The LMC110 track-mounted unit is part of CH4 Drilling's extensive innovation plan for LMC drill rigs, managing director Justin Tredinnick told Australia's Mining Monthly.

 

"Improved safety and proactive system management will feature heavily in future builds," he said. 

  

CH4 Drilling also has an exclusive relationship with Boart Longyear for the design, manufacture and supply of LMC coal rigs.

 

In the past six months CH4 Drilling has secured long-term services contracts with Fitzroy Resources and South 32 as well as rig-supply contracts with Centennial Drilling and, more recently, Peabody's Metropolitan mine in New South Wales.

 

Tredinnick said CH4 Drilling was set up by the Cougar Mining Group in 2016 when there was room and opportunity for another competitor in the market.  

 

"The demand for directional drilling barely diminished during the most recent slump and, by 2016, it was evident that the market was on the way back up," he said.

 

"Timing was the key driver for start-up."

 

Tredinnick said the company was able to secure some early contracts despite some resistance to a new and untested supplier.

 

"This enabled us to quickly build a reputation as a serious competitor and a supplier of a quality service," he said.

 

"Our rapid expansion, however, is very much a result of the growing need for drilling services by our existing clients.

 

"The expansion of our fleet at just a few sites is testament to the trust our clients have in our ability to deliver. Whereas we are certainly in the business of spreading our wings, we will only do so if we can maintain our current level of quality and support."

 

According to Tredinnick, CH4 Drilling is owned and operated by drillers who understand all technical and commercial aspects of the business.

 

"Our production manager and site supervisors are highly experienced in borehole planning and troubleshooting," he said.

 

"With decades of experience always at hand, borehole issues are appraised and managed wisely and effectively.

 

"We maintain a small-business mentality with a hands-on approach to troubleshooting and client relations."

 

The company's plan for the future is to maintain its momentum and build as needed.

 

"As the demand for drilling services and rigs increases, our company and support services will grow to match that demand," Tredinnick said.