We Know Drilling

By: Jacques Marais.

Not everyone is comfortable in Africa, with its extreme climates, diverse cultures, limited infrastructure and communications networks, oft-volatile political viewpoints, and unpredictable economic forecasts. And these are just a few of the challenges facing global companies keen to do business on the continent.

Challenges within Africa’s mining sector are particularly tough, with gains only achievable through consistent performance over multiple years of impeccable service delivery. Few companies manage to attain this premium status – specifically in the drilling industry sector – and even fewer go on to maintain their position as an industry leader.

MITCHELL DRILLING INTERNATIONAL (MDI), however, stands out as one of those global companies that has not only withstood the vagaries of doing business in Africa, but has grown to thrive despite these trying conditions. The company’s “secret” lies in “always finding a better way”.

A solid 50 years of experience has seen the business grow its expertise across a full house of drilling options, and with a network including more than a dozen African countries. Together with a comprehensive range of drilling solutions, a dedication to operational safety, consistent community development and a commitment to sustainability, this positions MDI as the perfect partner for any African project.

Current services include deep hole, oil and gas, exploration, directional, drill and blast, underground, Aircore and coal bed methane, large diameter, grade control and reverse circulation drilling.

In addition to its range of drilling services, MDI boasts at least 25 rigs that can be deployed onsite at locations nearly anywhere in Africa. This extensive selection of rigs includes the latest innovations in extremely mobile, custom-designed Aircore technology, guaranteeing an unbeatable cost-per-metre solution under the right conditions. 

In addition, MDI employs a workforce of more than 250 individuals across the continent. These small and efficient teams enable clients to staff their projects quickly and economically, and with employees trained to deliver on time and according to specification.

“Efficient drilling and exploration make for profitable mining,” says Robin Durant, general manager (commercial and business development). “One of our main maxims relates to our ‘premium value judgement’ and we therefore deliver ‘what we are worth’ whenever we take on a project.”

MDI may be business-focused, but two of its key priorities will always be to nurture and develop communities within the vicinity of its projects, and to protect Planet Earth for future generations. “We always strive to leave the areas we drill in as pristine as humanly possible,” says Glen Velleman, general manager (Africa operations).

“Whenever we say ‘we know drilling’,” says chairman Nathan Mitchell, “it means way more to us than just a company motto.” This vision, he says, now encompasses the company’s wider mission “to perform beyond expectation when it comes to all facets of client delivery”.

So, wherever your future projects are located, or whatever your next deadline may be, you can be sure to trust MITCHELL DRILLING INTERNATIONAL to deliver on its promises, every time.