 

website 

As a service to those needing 

information about waterwell driller 

licensing, ADITC provides very clear, 

accessible information on our website 

at www.aditc.com.au /water-drillerlicensing. 

This includes: 

• General information about 

waterwell driller licensing (why it 

exists; definitions of the license 

classes; how it works) 

• Clear information about the 

relationship between driller licensing 

and national trade qualifications 

like Certificate II or Certificate III in 

Drilling Operations. ADITC is often 

asked this question. 

• Examinations - the application 

process in clear steps, and 

downloadable current application 

form 

• Resources relevant to waterwell 

drilling 

• A free downloadable copy of 

the Minimum Construction 

Requirements for Water Bores 

in Australia 2012, which is the 

reference required for all waterwell 

drillers and managers 

• Training course information. ADITC 

provides specific training for 

waterwell drillers. A schedule of 

all course dates is on our website. 

In summary for your reference: 

Victoria in July; Perth in September; 

Adelaide in November 2015 – or 

ring us for the dates 02 9428 3444. 

I wish again to thank the companies 

and the individuals who provided 

expertise and input to The Drilling 

Manual. The new edition is proving very 

popular and every chance we get we’ll 

provide opportunities to see the new 

edition. By the time this goes to press 

we will have had a launch in Brisbane 

and one in Dubbo, NSW. The launch 

held in Dubbo on 6 May was attended 

by sixteen representatives, from six 

drilling companies; and members 

of the Department of Planning and 

Infrastructure. Jeremy Branson from JAK 

Drilling won a draw for a free copy. 

We were able to organise that the work 

was printed in Australia. Buy it through 

ADITC’s website www.aditc.com.au or 

phone 02 9428 3444. It’s a new world 

– we have hardback copies, e-copies 

to buy and even e-copies to rent for a 

period of time. You can order an e-copy 

through the shop on our website. Please 

note that for e-copies the cost will be 

quoted in £ (pounds sterling) because 

the e-platform is with our publishers. 

And look at ADITC’s website for a 

chance to win a copy! 

CARBIDE BIT CO. 

Specialty Drilling Services 

Carbide Bit Co has large stocks of new and used 

Tricones and PDC Bits - possibly the largest stockist in 

the southern hemisphere. 

We also distribute Halco Rock Tools hammer equipment, 

CETCO Drilling Products and Kay Rock Bits. 

Contact 

Dan O’Keefe • 0418 715 998 Steve Mellish • 0408 733 965 

carbidebitco@bigpond.com steve.carbideco@bigpond.com 

Ph: +61 7 3375 1167 

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• Oilfi eld Type Premium 

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• H ole Openers 

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www.adia.com.au 35

INDUSTRY NEWS 

MINERALS EXPLORATION 

ENCOURAGING GREENFIELDS 

MINERAL EXPLORATION 

Simon Bennison 


The importance of greenfield 

mineral exploration for the future 

of the resources sector and long 

term government revenue streams 

is widely recognised. All Australian 

states and territories have co-funded 

drilling programs in place to encourage 

innovative greenfields mineral exploration 

– the lifeblood of the industry. 

The Association of Mining and 

Exploration Companies (AMEC), the peak 

industry representative body for mineral 

exploration and mining in Australia, has 

been a key driver of these co-funded 

drilling programs. AMEC has advocated 

for initiatives that will encourage 

greenfield exploration which has been 

decreasing in favour of brownfields 

exploration. 

A recently released economic impact 

study into the Western Australian 

Government’s Exploration Incentive 

Scheme (EIS) reports that every $1 

million invested in the EIS program 

generates $10.3 million in direct benefits 

for the state. 

The EIS has provided the leverage for 

companies to invest millions of dollars 

in innovative greenfields exploration in 

Western Australia which has resulted in 

many successful discoveries including 

Nova nickel, Tropicana East gold, 

Handpump gold, Webb diamonds, Oxley 

potash, Camelwood nickel, Yeneena 

copper, McIntosh graphite, Dusk Til 

Dawn gold and Millennium zinc. 

The Queensland government’s 

Collaborative Drilling Initiative has also 

demonstrated its value to the community. 

According to the Queensland 

Department of Natural Resources and 

Mines, for every $1 of government grant 

contribution, companies have invested 

over $3 on exploration drilling as a result 

of this initiative. 

The South Australian government’s Plan 

for Accelerating Exploration (PACE) has 

also generated substantial investment 

in private mineral exploration in the 

State. According to the South Australian 

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, 

Tom Koutsantonis, the PACE program 

leverages a return on investment of 20:1 

on public geoscience expenditure. 

The Carrapateena copper-gold 

discovery in South Australia, which won 

Rudy Gomez the prestigious AMEC 

Prospector Award in 2011, was a project 

that received the PACE program grant to 

undertake drilling which ultimately lead 

to the successful discovery. 

When discoveries such as this become 

operating mines, they will generate 

millions of dollars for the state in taxes 

and royalties, providing an outstanding 

return on the government’s investment. 

