Diamond Core Drilling
Tierra Resource Technologies Limited delivers precision diamond drilling for mineral exploration and resource definition across Zambia recovering continuous, high-integrity rock core for accurate geological interpretation.
The Diamond Drilling Method
Diamond drilling is the most precise drilling technique available for mineral exploration. A diamond-impregnated bit rotates to cut a continuous cylindrical core from the rock mass, which is then recovered intact for logging, sampling, and analysis.
Unlike percussive or rotary methods that return only chips, diamond core preserves the rock's true structure — bedding, veining, alteration, and mineralisation — allowing our geoscientists to interpret the deposit with confidence. Wireline retrieval systems allow efficient core recovery at depth without removing the full drill string.
This makes diamond drilling the standard for resource definition, geotechnical investigation, and any programme where sample quality directly underpins the geological model.
Our Drilling Capabilities
End-to-end management of the diamond drilling cycle, from programme design to core dispatch
Drilling Supervision
On-site supervision of drilling contractors, ensuring programmes are executed safely, on target, and to the required depth and orientation specifications.
Core Logging
Systematic geological and geotechnical logging of recovered core — lithology, alteration, mineralisation, structure, and rock quality designation (RQD).
QA / QC Protocols
Rigorous quality assurance and quality control — insertion of certified standards, blanks, and duplicates, plus sample chain-of-custody to international reporting standards.
Core Orientation
Oriented core measurement to capture true structural data — dip, strike, and vein orientation — essential for accurate structural and resource modelling.
Sample Preparation
Half-core sampling, cutting, labelling, and dispatch to accredited laboratories, with full documentation to preserve sample integrity through to assay.
Geotechnical Investigation
Geotechnical core logging and rock-mass characterisation to support mine planning, slope stability assessment, and ground-condition modelling.
In the Field
Diamond drilling operations delivered by the Tierra technical team
Rig Deployment & Supervision
On-Site Core Handling
Core Size Specifications
Standard diamond drilling core diameters available for exploration and resource programmes
| Core Size | Core Diameter | Hole Diameter | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| PQ | 85.0 mm | 122.6 mm | Metallurgical sampling, geotechnical work, weak ground |
| HQ | 63.5 mm | 96.0 mm | Resource definition, oriented core, standard exploration |
| NQ | 47.6 mm | 75.8 mm | Deeper exploration drilling, competent ground |
| BQ | 36.5 mm | 60.0 mm | Deep holes, reduced cost, geotechnical infill |
Our Drilling Workflow
A disciplined process that protects data quality from collar to laboratory
Programme Design
Targeting, hole planning, and collar setout informed by geological and geophysical interpretation.
Drilling & Supervision
Rig mobilisation and supervised drilling with continuous monitoring of recovery and deviation.
Logging & Sampling
Geological logging, core orientation, photography, and structured sampling under QAQC controls.
Reporting
Validated data delivered into the resource model with full documentation and assay reconciliation.
Plan Your Drilling Programme
Partner with Tierra Resource Technologies for reliable diamond drilling and core management on your next exploration or resource definition project.
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