Robert Schumm and Gareth Sheppard RS: GM North America GS: COO MASTER DRILLING
Can you give an overview of Master Drilling and the company’s presence in the US?
RS: Master Drilling established a US office approximately five years ago, aiming to broaden our reach for raise boring and blind boring drilling services. Our primary targets include metal mines in the Western US and coal mines in the Eastern US.
GS: Master Drilling has secured its first raise boring contract in Nevada and operates one rig with a significant mining company. We are also mobilizing a second rig for another Nevada-based contract. Out of our 160 rigs worldwide, only two are in the US. Despite this small footprint, we see substantial growth potential for Master Drilling in the US.
Which of Master Drilling’s services are most in demand in the Western US mining industry?
RS: Master Drilling has pioneered large-diameter underground reverse circulation drilling that we are introducing to the US market. Additionally, our development of one of the largest dual-wall drill pipes allows us to undertake these large-diameter reverse circulation projects. We are also on the verge of launching our first North American remote drilling application with a major mining concern.
GS: While currently focused on raise boring in the US, Master Drilling is actively bidding on a wide range of services, including blind shaft drilling, tunnel boring, exploration drilling, and more. Adopting remote and automated solutions is critical in addressing safety and productivity challenges in mining, particularly in 24-hour operations with constraints like blasting re-entry.
Is the labor shortage also affecting Master Drilling in the US?
RS: Yes, HR has roared to the frontlines of businesses, everyone placing utmost importance on attracting talent.
What are Master Drilling’s goals in the US?
GS: With our first two raise bore contracts in Nevada, we want to build a solid foundation for future growth, demonstrating the quality of our services and systems.
Keaton Turner Founder and CEO TURNER MINING GROUP
Could you share some details regarding Turner Mining’s most recent fleet acquisitions?
In late 2021 and 2022, we acquired a significant fleet from Komatsu Road Machinery for a copper project in Arizona, including Komatsu HD-785 haul trucks, Komatsu WA 900 loaders, and D375 dozers. In early 2023, we added two Hitachi 1200-7B excavators with AMI Attachments’ XMOR buckets. We also ordered twenty Volvo A60H trucks, receiving six so far, with the rest expected before 2024.
How have clients’ demands evolve?
Clients engage us to provide a level of flexibility they can't attain due to their rigid business structures involving fixed costs, staffing and investments. Whether it's speed or the capacity to adjust resources, contractors need to outdo internal client capabilities in terms of flexibility. For instance, at a recent project in Texas, we move a million tons of earth monthly, demanding substantial flexibility from our team. We emphasize hiring locally to integrate into communities and avoid being seen as an outsider focused solely on operations to ensure a positive project startup. However, flexibility extends beyond project commencement. As client market conditions shift and sales dip, we must adapt while considering our fixed expenses.
What technologies is Turner Mining embracing to improve safety standards?
We are exploring autonomous drill programs with providers, targeting implementation in 2024. We're also looking into semi-autonomous and remote-operated equipment with Teleo. This tech would allow us to work in high-risk areas without endangering workers. The cost is a challenge, but it's expected to become more affordable over time.
What are some of Turner Mining’s goals for 2023?
We plan to open a new office in the Western US in addition to our Utah and Indiana headquarters. We also announced a Turner Staffing Group acquisition in early August. We aim to have over 500 employees for Western US projects by 2024.