These and other initiatives have 

generated substantial investment in 

private mineral exploration. They have 

provided jobs for drillers, contractors, 

regional communities and service 

providers to the industry, as well 

as bringing forward new mineral 

discoveries that will become the mines 

of tomorrow. 

The long lead time from discovery to 

an operating mine means that a strong 

pipeline of projects are required to 

sustain the industry. Whilst many larger 

projects are moving into the production 

phase, the number of new projects is not 

keeping pace to sustain the same level 

of capital investment. 

In order to re-risk exploration and 

encourage investment in the sector 

AMEC advocated for the Exploration 

Development Incentive (EDI). The EDI 

passed through federal parliament at the 

end of 2014 and is effective from 1 July 

2014. Companies who believe they are 

eligible for 2014/15 should be tracking 

their greenfield exploration expenditure. 

Eligible companies will be able to pass 

on a proportion of eligible exploration 

expenditure to their Australian 

shareholders as a tax ‘credit’. Shareholders 

can then offset this against their taxable 

income, providing an incentive to invest in 

junior exploration companies. 

AMEC is holding briefing sessions on 

the EDI around Australia, and at the 

AMEC Convention in June, to ensure 

companies can make the most of 

this incentive to attract much needed 

investment in their projects and discover 

the mines of tomorrow. 

Manufacturers of engineered 

solutions for all screening 

applications using S/S wedge wire. 

• Round Screens 

• Flat Screens 

• Sieve Bends 

• Trommels 

• Centrifuge Baskets 

• Suction Strainers 

Supplier to the Mining, Water, Sewerage, Food Processing 

and Agricultural Industries. 

www.condaminescreens.com.au 

P: +61 7 4634 5311 / F: +61 7 4634 5344. 62 Industrial Ave Toowoomba QLD 4350 


800 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

$396.5m in the March quarter 2015. The largest contributor to the fall in the trend 

estimate this quarter was Western Australia (down 7.6% or -$18.9m). The current quarter 

estimate is 19.8% lower than the March quarter 2014 estimate. 

MINERALS DRILLING The seasonally adjusted estimate for mineral exploration expenditure FIGURES 

fell 13.4% (or 

Total Expenditure 

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 

The trend estimate for total mineral 

exploration expenditure fell 6.1 per cent 

(or -$25.9m) to $396.5m in the March 

quarter 2015. The largest contributor to 

the fall in the trend estimate this quarter 

was Western Australia (down 7.6 per 

cent or -$18.9m). The current quarter 

estimate is 19.8 per cent lower than the 

March quarter 2014 estimate. 

The seasonally adjusted estimate for 

mineral exploration expenditure fell 

13.4 per cent (or -$59.0m) to $381.0m 

in the March quarter 2015. The largest 

contributors to the fall this quarter were 

Queensland (down 32.2 per cent or 

-$30.7m) and Western Australia (down 

11.9 per cent or -$30.1m). 

In original terms, mineral exploration 

expenditure fell 30.7 per cent (or 

-$141.0m) to $318.0m in the March 

quarter 2015. Exploration on areas 

of new deposits fell 39.7 per cent (or 

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 

MINERAL EXPLORATION (OTHER THAN FOR PETROLEUM) 

The trend estimate for total mineral exploration expenditure fell 6.1% (or -$25.9m) to 

-$59.0m) to $381.0m in the March quarter 2015. The largest contributors to the fall this 

quarter were Queensland (down 32.2% or -$30.7m) and Western Australia (down 11.9% 

or -$30.1m). 

MINERAL EXPLORATION, Seasonally adjusted and trend 

$m 

Seasonally Adjusted 

Trend 

1200 

Mar 

2007 

Mar 

2009 

Mar 

2011 

Mar 

2013 

0 

Mar 

2015 

In original terms, mineral exploration expenditure fell 30.7% (or -$141.0m) to $318.0m in 

the March quarter 2015. Exploration on areas of new deposits fell 39.7% (or -$60.0m) and 

-$60.0m) and expenditure on areas of 

expenditure on areas of existing deposits fell 26.3% (or -$81.0m). 

existing deposits fell 26.3 per cent (or 

-$81.0m). 

1000 

In original terms, the largest decrease by minerals sought came from expenditure on iron 

ore (down 43.4% or -$63.0m). The next largest decrease came from expenditure on coal 

(down 44.0% or -$34.3m). 

In original terms, the largest decrease by 

MINERAL EXPLORATION, Original series 

minerals sought came from expenditure $m 

Selected base metals total 

Gold 

400 

on iron Iron ore ore (down 43.4 per cent or 

All Other 

-$63.0m). The next largest decrease 300 

came from expenditure on coal (down 

200 

44.0 per cent or -$34.3m). 

Metres Drilled 

0 

Mar 

Mar 

Mar 

Mar 

Mar 

2007 

2009 

2011 

2013 

2015 

The trend estimate for metres drilled fell 

1.2 per cent in the March quarter 2015. 

