Imdex to develop new drilling tech

Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre has entered into a development agreement with drilling services company Imdex for its Lab-at-Rig product, which aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs when drilling exploration holes.

The analysis technology is designed to provide a means of measuring drill hole geochemistry and mineralogy at a drill site within minutes of the drilling process.

It delivers real-time data, which allows mineral explorers to validate exploration targets during the drilling process and inform decisions as to whether to abandon or extend drill holes, or whether to modify the location or trajectory of subsequent holes.

The agreement is with Reflex, a subsidiary within Imdex’s minerals division.

“Such decisions, made in a timely manner, can result in significant cost savings,” DET CRC said in a statement.

“In the current environment, demand for technologies that increase productivity and reduce costs is growing as the minerals industry strives to increase efficiencies in order to prosper.”

Chief financial officer Ian Hardwick said the company was pleased Reflex shared its vision and level of commitment to further develop the technology.

“Lab-at-Rig is the second of our three key pillar technologies to be licenced for commercialisation and our third pillar, the Coiled Tubing drill rig is well into development,” Mr Hardwick said.

Alongside Imdex, the technology is being developed in partnership with Curtin University, CSIRO and the University of Adelaide.