North Island Year End Brief

Posted December 22, 2022

What a busy year we have had, with 2022 coming to an end we would like to thank our team for all their efforts, commitment, and hard work over the year. With many challenges we have had to work around and overcome from Covid to working with low/high river levels for the crew to access remote Heli locations, we have successfully met our metre targets and exceeded client expectations, we couldn’t have done this without our amazing team who have applied our values not only in their work environments but also out in the wider community.  

WKP

Our team have worked closely with OGL and have played a big part in the process of gathering information required for consenting purposes, this has added several additional challenges to an already challenging project. Packer testing in poor ground conditions, deep piezometer installations and multiple vibrating wire installations at depths up to 450m+. These tasks have now become second nature to the crew and has allowed them to gain valuable experience during the year.

Introducing directional drilling equipment to the project has enabled a lot more control over hole deviation and improved accuracy into target zones and ultimately providing the client much needed information.  

Waihi Surface

Our near mine drill crew are required to setup in locations within close proximity to the public, anywhere from behind local shops in the centre of the Waihi township, to the peak of the hill above the Underground mine portal. They have also completed several shallow holes well suited to the 4x4 tractor rig, able to reach areas with poor access.

Waihi Underground

Historic drives/stopes or workings are term commonly used underground. Most of the holes drilled during the year have come close to intercepting and we are continuing to bridge multiple stopes in a single hole to achieve client target depths. The introduction of the LM30 Bobcat has been well received, giving the client a small, self-driven mobile drill rig ideal for grade control applications. Our underground team have done an excellent job in meeting target metres prior to the year ending.

With yet another year completed successfully, we would like to thank each and every one of our team members from administration staff, maintenance, fabrication, warehouse to our operations crew. We could not have accomplished the work we have completed throughout the year without each and everyone of you. Please enjoy a well-deserved Christmas break with family and friends. 2023 is set to be another extremely busy year for us all with Alton Drilling securing projects with Larvotto, Mercury Energy and the ongoing projects for Oceana Gold.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Years. We are all looking forward to continuing to support you all in 2023.

Fabian Harley

North Island Operations Manager