800 

600 

400 

200 

100 

Mar 

2007 

Mar 

2007 

400 


Mar 

2009 

Selected base metals total 

Gold 

Iron ore 

All Other 

Mar 

2009 

Mar 

2011 

MINERAL EXPLORATION, Original series 

Mar 

2011 

Mar 

2013 

Mar 

2013 

0 

Mar 

2015 

In original terms, mineral exploration expenditure fell 30.7% (or -$141.0m) to $318.0m in 

the March quarter 2015. Exploration on areas of new deposits fell 39.7% (or -$60.0m) and 

expenditure on areas of existing deposits fell 26.3% (or -$81.0m). 

In original terms, the largest decrease by minerals sought came from expenditure on iron 

ore (down 43.4% or -$63.0m). The next largest decrease came from expenditure on coal 

(down 44.0% or -$34.3m). 

The current quarter estimate is 2.9 per 

cent lower than the March quarter 2014 

estimate. 

The seasonally adjusted estimate for 

metres drilled fell 4.8 per cent in the 

March quarter 2015. 

$m 

400 

0 

Mar 

2015 

A B S • MINERAL AND PETROLEUM EXPLORATION • 8412.0 • MAR 2015 3 

In original terms, metres drilled fell 

29.0%. Drilling in areas of new deposits 

fell 49.6% and drilling in areas of existing 

deposits fell 20.1%. 

600 

200 

300 

200 

100 

A B S • MINERAL AND PETROLEUM EXPLORATION • 8412.0 • MAR 2015 3 

ADITC presents the new 

edition of the industry’s 

technical reference, 

The Drilling Manual, 

with pride. 

Order one from us, and 

you can be proud too. 

P: 02 9428 3444 E: office@aditc.com.au www.aditc.com.au 


www.adia.com.au 37

NZDF NEWS 


PRESIDENT’S 

REPORT 

Steve Faulkner 

President 

COUNCIL 

PRESIDENT 

Steve Faulkner 

Phone: 027 7309999 

VICE PRESIDENT 

Tony Lyons 

Phone: 021 999 810 

EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Debbie Lovett 

Phone: 03 6881 356 

Mobile: 021 516 729 

Councillors 

Jeff Ashby 

Phone: 04 237 5264 

Fax 04 4 237 6587 

Tim Babbage 

Phone: 07 849 2366 

Fax: 07 850 6279 

Zane Brown 

Phone: 09 294 9038 

Fax: 09 294 9058 

John Butt 

Phone: 021 343 089 

Fax: 03 578 8166 

Burt Buunk 

Phone: 0800 483 926 

Fax: 03 384 1386 

James Chapman 

Phone: 03 526 7222 

Fax: 03 526 7200 

Marcus Durrant 

Phone: 04 568 5293 

Fax: 04 568 5273 

Melvyn Griffiths 

Phone: 04 527 7346 

Fax: 04 527 7347 

Iain Haycock 

Phone: 03 324 2571 

Fax: 033 324 2431 

Ken Mears 

Phone: 03 768 7919 

Mike Ormsby 

Phone: 07 871 5897 

Fax: 07 871 6513 

Dale Preston 

Phone: 06 765 7484 

Fax: 06 765 7484 

Lyall Sharratt 

Phone: 06 344 7340 

Fax: 06 344 7766 

I am writing this report on a beach on 

Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Why you 

might ask, when I could be off enjoying the 

sights with my wife. 

Two reasons: one being the strict submittal 

deadline which I invariably stretch to the limit; 

and the second is that this time is available to 

me largely due to the rewards this industry 

can provide. 

Obviously, there are many reasons for 

becoming involved in this relatively small 

profession. I suspect that for a lot of us this 

was not a conscious decision; personally, it 

was not my choice all those years ago. Some 

might think I simply followed in my Father’s 

footsteps. However, fate or some such other 

‘greater force’ had a part to play which I 

believe predetermined my journey through 

life. 

This is reinforced by the fact that Dad drove 

Mum to hospital for my birth in a very old 

drilling rig, her arrival being heralded by 

a cacophony of whines and graunches 

all enveloped in thick blankets of smoke 

reminiscent of the burning Iraqi oil fields 

during Desert Storm. Needless to say, Mum 

wasn’t exactly chuffed. 

I know many of you have had similar 

upbringings and some members are third or 

even fourth generation drillers, so you will 

know what I mean when I say we as a group 

are unique. 

I have been indeed privileged to be involved 

in many varied and exciting projects, 

situations, opportunities and dramas. 

Some have been fantastic and make you feel 

there is no finer vocation on the planet (for 

me the Clyde Dam Project is one of many) 

while others have not been so welcome. 

For instance, the Pike River rescue drilling 

attempt was extremely distressing for all 

involved. In all honesty, we wished we didn’t 

have to be there to be there but none of us 

were prepared to leave whilst there was still a 

chance to help save those trapped below. 

A positive that came from this tragic incident 

was evidence of the strong and close 

relationships developed among many people 

through their membership of the NZDF. I was 

inundated with offers of help and equipment. 

Several highly experienced members just 

simply arrived whilst others sent equipment 

saying “you might just need it, but if not, no 

worries”. 

