Drilling methods & techniques in resource EXPLORATION

presented by Colin Rice, for the Geological Society of South Africa

The traditional Drilling Methods and Techniques course looks a bit different this year - we are going online!

Frequently, new geologists are placed on drilling projects with very little understanding of the drilling operation. In order to effectively contribute to managing the project, geologists require at least a basic level of understanding of drilling principles and the drilling operation as a whole. This course will provide newly qualified geologists, that have had little or no exposure to drilling operations with a fundamental understanding of selected aspects of a drilling operation. 

Delegates can expect learning to take place through a combination of online, self-directed learning and virtual contact sessions where concepts can be discussed and clarified, questions can be answered, and practical applications of the concepts can be discussed. Delegates will have access to a discussion forum, printable notes in pdf format and support sessions throughout the course.

Who should attend? 

• Newly qualified geologists

• Geologists with little or no exposure to drilling operations

• Anyone involved in a drilling project that wants to learn the fundamental principles of a drilling operation

What will you learn?

The course is presented in three modules:

Module 1: The principles of a rock drilling operation - The features common to all drilling operations.

Module 2: Common drilling methods and techniques - Capabilities and applications of different methods of drilling boreholes into the earth.

Module 3: Drilling fluid circulation systems - Flushing and circulation systems and some fundamental calculations that every geologist must be able to do.

Module 4: Costs aspect and borehole surveying in exploration drilling - Directional survey concepts and some economic aspects of a drilling operation.

When does the course take place? 

The course will be delivered over a four week period:

• 13, 20, 27 September & 4 October 2022

Delegates will be required to do a fair amount of online, self-directed learning in their own time that will be supported by four virtual contact sessions over the course of four weeks. The virtual contact sessions are mandatory and form a very important part of the learning, so delegates are encouraged to bring any questions they have to these sessions.