Directional Drilling Contractor in WA
With over 50 years of combined experience in civil infrastructure, Boretech Contracting is a leading directional drilling contractor servicing Perth metro, regional Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales.
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What Is Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)?
Horizontal directional drilling is a trenchless installation method used to place conduits, pipes, and cables underground along a pre-planned bore path, without excavating a trench along the full route. A steerable drill head is guided from an entry point to a target exit point, following a curved path designed to clear existing services, infrastructure, and surface obstacles.
HDD is the preferred installation method for telecommunications, electrical, gas, water, and sewer networks across Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales, particularly where open-cut trenching would disrupt traffic, damage vegetation, or cross waterways and heritage land.
Boretech has been delivering directional drilling projects since the rollout of the NBN network in WA, beginning with Telstra pit installations and growing into a full-service civil infrastructure contractor trusted by the state’s largest utility operators.
Why Clients Choose Directional Drilling Over Trenching
When underground utilities need to cross roads, rail corridors, waterways, or congested service zones, HDD consistently outperforms open-cut trenching on every key project metric.
Cost Effective
HDD eliminates the need for extended traffic management, pavement reinstatement, and prolonged site occupation. Fewer resources on site for less time means lower overall project cost, particularly on crossings that would otherwise require lane closures, detour signage, or multiple weeks of open excavation.
- No pavement cutting or reinstatement costs
- Reduced traffic management requirements
- Shorter programme duration compared to open-cut
- Lower labour and equipment hours per crossing
Environmentally Friendly
Because the bore path runs beneath the surface, HDD causes minimal ground disturbance above the drill line. Vegetation, root systems, topsoil, and natural drainage patterns remain intact. This makes it the preferred method for crossings near bushland, wetlands, national parks, and environmentally sensitive areas under WA’s Environmental Protection Act.
- No vegetation clearing along the bore route
- Root systems and topsoil remain undisturbed
- Suitable for crossings near waterways and wetlands
- Preferred method for heritage and sensitive land areas
Safer Than Trenching Near Existing Services
Open trenching near live gas, water, and electrical infrastructure carries inherent strike risk. The controlled, steerable bore path of HDD can be designed to navigate around known services with precision, reducing the risk of service strikes that cause project delays, costs, and safety incidents. All Boretech bore paths are planned against Dial Before You Dig service data prior to mobilisation.
- Steerable bore path designed around existing services
- Pre-mobilisation DBYD referral on every project
- NDD used to positively expose services at critical points
- Reduced open excavation near live utility assets
Faster Than Conventional Trenching
A directional drill crossing that would take days of traffic management and reinstatement via open cut can often be completed in a single shift. Faster cycle times mean project milestones are met and delivery partners can maintain programme.
- Single-shift completion on short to medium crossings
- No waiting on reinstatement or pavement curing
- Reduced weather-related delays
- Programme certainty for delivery partners
Not Impacted by Weather
Unlike open-cut trenching, where rain events destabilise trench walls and flood excavations, directional drilling operations continue regardless of weather conditions. The bore is entirely underground and slurry management systems handle groundwater without delay to the programme.
- Operations continue in wet weather
- No trench collapse or flooding risk
- Consistent production rates across seasons
- Suitable for year-round scheduling in WA and NSW
Our Directional Drilling Process
Every Boretech HDD installation follows a structured, safety-led methodology from initial site planning through to final reinstatement.
Step 1: Site Assessment and Bore Path Design
Our project team reviews DBYD service plans, geotechnical data, and site constraints to design a bore path that avoids existing services and meets the required installation tolerances. Bore path profiles are drawn up before mobilisation. Where required, we conduct non-destructive digging (NDD) to positively expose existing services at critical crossing points.
Step 2: Equipment Selection
Drill rig selection is matched to bore length, diameter, and ground conditions, from our compact D24x40 for tight-access suburban sites to the D60x90 for longer crossings and rock conditions. Supporting equipment including vacuum trucks, excavators, and service vehicles are mobilised as required for each scope.
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Step 3: Pilot Bore
The steerable drill head is guided along the bore path using a walkover or wire-line locating system, tracked continuously to maintain alignment. Ground conditions are managed with bentonite drilling fluid to stabilise the bore hole and return drill cuttings to the entry pit for collection and disposal.
Step 4: Pre-Reaming
Once the pilot bore is complete, the bore hole is enlarged through successive reaming passes to the required diameter for product pipe or conduit installation. Reaming size is determined by product pipe OD and ground conditions.
Step 5: Product Pipe Pullback
The conduit, duct bundle, or pipe string is attached to the reamer and pulled back through the bore hole in a single controlled pass. Boretech installs a wide range of product types including:
- HDPE conduit and duct bundles for telecommunications
- PE gas pipe for gas main crossings
- Electrical duct for LV and HV power networks
- Water main and sewer infrastructure
Step 6: Reinstatement and Site Clean-Up
Entry and exit pits are reinstated to specification. Drill fluid, spoil, and any surface disturbance is remediated. All works are signed off against the project scope before demobilisation.
