NEW CORE DRILLING EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUES.

Diamond core drill and bit manufacturers are meeting the challenge of producing new equipment and techniques to facilitate mineral exploration. The major recent advance in diamond drill rigs has been the development of hydraulic systems to replace conventional mechanical drives. Recent developments designed to meet the challenge of drilling to greater depths include lightweight, high-strength aluminum alloy and steel drill rods; thin-walled wireline core barrels and bits that cut considerably less rock in obtaining the same amount of core; wireline inner tube assemblies in core barrels. The article discusses these developments and others in diamond bits, downhole deviation drilling, and helicopter support.