Blast Hole vs. RC Drilling: Unveiling the Myth for Accurate Exploration

Are you a miner or explorer misled by the claim of "blast hole drilling for samples"? 

You are not alone. Both blast hole drilling and RC drilling (Reverse Circulation Drilling) utilize compressed air, but their purposes and impact on sample quality differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for successful exploration.

Blast Hole Drilling: Engineered for Force, Not Samples

Blast Hole vs. RC Drilling: Unveiling the Myth for Accurate Exploration
Blast Hole vs. RC Drilling: Unveiling the Myth for Accurate Exploration
Function:
Blast hole drilling prioritizes speed and efficiency, creating holes for controlled blasting in mining and construction projects.
  1. Method: Employs a hammer drill bit that crushes rock as it drills. Compressed air removes the fragmented rock (cuttings), often containing a mix of material from various depths.
  2. Sample Quality: Not suitable for collecting reliable exploration samples. Crushed and mixed cuttings compromise sample integrity, leading to inaccurate analysis and potentially costly project decisions.

RC Drilling: The Champion of Reliable Samples

Function: Specifically designed to obtain high-quality rock chip samples for exploration and applications requiring detailed analysis.
  1. Method: Utilizes compressed air to propel a hammer bit down the borehole. A double-walled drill rod system separates the air from the sample. Crushed rock chips are collected through the inner tube, minimizing contamination from different depths.
  2. Sample Quality: Provides reliable and uncontaminated rock chip samples from specific depths. This allows for accurate mineral identification and resource evaluation, crucial for informed decision-making in exploration projects.

Why Blast Hole Drilling Fails for Exploration Samples

Here's why blast hole drilling isn't the answer for collecting reliable exploration samples:
  1. Contamination: The crushing action and air circulation mix rock fragments from various depths, leading to inaccurate analysis.
  2. Limited Depth Capability: Blast hole drilling may not be suitable for deep exploration drilling needed to assess the full potential of a mineral deposit.
  3. Misleading Information: Relying on blast hole "samples" can lead to costly mistakes due to inaccurate resource evaluation.

Why RC Drilling Reigns Supreme for Exploration

RC drilling offers distinct advantages for miners and explorers:
  1. Uncompromised Sample Quality: The double-walled system minimizes contamination, ensuring reliable samples for accurate analysis.
  2. Suitable for Deep Exploration: RC drilling can reach significant depths, allowing for a comprehensive mineral potential assessment.
  3. Informed Decision-Making: High-quality samples empower exploration teams to make informed decisions about resource potential and strategies.
  4. Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While initial drilling might be slightly slower than blast hole drilling, the reliable sample quality reduces the need for repeat drilling due to inaccurate initial analysis, saving money in the long term.

Partner with Nakiso Borehole Drilling for Informed Exploration

At Nakiso Borehole Drilling, we are committed to providing accurate information and the right drilling solutions for your project. We offer both blast hole drilling and RC drilling, but we'll always recommend the most suitable method based on your specific needs.

Contact us today for a free consultation!

Let our experienced team guide you towards the most effective drilling solution for your exploration endeavors. We'll help you secure reliable samples and ensure your project's success.
About Nakiso Borehole Drilling

At Nakiso Borehole Drilling, we are your comprehensive partner for unlocking reliable water on your property. Our highly skilled team tackles all drilling projects, from standard boreholes to specialized Blast Hole and RC Drilling.

We handle everything in-house for a seamless experience, encompassing expert borehole siting, efficient drilling, and pump installation – solar, electric, or manual – tailored to your specific needs. With Nakiso, your reliable water source is just a drill away.

We don't just strive to be the best; we maintain the industry's strictest quality standards and are committed to sustainable practices for the future of Zimbabwe's water security.

Fact 1: Know Your Borehole Casings

The Preferred Borehole Casing In Zimbabwe Is Class 9 and 10 (Pressure Classes.)

This is because Class 9 and Class 10 Casings are more collapse resistant. The strength of a Casing is often described as collapse resistance.

Fact 2: Borehole Drilling Depth

The exact depth, of where the water is located, cannot be established by the drilling contractor nor the Water Surveyor (Borehole Siter).

Fact 3: There Is No 100% Guarantee

It is important to note that it is never a 100% guarantee that any hole will yield water, the amount and water quality can also not be guaranteed by the drilling contractor and water surveyor.

Fact 4: Siting Is Important
Fact 5: Know The Risks

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