Industries and Applications
Boretech delivers HDD works for clients across a broad range of sectors throughout WA, SA, and NSW.
Telecommunication
We install telecommunications conduit for NBN Co, Telstra, and TPG Telecom, including road crossings, rail underbores, and complex multi-conduit installations in congested urban corridors. Boretech began its operations on the Telstra network and has built deep experience across NBN delivery in WA metro and regional zones.
Electrical
We install electrical conduit and ducting for Western Power distribution network projects across Perth metro and regional WA, working safely in live environments under strict electrical safety management plans.
Road and Rail Crossings
Our crews regularly execute underbores beneath state and local roads, rail corridors, and freeway embankments, including projects delivered for Main Roads Western Australia. We have extensive experience working within road reserve permits and under live traffic management plans.
Mining and Resources
We mobilise to regional and remote WA for mining access roads, camp infrastructure, and resource industry utility crossings, including rock conditions up to 290 MPa.
Licences, Accreditations and Safety
Licences and Registrations
- EC Licence: 14748
- WorkSafe Restricted Asbestos Removal Licence: WR2407
- ABN: 68 623 214 497
- ACN: 623 214 497
- Compliant with the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)
Safety and Compliance
- All field personnel trained in SWMS compliance and service strike prevention
- DBYD referral and on-site utility locating completed before mobilisation on every project
- NDD used to positively expose services before any mechanical works commence
- Experienced under live traffic management plans, road reserve permits, and environmental management plans
- WorkSafe Restricted Asbestos Removal Licence WR2407 held for ACM encountered during excavation
Recent Directional Drilling Projects
Mitchell Freeway Extension, Perth WA
Boretech was engaged to deliver a significant package of directional drilling works for the Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound initiative by Main Roads WA. The scope included 65 drill shots across varying configurations, including multiple embankment underbores in rock.
Yanchep Rail Line Extension, Perth WA
Boretech was engaged to provide wet hire vacuum excavation support for the Yanchep Rail Line Extension, supporting major construction works between Yanchep and Alkimos. The project involved supplying multiple large vacuum trucks to assist crews across varying stages of the rail corridor development, with works completed in demanding sand and limestone ground conditions across both day and night shifts.
Fulton Hogan Intercity Fibre Network (ICF), Perth WA
Boretech was engaged by Fulton Hogan to deliver specialised drilling works for the Intercity Fibre Network (ICF) project through John Forrest National Park in Perth. The scope involved installing a 110mm communications conduit across 1km of environmentally and culturally sensitive terrain, requiring precision air hammer drilling through solid granite while navigating heritage-listed infrastructure, public access trails, and complex fire restrictions. Multiple bores exceeding 200m were successfully completed, with the longest reaching 268m, allowing fibre optic installation to be delivered ahead of schedule.
Locations We Serve Across WA and Australia
Boretech operates from our Balcatta workshop and Perth office, with a regional base in Kalgoorlie supporting faster mobilisation into the Goldfields and regional WA.
Perth Metropolitan Areas
- Balcatta
- Joondalup
- Osborne Park
- Morley
- Ellenbrook
- Midland
- Malaga
- Cannington
- Rockingham
- Armadale
- Fremantle
- Canning Vale
- Cockburn
- Mandurah
- Stirling
- Wanneroo
- Bassendean
- Bayswater
- Belmont
- Victoria Park
- Subiaco
- Nedlands
- Claremont
- Cottesloe
- Karrinyup
- Scarborough
- Inglewood
- Mount Lawley
- Mirrabooka
- Nollamara
- Bentley
- Thornlie
- Gosnells
- Maddington
- Kenwick
- Wangara
- Landsdale
- Dianella
- Yokine
- Innaloo
Regional and Goldfields WA
- Kalgoorlie
- Geraldton
- Esperance
- Albany
- Karratha
- Port Hedland
- Dampier
- Newman
- Broome
- Tom Price
- Carnarvon
- Exmouth
- Merredin
- Narrogin
- Northam
- York
South West WA
- Bunbury
- Busselton
- Margaret River
- Collie
- Harvey
- Capel
- Dunsborough
- Manjimup
- Bridgetown
Interstate
- Adelaide SA
- Sydney NSW
Frequently Asked Questions About Directional Drilling WA
Directional drilling WA services are widely used across Western Australia for underground services, utility installation projects, mining exploration, telecommunications, electrical infrastructure, water, sewer, and gas conduits. In Perth Western Australia and regional WA, horizontal directional drilling HDD is the preferred method because it minimises excavation, reduces disruption to roadways and existing structures, and improves safety and efficiency across construction projects.