We truly became a national operation with 

a common selfless goal thanks to our unity 

formed through our membership. 

Through my immersion in the drilling 

industry, I have had the privilege of travelling 

to many places around the globe and have 

met a plethora of talented people, some of 

whom I regard as lifelong friends. 

My point is that as members of the industry 

and our involvement with the NZDF, it is likely 

many of us have achieved far more in life than 

past fourth form teachers would ever admit 

we could aspire to. 

It is without question that we have egos but 

this all adds colour, diversity and challenge 

to the relentless pursuit of striving to be the 

best in what can only be described as an 

unforgiving and tough industry. 

What other business operator would risk 

such high levels of investment and knowingly 

expose large portions of it to unstable and 

often unknown adverse conditions in an 

attempt to achieve the desired goal knowing 

it could all end very badly … NASA maybe! 

We truly need to recognise our skills and 

abilities both as individuals and as a group, 

no matter what our respective roles in this 

industry, we are a special breed who achieve 

far more than the average nine to fiver. 

No matter how hard the endeavour or how 

bad the economy gets, we will continue 

to work smarter, harder and share our 

knowledge, opportunities and friendship with 

other likeminded people, this largely through 

our affiliation with the NZDF. 


NZDF NEWS 


EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S 

REPORT 

Debbie Lovett 

Executive Officer 

It has certainly been a very busy couple 

of months with the Drillers Registration 

finally going online in March and the first 

applications were received promptly. 

Hopefully, they will be the first of many. 

Please bear with us as we fine tune the 

documentation to make the process as 

straightforward as possible; a reminder 

goes out to all drilling companies to get 

behind this. 

Between writing this article, and going 

to print, we will have had another 

council meeting where hopefully the 

Drillers Qualification will be finally signed 

off. Thanks to all the team at MITO 

(Motor Industry Training Organisation) 

who have worked hard on this; and a 

special thanks to Sam Woodford for his 

invaluable input in getting this project 

over the line at long last as I understand 

it has been a long process. 

Congratulations go belatedly to Gracin 

Meyer-Budge who was the recipient of 

the NZ Drillers Federation scholarship 

for the Tai Poutini Polytech course that 

finished late last year. He is pictured 

receiving his (very oversized) cheque. 

The team at Tai Poutini are always looking 

for work experience placements for the 

students so if anyone can help out with 

this or with donations of items for the 

course it would be much appreciated. 

Drill 2015 

Preparations are well underway for 

Drill 2015 which is promising to be 

an exciting event and a wonderful 

chance to celebrate 40 years of the 

NZDF. Hopefully, many of the life and 

foundation members will make it over to 

the west coast and Friday night the focus 

will be on them. Baylis Bros is putting 

together a commemorative publication 

to mark the occasion and are looking for 

any old photos so please can everyone 

hunt through the archives and either send 

copies to myself or direct to baylis.bros@ 

xtra.co.nz or bring them along in person. 

I am sure all drillers have large quantities 

of photos of drilling rigs, gear or strange 

locations they have drilled in so now is 

the perfect excuse to spend some time 

looking through the old photos and 

reminiscing. Thanks to Judi and Ken 

Mears for all the work they are putting 

in and please try and register as early as 

possible to make planning a bit easier for 

them. 

While we lost a few members this year 

for various reasons, it has been pleasing 

to have several new applications and 

I must apologise as I have been a bit 

remiss in welcoming them: 

• Environment Canterbury - Matt 

Dodson 

• MITO - Janet Lane 

• March Construction - Vince Douet 

• Addison Drilling – Tom Thorpe 

• Drillcore – Matthew McBreen 

Hopefully, they will all be at Drill 2015 to 

get to know everyone. 

Lastly, we are finally making some 

changes to the website so that it will 

operate better across all platforms. There 

were not many responses forthcoming 

prior to the changes but if you have an 

idea of something you would like to 

see on there or what you think should 

be done differently please let us know. 

Drillers World 3p-H.indd 1 


6/03/12 11:27 AM 

www.adia.com.au 39

FEATURE SEGMENT 


WA’S EIS CREATES MILLIONS 

IN BENEFITS 

Department of Mines and Petroleum Western Australia 

Every $1 million invested in the Western Australian state 

government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) stimulates 

exploration activity which generates $10.3 million in benefits. 

This is the key finding of a recent economic impact study into 

the scheme commissioned by the Department of Mines and 

Petroleum. 

‘The state government has known for some time that the 

scheme is having a strong multiplier effect on our economy, 

and now we have verification through independent economic 

modelling’, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said. 

‘It’s important to consider that this economic multiplier amount 

of $10.3 million relates only to the direct effects of increased 

exploration activity and associated employment stimulated by 

the EIS’. 

‘Higher investment returns are possible as the multiplier effect 

creates other benefits, such as jobs, if successful exploration 

projects result in mines’, he said. 

Mr Marmion said that the review by ACIL Allen Consulting had 

identified new pre-competitive geoscience as the main driver of 

private sector exploration investment. 

