Reverse Circulation Drilling Services
Capabilities
Comprehensive RC Drilling Services
At Egan Drilling, we lead the industry with purpose-built RC drill rigs, delivering efficient and accurate exploration for mineral deposits.
Our key capabilities include:
- Remote greenfields exploration
- Resource definition
- Grade control drilling for contamination-free samples
- Deep hole drilling up to 500 meters
- Projects of any scale, from junior ventures to large operations
50+ YearS Of Experience
Trusted by clients across WA since 1968, with deep knowledge of local geology and drilling conditions.
Custom-Built & Designed Rigs
Our Australian designed and built rigs are purpose-built to handle WA’s unique terrain efficiently and safely.
Family-Owned & Operated
Third-generation business built on integrity, long-term relationships, and hands-on service.
Strict Safety & Reliability
We maintain strict safety standards and deliver reliable results, no matter how remote or complex the site.
Our Advantage
Why Choose Our Drilling Services?
SEAMLESS MOBILISATION
Our equipment is setup to mobilise to programs across Australia, complete with the capability to provide remote exploration camps. Our rigs, auxiliary air packages, and support equipment have been designed and maintained for reliability on the toughest and most remote projects, ensuring seamless water range and environmental drilling operations.
Commitment to Excellence
We are dedicated to delivering a cost-efficient, effective, and reliable RC Drilling service. Each program is meticulously planned and executed to adhere to timelines and budgets, and we prioritise high sample quality, minimising contamination.
EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS
Our team comprises highly experienced and trained RC drillers who hold industry qualifications. Offsiders will hold a minimum Certificate II in Drilling Operations, while drillers possess a Certificate III in Drilling Operations, and supervisors hold a Certificate IV in Drilling Operations
REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
We pride ourselves on our expertise and ability to work on small drill pads, maximising operational flexibility while minimising environmental impact. Our extensive experience speaks volumes. We have completed drilling campaigns ranging from 10 to 30,000 meters with zero harm to personnel or the environment.
Experience
Notable Achievements
In 2022, our highly successful reverse circulation exploration drilling campaign in West Arunta resulted in the industry’s best discovery of the year, leading to a substantial surge in our client’s share price.
Over the years, we have consistently delivered outstanding results for companies now regarded as market leaders in their respective industries.
Learn More
Reverse Circulation Drilling FAQ
Particularly when it comes to exploration drilling and grade control, there are a variety of factors to first consider when deciding which drilling method will suit your project best. Aside from time and cost, it is important to anticipate the environmental impact of the works, the benefits, the depth of drilling, sample quality, and any health and safety concerns.
Learn more below.
What is Reverse Circulation Drilling?
Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling is the industry standard for grade control in open‑pit mining because it delivers fast, representative, low‑contamination samples at known depths. RC uses dual‑wall drill rods – an outer rod and a hollow inner return tube. Compressed air is pumped down the annulus (between the two walls) to power a down‑the‑hole (DTH) percussion hammer, which drives a tungsten‑carbide button bit into hard rock. The resulting rock chips (cuttings) are lifted up the inner tube in a continuous, dry stream. This “reverse circulation” keeps samples clean and depth‑accurate.
How RC drilling works (Step by Step)
- The DTH hammer strikes the formation, breaking rock into chips.
- Air pressure is sent down the annulus, creating a reverse flow that carries cuttings up the inner tube to surface.
- At surface, cuttings pass through a deflector box into a cyclone for controlled separation.
- Material discharges from the cyclone into a sample splitter (riffle or cone) and then into labelled sample bags (primary and duplicate), marked with hole ID, from‑to depth, and interval.
- Samples are sealed and dispatched directly to the assay laboratory. Blanks, standards, and duplicates support QA/QC and grade control confidence.
RC vs other drilling methods
RC vs Diamond Core:
Diamond recovers intact core for structural geology but is slower and generally more expensive than RC Drilling. RC Drilling is very versatile and can be used for remote exploration, resource definition, grade control and/or bulk sampling.
RC vs RAB/Aircore:
RAB/Aircore are useful for reconnaissance but can suffer from sample contamination and limited depth. RC provides deeper, drier, and cleaner samples with better sample recovery and downhole accuracy.
What are the key Benefits for grade control?
- High sample quality with minimal contamination and precise depth control
- Rapid penetration rates and cost‑effective metres drilled
- Dry samples ideal for on‑site XRF screening and laboratory assays
- Robust performance in hard rock, weathered profiles, and transitional zones
- Supports reliable block model reconciliation and ore/waste delineation
What are the Environmental Considerations?
Due to RC drilling leaving behind a small rig footprint, it eliminates the need for extensive earthworks. This means RC drilling has a minimal environmental impact. This kind of exploration drilling is also strictly controlled and regulated when an exploration license is approved. Most drilling requires further governmental approval, which will demand a thorough environmental survey, proposed methodology, administrative plan, and environmental mitigation.
Let's discuss your RC Drilling project
Contact us today to discuss your project’s unique requirements. Our team of seasoned experts is eager to provide you with tailored Reverse Circulation Drilling solutions and unmatched service quality.