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Underground Coring

Quality core within active mine constraints

Underground coring recovers geological core in active mine environments where space, access, hole orientation and production activity shape the drilling plan. Modular equipment and specialized methods help us work within those constraints.

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Our Approach

Coring planned around the underground environment

We align rig configuration, hole orientation, depth capability, access and field coordination to the target and the mine environment. The result is a practical drilling approach designed to recover quality core while working alongside active operations.

Reliable geological information

Industry-leading core recovery rates, integrated core orientation and measurable performance data support accurate geological interpretation and informed decisions.

Configured for the mine

Available space, access, target geometry, required depth and operating schedules guide the equipment configuration and drilling plan.

What We Bring

Underground Coring Capabilities

Our underground coring capabilities combine modular equipment, deep-hole experience, directional expertise, specialty services and technology that supports safer, productive drilling.

Modular Underground Fleet

Our LM55, LM75, LM90, LM110 and LM150 modular diamond drill rigs use interchangeable components and mobile platforms to accommodate space constraints, depth requirements and efficient moves between drill sites.

Deep and Multi-Angle Coring

Our expertise and diverse fleet support angled and vertical underground coring projects beyond 1,800 metres. Boart Longyear patented tooling supports safer, more efficient up holes at any angle.

Directional Drilling

Our directional technicians use mud motors, steering tools and mud pumps to correct or steer boreholes toward the target.

Specialty Underground Services

We perform dewatering galleries, geotechnical borings, tunnel investigations, grouting services and utility borings within underground environments.

Automation and Rod Handling

Auto-drilling and hands-free rod-handling technology can reduce manual interaction with equipment while supporting safety and productivity.

TruScan™ Core Scanning

TruScan™ uses XRF technology for same-day, continuous, non-destructive elemental and photo scanning of drill core, providing high-density data and near-real-time geological information at the exploration site.

Underground Operating Envelope

Designed around the underground environment

Underground coring has to work within the mine around it. We configure the drilling approach around available space, access, target geometry, depth requirements and ongoing mine activity.

Restricted Space

Modular equipment configured around headings and available setup areas.

Hole Geometry

Vertical, angled, horizontal and up-hole coring planned around the target.

Depth and Target Reach

Equipment and methods selected for the depth and position of the target.

Rig Mobility

Modular equipment supports repositioning between underground drill stations.

Configured to fit the heading and reach the target

The rig configuration and drilling plan work together to reach the target without losing sight of the operating environment around the drill bay.

Up-Hole
Down-Hole
Horizontal
Angled

Active-Mine Coordination

Setups, rig moves and drilling are coordinated with mine access, services and operating schedules so crews can maintain safe, consistent execution from one drill station to the next.

How Underground Coring Works

From drill bay to geological core

Underground coring brings the drilling system to the target from within the mine. The program is planned around the opening, positioned for the required trajectory and advanced to recover core for geological analysis.

Plan

Align access, available space, mine activity, target geometry and drilling requirements.

Position

Configure the rig for the required up-hole, down-hole, angled or horizontal trajectory.

Advance

Progress through the target interval using the selected equipment, tooling and method.

Recover

Return oriented core and performance data for analysis and informed decisions.

Each stage is coordinated with the mine environment so crews can maintain safe, consistent execution from one drill station to the next.

Underground drill setup in a mine heading

Fleet specifications

Depth capability by hole direction

Our underground coring fleet supports different operating spaces, target positions and depth requirements. The published field-experience depths below show expected capability by drilling direction.

LM™55

179 m
Up
418 m
Down
500 m
Horiz.

LM™75

305 m
Up
887 m
Down
837 m
Horiz.

LM™90

981 m
Up
1500 m
Down
970 m
Horiz.

MDR700

305 m
Up
887 m
Down
970 m
Horiz.

These depths are based on field experience and may reasonably be expected. Final rig selection and achievable depth depend on the hole design, ground conditions, tooling and operating environment.

Field Experience and Broader Fleet

Our broader modular underground fleet also includes the LM™110 and LM™150. Interchangeable components and mobile platforms help crews work within space constraints and move efficiently between drill sites.

Technology and Safety

Automation, rod handling and core data

Equipment and data technologies can reduce manual interaction, support consistent drilling and shorten the time between core recovery and geological insight.

Underground coring equipment configured for drilling

Automation and Handling

Reduce manual interaction

Auto-drilling supports consistent operation, while hands-free rod handling helps reduce manual interaction with drill rods without compromising productivity.
Technician reviewing core scan data

TruScan™ Core Scanning

Move from core to data

Continuous, non-destructive elemental and photographic scanning provides accurate, high-density information and near-real-time geological insight at the exploration site.

Together, these technologies connect safer equipment interaction, reliable execution and faster access to core data.

Our Technical Expertise

Execution inside an active mine

Access, production activity, restricted setup space, rig moves and target geometry are coordinated so the drilling program can progress within the operating environment. Our locally trained teams are backed by cross-regional expertise, equipment, services, performance metrics and reporting from across Boart Longyear.

Safe and compliant

Progressive safety programs, field-designed innovations, training and risk-management practices support a culture in which safety remains the first priority.

Consistent and reliable

Technical expertise, experienced crews, engineered equipment and measurable performance data support consistent execution, core recovery and uptime.

Our Experience

Underground Coring Expertise

Our people, equipment and technologies support underground programs from restricted drill bays to deep and directional targets.

Beyond 1,800 Metres

Capability for angled and vertical underground coring projects beyond 1,800 metres.

Multiple Hole Directions

Underground coring capability for up, down, angled and horizontal targets.

Integrated Core Orientation

Core orientation and performance data support geological interpretation and project decisions.

Safety and Automation

Auto-drilling, hands-free rod handling and field-designed safety innovations support safer, productive work.

Our Capabilities

Related Capabilities

Explore related drilling capabilities that may support your program.

Surface Coring

Recover continuous geological core with equipment and methods configured around the target, terrain and recovery requirements.

Directional Drilling

Measure and adjust borehole trajectory to reach defined targets, correct deviation and support complex drilling programs.

Field insights

Working within the mine

Explore how crews and equipment adapt to the access and operating demands of underground coring.

Underground Coring in Active Mine Environments

Guidance on underground coring access, space, safety controls, and data expectations in active operations.
Explore Resource

From Drill Station to Target

Plan the hole around the mine

Tell us the target, available drill space, access constraints and operating conditions. We can help align the underground coring approach, equipment and field support to the work.

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