‘The lion’s share of publicity goes to the scheme’s highly 

popular Co-funded Drilling Program that refunds up to 50 per 

cent of costs in drilling in greenfields areas’, he said. 

‘However, the quiet achiever in the background is the 

Department of Mines and Petroleum’s Geological Survey of 

Western Australia (GSWA). GSWA has been around since the 

1880s, but it is right at the forefront of cutting-edge science 

that is encouraging exploration in Western Australia’, he said. 

Mr Marmion said that, as a result of a $33.3 million EIS 

commitment made in 2009 to geophysical and geochemical 

surveys, nearly the whole state was now covered by airborne 

magnetic and radiometric survey data. 

‘This provides invaluable information for explorers’, said Mr 

Marmion. 

“It has led to innovative mineral system studies in a number of 

areas, most recently Gascoyne Province, the Edmund Basin in 

the Capricorn Orogen, the Speewah Basin in the east Kimberley, 

and for the Yilgarn Craton,” he said. 

The EIS review reported that each new data release from GSWA 

has stimulated exploration activity. 

The scheme was created by the State Government in 2009 to 

attract exploration investment leading to new discoveries. 

We are a family owned and operated company based in Carnarvon WA, 

producing and supplying Gravel Pac & Filtration Sand for Mining and 

Commercial use. 

The sand is sourced from the Gascoyne River WA. It is fed through a 

vibrating screen then through a tunnel for more accurate sizing. 

Due to valuable input from customers, our product sizing has improved 

to meet with customer specifications. Sample & size analysis can be 

arranged. 

PRODUCT SIZES: 

PRICES: 

EX Carnarvon 

 

 

 

 

 

.8 - 1.6mm 

1000kg BULKA BAGS $100.00 

.8 - 2mm 

500kg BULKA BAGS $57.50 

1.6 - 3.2mm 

25kg (plastic) $6.30 

3.2 – 6.4mm 

25kg (paper) $6.00 

7 - 10mm 

SHRINK WRAP (per pallet) $20.00 

PERTH DEPOT: 

G & V ROBERTS 

NEW PALLET (TGA) $30.00 

LOT 1 STIRLING CRESCENT S/H PALLET (when available) $20.00 

HAZELMERE 6055 

Freight to Perth $50.00 per/ton 

http://www.riversandwa.com.au/ 

westhaul@westnet.com.au 

carnarvonfiltrationsands@westnet.com.au 

All prices are ex GST 

BARRY MULCAHY PH: 0428271300 

ELEANOR MULCAHY PH: 0428271306 

“By encouraging more drilling, we’re increasing the probability 

of a discovery such as Sirius’ Nova-Bollinger that leads to a 

mine, jobs and royalties that all multiply the long-term benefits 

to the State,” Mr Marmion said. 

The Minister said that the study had also considered the 

potential economic impact stemming from the discovery 

and commercialisation of new mines as a result of increased 

exploration. 

“This second stage of the modelling resulted in a further $13.4 

million of benefits for every $1 million invested bringing the 

total impact figure to $23.7 million,” he said. 

“While these numbers appear large, they should be considered 

in the context of the high commodity price environment which 

we were experiencing over the study’s sample period.” 

The State Government has renewed its commitment to the EIS 

by approving annual funding of $10 million over three financial 

years from July 2014 until June 2017. 

“This brings total funding for the scheme to about $130 million 

dollars and as this review confirms, we are certainly getting a 

tremendous bang for our buck,” Mr Marmion said. 

The Co-funded Drilling Program has offered $50 million dollars 

to 466 projects, of which about $19.6 million has already been 

refunded to more than 250 projects. For more information, visit 

www.dmp.wa.gov.au/7743.aspx. 


FEATURE 


QLD EXPLORATION GRANTS 

Sixteen exploration projects will share more than $1.43 million in Queensland government grants for 

targeted drilling projects to boost exploration throughout the state. 

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony 

Lynham said today the successful projects will target gold, 

copper-gold, base metals, graphite and phosphate in greenfield 

and brownfield areas of Queensland. 

More information about the Collaborative Drilling Initiative is 

available at: www.business.qld.gov.au/invest 

‘The Palaszczuk Government supports the responsible and 

sustainable development of resource sector projects that will 

deliver jobs, regional development opportunities and ongoing 

economic benefits for Queensland’, he said. 

‘Nine of the 16 projects will be in north west Queensland which 

is globally recognised as a strong and competitive mineral 

producing region with high-quality copper, silver, lead, zinc, 

gold and phosphate deposits. 

‘A further five projects are in north Queensland while the 

remaining two are in southern and south-west Queensland’. 

Dr Lynham said ongoing exploration is vital to unlock 

the resources that will support the mining projects 

and jobs of the future in the north-west and other 

areas of Queensland. 

‘That is why the government is providing funding to 

support the test drilling of new exploration targets 

through the Collaborative Drilling Initiative (CDI) of 

the $30 million Future Resources Program’. 