In Western Australia, directional diamond drilling is heavily relied upon for underground exploration in the mining sector. Directional drilling maximises resource recovery while reducing surface disruption, environmental impact, and exploration costs compared to traditional excavation and trenching methods.
Horizontal directional drilling, commonly referred to as HDD, is a professional drilling and boring technique used to install utility conduits, pipes, and underground services beneath roads, waterways, driveways, paved areas, and existing buildings without open trench excavation.
The horizontal directional drilling HDD process generally follows three key phases:
- Pilot bore
- Pre-reaming
- Pipe or cable pullback
This process allows experienced professionals to complete underground utility installation projects safely while maintaining bore accuracy and protecting underground services.
Boretech provides directional drilling services and boring services for:
- Telecommunications conduits
- Electrical conduits and power infrastructure
- Gas conduits
- Water pipelines
- Sewer infrastructure
- Utility conduits
- Civil engineering and construction projects
Our experienced team delivers underground services installation across Perth, regional WA, and interstate locations.
Yes. Boretech delivers road boring WA services and short bore installations beneath roadways, driveways, rail infrastructure, and paved areas throughout Western Australia. Road boring and directional drilling are commonly used where trenching would disrupt traffic, businesses, pedestrians, or existing underground services.
Our directional drilling capability covers a broad range of ground conditions including sand, limestone, clay, calcrete, compacted gravels, hard soils, and solid granite. Boretech also provides confined space drilling and specialised drilling and boring services in difficult rock environments using advanced HDD equipment and air hammer techniques.
Protect underground services qualifications, safety systems, and location detection procedures are critical to every job. All directional drilling operators in WA must comply with strict safety requirements before drilling begins.
Our experienced professionals complete:
- Dial Before You Dig referrals
- Utility locating and mapping
- Vacuum excavation
- Non-destructive digging
- Underground hazard identification
These processes help protect underground services, existing structures, employees, and surrounding infrastructure during drilling and boring works.
Yes. Professional horizontal directional drilling is ideal for installations beneath existing buildings, existing structures, roadways, waterways, and confined access environments. Directional drilling technology minimises surface disruption, allowing operators to bypass environmentally sensitive areas, native vegetation, rail corridors, and waterways while maintaining safe bore profiles underground.
Yes. Boretech provides confined space drilling services for projects involving restricted access, underground infrastructure, or sensitive construction environments. Our experienced team follows strict ISO-based safety systems and drilling procedures to ensure all confined space work is completed safely and efficiently.
Boretech operates a wide range of drilling and boring equipment including HDD rigs, vacuum trucks, excavators, compressors, trenching support machinery, and specialised utility installation equipment. Our capability ranges from compact short bore rigs through to large directional drilling systems for major civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
Our directional drilling WA services support:
- Mining
- Civil engineering
- Construction
- Telecommunications
- Electrical infrastructure
- Water and sewer projects
- Gas infrastructure
- Utility installation projects
- Government and transport infrastructure
We work across Perth WA, regional Western Australia, and interstate projects requiring professional underground services installation.
The duration of a drilling job depends on bore length, ground conditions, utility requirements, roadway crossings, and site access. A short bore beneath a driveway or road may be completed in a single shift, while larger HDD infrastructure projects involving multiple conduits, pipes, or challenging drilling conditions may require staged construction works.
Boretech has grown into a trusted directional drilling business through our focus on safety, quality, capability, and technical expertise. Directional drilling companies often rely on decades of industry experience, and our experienced professionals deliver reliable HDD solutions across a broad range of utility installation and underground infrastructure projects.
ISO accreditation is common among leading directional drilling companies because it demonstrates compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards. Boretech combines experienced employees, specialised equipment, advanced drilling techniques, and proven project delivery systems to complete projects safely and efficiently across WA.
Directional drilling is crucial for both safety and efficiency when accessing large, thin, or compartmentalised reservoirs that traditional vertical wells cannot reach. Advanced rotary steerable systems are commonly used in offshore and extended-reach drilling to access distant gas pockets without requiring additional marine platforms. These advanced drilling techniques improve resource recovery while reducing environmental impact and surface disruption across exploration and infrastructure projects.
Get a Quote for Directional Drilling in Perth and Regional WA
Boretech Contracting has the equipment, licences, and field experience to deliver your directional drilling scope, whether it is a single suburban crossing or a large multi-bore infrastructure programme across WA, SA, or NSW.
Contact us today to discuss your project scope and receive a no-obligation quote.
For project and job enquiries: estimating@boretechcontracting.com.au (08) 6377 7682
Vac truck hire enquiries: vactruck@boretechcontracting.com.au
Workshop and office: 5 Kenhelm St, Balcatta WA 6021
Regional office: 96 Egan St, Kalgoorlie WA 6430
Licences: EC 14748 | WorkSafe Asbestos WR2407 | ABN 68 623 214 497
