Rig · Opti-3
Multi-purpose surface diamond rig — HQ/NQ/BQ. Track-converted for difficult terrain.
Service · Exploration DrillingExploration
Exploration
Drilling
Cutting-edge diamond core drilling that unlocks the full potential of your tenement — clean core, accurate depths, defendable data.
§ Service · Exploration DrillingIn depth.
In depth.
In the field.
- HQ / NQ / BQ core sizes
- Oriented core capability
- Surface to deep-hole programmes
- Triple-tube for fragile ground
Optimine runs surface diamond core programmes across Namibia and Southern Africa — from first-pass reconnaissance over a fresh tenement to brownfield resource definition on a producing mine. Crews are trained to deliver core that geologists can model on: clean recovery, accurate depths, defensible chain-of-custody.
Programmes are scoped against tenement geology, target depths and pad access. HQ is the default for resource work; NQ extends depth on tight budgets; BQ reaches deepest. Triple-tube core barrels are deployed in fractured ground where recovery would otherwise collapse.
Optimine integrates with the project geologist from day one — pad design, hole sequence, oriented core protocol, and structural logging support are agreed before the rig moves to collar.
Programme flowHow a exploration drilling
How a exploration drilling
programme runs.
- Step 01
Tenement & target review
Geologist briefing, target depths, hole plan, oriented vs non-oriented decision, access + permit constraints.
- Step 02
Pad design & permitting
Pad layout, erosion controls, water supply, environmental rehab plan. Support on Ministry of Mines & Energy correspondence.
- Step 03
Mobilisation
Rig, support vehicles, drilling fluids and consumables to site. Crew rotation and HSE induction.
- Step 04
Drilling & downhole survey
Collar surveyed, hole drilled to depth, gyro / multi-shot downhole survey on schedule. Triple-tube deployed for fragile zones.
- Step 05
Core handling & orientation
Recovery measured at every run. Oriented core marked at the rig, depth-stamped, photographed wet and dry on the core shed.
- Step 06
Logging & sampling
Geotech + structural logging on site. Sample intervals marked, half-core split, chain-of-custody sheets signed before dispatch.
- Step 07
QAQC & dispatch
Standards, blanks, duplicates inserted per protocol. Samples couriered to accredited lab with signed manifest.
- Step 08
Programme reporting
Daily report, weekly metres summary, end-of-programme QAQC report and core archive handover.
What you receiveDeliverables,
Deliverables,
documented.
- Oriented core boxes with depth markers and photo record (wet + dry)
- Geotech and structural logs
- Downhole survey data (azimuth + dip vs depth)
- Sample dispatch sheets + chain-of-custody manifests
- QAQC report covering standards / blanks / duplicates / umpire batches
- Daily drilling reports + weekly metre summaries
- Programme close-out report with recommendations
ComplianceAudit-ready by
Audit-ready by
design.
- NI 43-101 and JORC chain-of-custody from collar to lab
- Environmental rehab on every pad before demobilisation
- Ministry of Mines & Energy reporting support
- Documented HSE induction for every crew member before site work
Deployable fleetRigs we run on
Rigs we run on
exploration drilling.
Rig · Opti-6
Modern multi-purpose unit (Epiroc C6C class) — deeper holes, faster penetration, oriented-core capable.
Common questionsAsked by
Asked by
our clients.
- What hole depths can Optimine reach?
- Standard rigs cover HQ to 600m, NQ beyond 800m, BQ deeper still. Final depth depends on ground conditions and rig selection — confirmed during scope.
- Can you support oriented core?
- Yes. Oriented core is the default on structural programmes. Markings are taken at the rig and verified in the core shed before logging.
- How fast can you mobilise?
- Typically 7–14 days from signed scope to rig on collar, subject to permitting status and crew rotation.
Engage on Exploration DrillingBrief us on your
Brief us on your
exploration drilling programme.
Send a one-page brief — tenement, stage, target metres, and timing — and we'll come back with a scope, rig plan, and QAQC pack tagged to Exploration Drilling.
§ 07 / Engagement BriefLet's drill
Let's drill
your project.
Tell us about your tenement, your stage, and your timeline. We'll come back with a scope, a rig plan, and a QAQC pack your geologist can sign.
Contact logOpen
Ref · OPM-RFQ / 2026