‘A total 38 applications were received and independently 

assessed for CDI Round 9 with the 16 successful projects 

to share a total $1,431,275 in grants. The successful projects 

were chosen by the Geological Survey of Queensland and an 

independent panel for their innovative exploration proposals or 

location in under-explored areas of Queensland’. 

‘Junior explorers in particular will benefit from these 

collaborative drilling grants which cover half the drilling costs 

(up to $150,000) of a project. These drilling projects provide the 

resources sector access to new and valuable information about 

Queensland’s mineral and energy potential to further stimulate 

ongoing exploration investment’, he said. 

Since the Collaborative Drilling Initiative started in 2006, more 

than $5.99 million in government grants has been provided to 

52 companies for 72 completed exploration projects. 

Providing Hydraulic Services & Support to the Drilling 

Industry for Over 20 Years. 

Service & Supply of: 

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www.hydratorque.com.au 


www.adia.com.au 41

FEATURE SEGMENT 


REFLEX 

With the current low levels of investment in exploration, exploration companies are understandably wary 

of any expenditure and continuously looking for savings wherever they can. 

Drilling accounts for approximately 

half of total exploration expenditure. 

Drillers are having to slash their costs 

to be competitive. To provide cost and 

time effective remote exploration drilling 

capability, with real-time feedback and 

reporting as demanded by their clients, 

drilling contractors now rely on REFLEX’s 

suit of real-time sub-surface intelligence 

solutions to deliver on their clients’ 

needs. 

Drillers need to be responsive to 

meet the varying requirements onsite 

quickly and cost efficiently. The 

ability to conduct accurate surveys in 

a magnetically disturbed environment 

without the expense and delays 

inherent in having to call out a service 

provider, presents significant cost and 

time savings for drillers, and has a 

significant impact on their bottom line. 

This puts the driller in a good position 

to potentially pass on some of these 

savings benefits to their clients. A price 

competitive drilling offer can cement 

the driller as a preferred provider for 

their clients, while providing an efficient, 

accurate and reliable service. 

The REFLEX EZ-GYRO is currently 

creating a name for itself amongst 

drillers for its ease of use, accuracy and 

compelling economies for exploration 

companies. The REFLEX EZ-GYRO has 

the smarts on the inside so that it is 

easier to use from the outside – the 

smarts are in the software. REFLEX’s 

continuous innovation methodology has 

further developed this technology to 

provide more efficiencies for drillers and 

savings for their clients. Over the next six 

months, drillers and drilling contractors 

can look forward to the release of 

specifically developed solutions that will 

provide further surprising savings for 

them and for their clients. 

Known as the world’s most popular 

survey instrument, the REFLEX EZ- 

TRAC is valued by drillers for its ease 

of operation and minimal survey set 

up time, together with its considerable 

cost savings. It only requires the 

addition of aluminum extension rods 

to place the instrument away from 

magnetic interference caused by drilling 

equipment and it is ready to use. Added 

to this, its accuracy, robustness and 

reliability is well recognised, while the 

direct transmission of data to REFLEX 

HUB provides real-time intelligence on 

the sub-surface activity. 

reflexnow.com 

The Driller’s Choice Worldwide 

Manufacturers of state of the art RC and 

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We have built a reputation as 

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– High quality design and manufacturing, 

all in Mincon’s own Australian, 

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With distributors 

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P: +61 8 9471 2700 www.mincon.com 


FEATURE 


SCHRAMM 

In one of the most eagerly anticipated developments within the exploration industry, Schramm Australia 

has recently developed and released the first Electric over Hydraulic T685i. 

With the industry requirements 

demanding the application of new 

technologies, Schramm Australia has 

harnessed the technology developed 

with the T500XD to deliver a highly 

advanced drill rig. The technology 

upgrades have delivered a far safer and 

ergonomic rig for the rig crews. 

SCHRAMM has developed and designed 

the T685i using latest technology for 

worldwide applications on a variety of 

mining sites and across many different 

industries. Adding up to the highest 

safety levels, the T685i with its increased 

performance includes the ergonomically 

designed control panel, remote drill 

monitoring with rig diagnosis, IP67 

Control panel rating and automated rod 

retention system. Adding to this with the 

latest in access walkways the rig provides 

360 degree access to the rig deck. 

Its automated rod retention system is 

designed to prevent accidental rod falls 

whilst loading and unloading rods from 

rod loaders, and has engineered certified 

access points and restraints. 

A leader in its own right, the T685i has 

remote drilling monitoring with rig 

diagnosis and its new design includes 

a secondary retention in place for mast 

components. 

Mark McKay, McKay Drilling founder 

and Managing Director has found that 

Schramm’s approach in improvement 

of its latest rig is incomparable and says 

that the new rig technology provides a 

safe working environment for his drill 

crews. 


www.adia.com.au 43

ADIA NEWS 

COMING EVENTS 

COMING EVENTS 

ADIA 

DrillFest 2015 will be held at Perth’s Ascot 

Racecourse on 21-22 October, 2015. 

And guess what? It costs diddly-squat to 

attend! 

