What is Minerals Exploration Drilling?
Minerals exploration drilling is used to investigate subsurface geology and define the grade, shape, and continuity of a mineral deposit. NorthStar supports two primary exploration methods:
- Diamond Core Drilling: Uses a diamond bit to cut and recover continuous core samples for logging and analysis.
- Rotary / Reverse Circulation (RC) Drilling: Uses a bit and air or water to bring drill chips to surface quickly for evaluation.
Exploration drilling is often done in remote or difficult environments, which increases the need for reliable and simple fluid systems.
Why Drilling Fluids Are Critical to Minerals Exploration
In exploration drilling, fluid management plays a major role in sample quality, borehole stability, and overall drilling efficiency.
- Core recovery: Helps protect soft or fractured core during drilling.
- Borehole stability: Supports the borehole wall and helps prevent collapse.
- Fluid loss control: Helps seal permeable zones and maintain circulation.
- Clay and shale inhibition: Reduces swelling in reactive formations.
- Lubrication: Lowers torque, drag, and wear in deep holes.
How NorthStar Supports Exploration Programs
NorthStar has supported exploration drilling programs in Canada, the USA, Colombia, and other international markets. Our team has experience with fractured rock, changing water quality, extreme temperatures, and remote job sites.
We supply PHPA polymers for borehole stability and lubrication, along with fluid loss additives, thinners, and pipe-freeing products. Our products are designed for simple field mixing and use.
NorthStar can help build a baseline fluid program and adjust it as conditions change, with a focus on getting quality core safely to surface.
Key Products
Recommended additives for minerals exploration drilling.