Principle and application
Diamond core drilling is rotary drilling that recovers continuous core at depth, the central tool of mineral exploration: it feeds the geological model with real samples of grade and body geometry. When the mineralised body dips, we drill the borehole inclined to intercept it in the most representative direction.
Typical applications: mining, exploration, geology and tailings dams.
The test in stages
Vertical or inclined borehole
The rig is set up at the design angle, vertical or inclined, to intercept the body.
Wireline drilling
The wireline system recovers the core without pulling the string, gaining depth.
Continuous core
The core is recovered, measured and placed in boxes.
Deviation control
Borehole deviation is measured to position the intercepts correctly.
Quality controls: own fleet and crews, dedicated to mineral exploration, recovery and RQD control per run, deviation surveys to position the intercepts and core photographed and boxes tracked.
According to mineral exploration
| Core | Continuous sample for logging and analysis |
|---|---|
| Recovery / RQD | Quality of the rock mass and the core |
| Trajectory | Actual borehole position from deviation surveys |
| Depth | Reach according to the geological target |
| Core boxes | Arranged, measured and photographed |
| Log | Recovery, RQD and depth per run |
| Borehole trajectory | Deviation survey |
| Typical lead time | According to depth and target logistics |
Performed to the same QA/QC, safety and site standard as every Damasco Penna service, described in Quality and field operations.
Frequently asked questions about diamond core drilling
What is diamond core drilling used for in mineral exploration?
Diamond core drilling is rotary drilling that recovers continuous core at depth, the central tool of mineral exploration: it feeds the geological model with real samples of grade and body geometry. When the mineralised body dips, we drill the borehole inclined to intercept it in the most representative direction.
Why is the borehole inclined?
Mineralised bodies usually dip. An inclined borehole crosses the structure at an angle closer to perpendicular, giving intercepts that are more representative of grade and geometry.
What is wireline drilling?
A system that recovers the core through the inside of the string, without removing it on every run. It saves a great deal of time and gains depth in the long boreholes of mineral exploration.
Related services
Diamond core drilling for your project
Tell us about your project and we will prepare the investigation plan and the quote.