RC & Diamond Drilling Program for the PHOS-3 Project
Darkstone Arabia Ltd. was engaged to execute an integrated Reverse Circulation (RC) and Diamond Drilling (DD) program for the PHOS-3 project for Waad Al Shamal Phosphate. The program covers more than 25,000 meters of drilling, combining rock-chip sampling through RC drilling with diamond core drilling for detailed geological investigation.
The published project scope includes site preparation, access-track and drill-pad setup, safety measures, DGPS surveying, drill-hole marking, RC drilling, diamond drilling, technical field supervision, and coordination between drilling teams. This integrated approach supports the project’s exploration, structural, and metallurgical objectives.
Let’s Start Work
Together
Please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you with 1-2 business days. Or just call us now.
RC & Core Drilling Program – PHOS-3 Project
By integrating these methods within one drilling program, the project scope addresses both exploration sampling and more detailed geological, structural, and metallurgical investigation. Site preparation, accurate hole positioning, and technical coordination form important parts of the overall execution process.
Project Scope
1. Site Preparation and Drill-Pad Setup
Site preparation included access-track arrangements, drill-pad setup, and the implementation of site safety measures. These activities establish the working areas required for drilling operations and help coordinate field activities with project requirements.
2. DGPS Survey and Drill-Hole Marking
Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) surveying and drill-hole marking were included in the project scope to establish accurate drilling locations. Correct positioning helps ensure that drilling follows the intended hole locations and approved exploration plan.
3. Reverse Circulation (RC) Drilling
RC drilling was used as one of the two principal methods in the program. The method brings rock-chip samples to the surface through the drill string, supporting efficient sample collection across exploration targets.
RC drilling is commonly selected when exploration teams require relatively rapid, high-volume sampling for geological evaluation and grade-control applications.
4. Diamond Drilling (DD)
Diamond drilling provides core samples that preserve geological relationships and allow detailed examination of rock characteristics. Depending on project requirements, recovered core can support structural interpretation, geotechnical assessment, mineralogical investigation, and metallurgical testing.
The inclusion of diamond drilling in the PHOS-3 program supports the project’s need for more detailed geological information alongside RC sampling.
5. Field Coordination and Technical Supervision
The published execution scope highlights coordination between RC and diamond drilling teams, experienced field crews, technical supervision, real-time field updates, and visual documentation.
Coordinating these activities helps maintain alignment between drilling operations, project requirements, and the technical information sought from the program.
Darkstone was engaged to execute a large-scale Reverse Circulation (RC) and Diamond Drilling (DD) program for the PHOS-3 project. The program covers over 25,000 meters of drilling and supports key exploration, structural, and metallurgical objectives. Our integrated drilling services ensure accuracy, efficiency, and data quality at every stage.
Project Execution Priorities
The PHOS-3 project scope identifies several important operational priorities:
Accurate positioning: DGPS surveying and hole marking to support drilling at intended locations.
Prepared working areas: Access-track arrangements and drill-pad setup before drilling activities.
Complementary drilling methods: RC and diamond drilling to address different sampling and geological information requirements.
Technical coordination: Coordination between drilling teams and technical supervision in the field.
Documentation: Real-time field updates and visual records of project activities.
Safety measures: Site safety arrangements as part of the published scope.
Together, these activities describe an integrated drilling workflow rather than an isolated drilling operation.
he program covers over 25,000 meters of drilling and supports key exploration, structural, and metallurgical objectives. Our integrated drilling services ensure accuracy, efficiency, and data quality at every stage.
Related Geological Technical Services for PHOS-3
Darkstone Arabia has also published a separate project case study covering Geological Technical Services for the PHOS-3 project. That project page documents rock-chip logging, sampling, sample preparation, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), and high-resolution core photography.
These geological activities complement the broader exploration workflow by helping organize and document information obtained from drilling. The drilling program and geological technical services are documented as separate project scopes.
Read more about Geological Technical Services for the PHOS-3 Project.