DrillFest 2015 is a highly interactive show 

with live demonstrations, workshops and 

product launches. There will also be an 

industry Sundowner on the first evening 

of the event to allow exhibitors and their 

guests the opportunity to network in a 

relaxed social setting. 

Expressions of interest are also sought 

from companies or organisations who 

would like to present a paper at the event; 

and run a workshop or product launch. 

Offers will be selected for their relevance 

and general interest to the target 

audience. 

For all the details, turn to pages 23 and 

24 of this magazine. We also welcome 

enquiries about sponsorship which is 

an excellent opportunity to reach key 

drilling contractors in one location. 

Contact Mark on 0409 155 073. 

NZDF 

Drill 2015: 20-23 August 

Conference programme and early bird 

specials on NZDF website: 

www.nzdrillersfederation.co.nz 

Potential sponsors and exhibitors: please 

email Judi on info@westmeredrilling. 

co.nz, or for an information pack, call 

Ken on 0274 310 456. 

For all the conference details, turn to 

page 35 of this magazine. 

2015 Exploration industry forum 

Friday 26 June, 2015 

The University Club of Western Australia 

Entrance 

#1, Hackett Drive, Crawley WA 

Web: www.dmp.wa.gov.au 

No-Dig Down Under 2015 

8-11 September, 2015 

Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition 

Centre 

Gold Coast, Queensland 

Web: www.nodigdownunder.com.au 

Keep up-to-date with ADIA events @ 

www.adia.com.au/about-us/events 

Drilling Events 

Australian Drilling 

Industry Association 

twitter.com/ADIA71712282 

facebook.com/ADIADRL 

DOWNUNDER 

2015 GOLD COAST 

8-11 September 2015 | Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre 

11 th ASTT No-Dig 

JOIN US FOR THE BIGGEST TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY EVENT IN AUSTRALASIA 

The conference and exhibition to be held at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, 8-11 September, 

will showcase companies and discuss issues from all aspects of the trenchless technology industry. 

THE CONFERENCE PROGRAM 

The technical program features speakers from around 

Australasia and the globe who will present papers covering 

case studies, new and emerging technologies, challenging 

projects and environments, industry skills and training, risk 

management, and more. 

The conference program is available online at 

www.nodigdownunder.com 

NETWORKING AND SOCIAL EVENTS 

An exciting social program is planned, including the 

Exhibition Opening, the ASTT Gala Dinner and Awards 

Evening, and a cruise to the beautiful South Stradbroke 

Island, providing the perfect opportunity to touch base 

with old friends and colleagues, and make new business 

connections with suppliers, contractors, project managers, 

and international guests, in a relaxed and accessible setting. 

THE EXHIBITION 

The program will be supported by an Exhibition Hall 

featuring booths of varying sizes, where contractors 

and suppliers from around the world can showcase their 

services and equipment of all shapes and sizes. 

Attending the exhibition will be a great opportunity to 

keep upto date with the latest offerings in the industry 

and to receive professional advice from national and 

international suppliers. 

Event Parnters 

www.nodigdownunder.com.au 

TRN15_ConferenceProgram_180x130_with_bleed_ADIA_June.indd 1 

6/05/2015 11:20 am 


CLASSIFIEDS 

MARKETPLACE 

FOR SALE 

Drag bits (with 4 way regular step) 

5-1/2” $490 7-3/8” $700 

5-5/8” $520 7-7/8” $750 

6” $530 8-1/2” $850 

6-1/8” $560 9” $950 

6-1/4” $575 9-7/8” $1,300 

6-1/2” $595 12-1/4” $1,600 

6-3/4” $610 17” $2,300 

PRICES EXCLUDE GST, EX-WORKS 

WHILE STOCKS LAST. 

TOLL FREE 1800 999 893 

PH: 03 9532 0268 FAX: 03 9532 0242 

EMAIL: info@rocksmith.com.au 

Web: www.rocksmith.com.au 

FOR SALE 

TRICONE ROTARY BITS (TCI BUTTON 

TYPE FOR WATERWELL, GAS, OIL) 

3-7/8” $1,500 5-7/8” $2,100 

6-1/4” $2,450 7-7/8” $3,000 

8-1/2” $3,500 9-7/8” $3,800 

PRICES EXCLUDE GST, EX-WORKS, 

MANY SIZES, TYPES FORMATIONS 

AVAILABLE. WHILE STOCKS LAST. 

TOLL FREE 1800 999 893 

PH: 03 9532 0268 

FAX: 03 9532 0242 

EMAIL: info@rocksmith.com.au 


FOR SALE 

Brand new mud pump 

Piston 150 mm 

Stroke 180 mm 

Flow rate 850 L/min 

Pressure 2 Mpa-3 Mpa (356 psi-534 psi) 

Power input 40 kw 

BEST PRICE FOR SALE 

Tollfree: 1800 999 893 

Ph: 03 9532 0268 

Fax: 03 9532 0242 

Email: info@rocksmith.com.au 


To advertise in Market Place, contact David Murray Smith. 

