INTRODUCTION
Boretech Contracting was contracted by a valued client to undertake the HDD portion of the works at FMG Solomon Mine.
SCOPE
The scope of works involved the installation of DN225 power & DN110 communications across two locations, comprising two 190m bores and four 90m bore shots.
EQUIPMENT
BT 53 Vermeer 40x55DR drill
BT 63 Kubota 5.5T Excavator U55-4
BT 51 6000L Vermeer VAC Truck
BT 135 MAN Drill truck with 8000L Truck mounted Mud Mixing System
BT 132 Triaxle trailer
BT 197 Triaxle plant trailer
BT 136 Hilux 4×4 Dual cab
Bt 52 Prime Mover
BT 04 Semi Trailer with mixing system
BT 145 DigiTrack DCI F5 Sonde & Tracking System
Hire Telehandler
GROUND CONDITIONS
Pilbara unconsolidated detrital grounds with Pindan Clay.
CHALLENGES
– Drilling under the autonomous Haul Road required the road to be closed temporarily for the tracker to track the drill head.
– Having to be escorted everywhere also made the HDD process slow and challenging at times.
– The ground being drilled was a mixture of loose soils on sections with a mix of large boulders.
TEAM SUCCESS
– Despite having a small team and limited movement between each side of the shot, the team persevered and completed the shot safely and efficiently under the circumstances at play.
– Good communication between drill crew and client ensured the haul road closures were effectively coordinated.
– Working closely with the client to coordinate equipment utilisation for welding, rod basket changeouts and water cart usage.
DURATION
The total duration onsite was three months, from April to July, with 5:2 and 14:7 rosters utilised.
DATE COMPLETED
07/07/2026
