INTRODUCTION
Boretech was contracted by a valued client to undertake Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) works during an area shutdown at Hancock’s Roy Hill Mine. The works involved the installation of a DN630 HDPE drainage pipe on grade within the stockyard area.
SCOPE
The scope involved installing a DN630 HDPE drainage pipe on grade beneath a conveyor belt and into a water channel within the stockyard area. With the works required to align with other shutdown activities, the installation was completed within a time-critical timeframe.
EQUIPMENT
BT-53 40x55DR Vermeer
Bt-135 “Wombatˮ 8000 litre mud mixing truck
BT-197 Tri axle plant trailer
BT-37 10000 litre mixing system
BT-63 5.5T excavator
BT-51 6000 litre Vac Truck
BT-135 8000 litre Vac truck
BT-184 Dual axle plant trailer
BT-52 Prime mover
BT-04 Drop deck trailer
BT-136 44 Hilux
BT-217 44 Hilux
Hire truck
BT-133 Consumables truck
BT-145 DCI Falcon F5 Tracking System
GROUND CONDITIONS
Pilbara unconsolodated Detrital grounds with Pindan Clay
CHALLENGES
– Initially, services that were to be crossed needed to be Vac excavated to ensure safe minimum approach distances could be kept.
– Drill profile was changed after the excavation was completed as there was a clash in design. The crew adapted to the challenges this entailed and worked up a profile that ensured that the minimum distances could be kept and the on-Grade requirement would be met.
– The initial water supply had a high salt content, which impacted the effective mixing of drilling fluids. Boretech worked with the client to arrange a potable water supply, allowing the drilling mud to be mixed to the required standard.
– The work area had limited space due to the proximity of an environmentally sensitive water channel, requiring careful controls to prevent spills or contamination.
– Due to the restricted work area, drilling and reaming were completed from one side before the drill rig was relocated to the exit side to complete the pipe pullback.
TEAM SUCCESS
– Successful organisation within the team to ensure that timelines were met.
– Organising a higher quality water supply with our client.
– Good comms when changing the reamers.
– Fantastic feedback after the completion of the works from the Client Site management team.
DURATION
12 days.
DATE COMPLETED
29th July 2026.