PHONE 

(08) 8277 9088 


FOR SALE 

New QL Hammers 

QL50 $3,000 QL60 $4,500 

QL80 $5,800 QL10 $8640 

New QL Concave Bits 

QL50 5.5 ” $480 QL50 6” $500 

QL60 6.5” $550 QL60 7” $650 

QL60 7.5 $858 QL60 8” $950 

QL80 8.5” $1,320 QL80 10” $1,950 

All Shank Types Are Available. 

Step Drag Bits 

5” $200 6.5” $295 

7” $325 8” $400 

10” $650 14” $1,184 

We supply all size & Types of Drag, 

Roller, PCD, DTH Bits, DTH Hammers 

Odex, Symettrix, Drill Rods & Stabilizers. 

PRICES ARE PLUS GST 

EMAIL: harry@aquaboredrilling.com 

PH: 0428270956 or 02 66897170 


www.adia.com.au 45


www.adia.com.au 49

ADIA / AUSTRALASIAN DRILLING 

LIST OF ADVERTISERS 

ADITC........................................................................................................ 37 

Asahi Diamond Industrial.....................................................................50 

Atlas Copco Australia.............................................................................. 2 

Australasian Mining Services................................................................33 

BJS Insurance Group..............................................................................11 

Bournedrill..........................................................................................25-28 

Carbide Bit Co.........................................................................................34 

Carnarvon Filtration Sands & Packaging.........................................40 

Condamine Wellscreens......................................................................36 

Davies International................................................................................. 6 

Drill Central..............................................................................................35 

Drillers World Australia .........................................................................39 

Fordia SEA................................................................................................43 

Foremost Australia................................................................................. 51 

Franklin Electric........................................................................................17 

Fraste.........................................................................................................23 

GEFCO........................................................................................................ 8 

Geoprobe Systems.................................................................................32 

Hydratorque............................................................................................. 41 

kwik-ZIP..................................................................................................... 14 

Laibe Corp................................................................................................ 18 

McCullochs Drilling & Boring.............................................................21 

Metzke..................................................................................... Front Cover 

MEH Equipment Hire............................................................................... 9 

Mincon Rockdrills...................................................................................42 

REFLEX...................................................................................................... 15 

Rocksmith (formerly JY Diamond Tools) .......................Back Cover 

Schramm Inc............................................................................................. 4 

Superior Pump Technologies..............................................................5 

Surepipe....................................................................................................24 

Trenchless Australasia............................................................................44 

TT Asia Pacific.........................................................................................29 

The cutting edge of 

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– High Performance bits 

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– Superior quality 

at competitive prices 

– Excellent Service, 

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P: (02) 9997 7033 - F: (02) 9997 8313 - E: sales@asahi-diamond.com.au 

www.asahi-diamond.com.au 

SUN 

ASAHI DIAMOND INDUSTRIAL 

Pty Ltd 


TOP 10 

REASONS 

TO CONSIDER A 

FOREMOST DR 

1. 

Exceptional Overburden Performance - Foremost DR drills have 

been proven repeatedly in some of the toughest unconsolidated 

overburden formations, including sand, gravel, glacial till, and boulders. 

2. 

Open-Hole Versatility - The DR can be configured for a variety of 

drilling methods including mud, reverse circulation, and flooded 

reverse circulation. 

3. 

Straight Holes - The rotation of the casing by the lower drive results 

in a very straight hole making it ideal for shaft holes and foundation 

piles. This also minimizes stress on casing and casing welds, and eases 

the task of installing screens and pumps in water well applications. 

4. 

Basin Extraction - The lower drive is equally effective at pulling 

back casing; thereby simplifying the process of exposing a well 

screen or abandoning a well. 

5. 

6. 

Utilizes Conventional Tools - The drill string can be equipped with 

down-the-hole hammer, roller cone, or drag bit. 

Control of Discharge - Cuttings are diverted through the discharge 

swivel and can be directed to a safe and convenient dumping or 

monitoring point. 

7. 

Ease of Maintenance - Foremost DR rigs feature a directly connected 

hydraulic feed system which means no chains, sheaves, or sprockets 

to maintain. This type of feed system generates zero load on the mast 

crown, permitting a simple and lightweight mast design that does not 

sacrifice pullback capability. 

8. 

Reduced Operational Risk - The DR’s flexibility allows you to 

expand into new applications and gives you confidence to go into 

areas previously considered off-limits. You will know you you have the 

right equipment to get the hole down the first time! 

9. 

Resale Value - There is arguably no drill on the market today that 

holds its value better than a Foremost DR. Dual Rotary owners tend 

to hold onto their rigs, making used inventory scarce, making for easy 

re-sale should the need arise. 

Foremost Technical Support – Foremost’s DR rigs are backed 

10. by the expertise and support of our product management team, 

field technicians, and one of the largest engineering departments in the 

industry. 

DR-12 DR-24 DR-24HD DR-40 

To learn more, visit foremost.ca/DR 

or call 1.800.661.9190 (Canada/U.S.A.) 1.403.295.5800 (Worldwide) 

DESIGN. BUILD. PERFORM. 

Engineered solutions for the resource industry.

Australasian Drilling

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