Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Drilling Services for Mineral Exploration
Established in 1965, Wallis Drilling has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately-owned minerals drilling companies, employing over 300 dedicated professionals. Our legacy of innovation began in 1974 with the invention of the revolutionary Wallis Air Core drilling system, a technology that redefined global drilling standards by prioritising uncontaminated sample collection over mere drilling volume. We remain committed to delivering optimal and safe outcomes for clients, driven by a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence. Our comprehensive services span air core, reverse circulation, diamond core, grade control, mud rotary, and blast hole drilling, supported by a fleet of over 55 modern rigs designed for efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Backed by ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 55001 accreditations since 2003, we uphold rigorous quality, environmental, and safety management systems.Our investment in skilled personnel and custom-engineered equipment ensures reliable, productive solutions tailored to complex exploration and mining challenges. With a family-oriented ethos, we prioritise employee development and retention, fostering a stable team that consistently exceeds client expectations. Our technical expertise is complemented by in-house engineering support and a well-equipped machine shop in Perth, enabling rapid adaptation to specialised drilling requirements. From pioneering early auger systems to developing automated, fuel-efficient rigs with autonomous capabilities, we continue to lead the industry in innovation. Our clients benefit from decades of experience, a commitment to operational transparency, and a focus on sustainable practices that align with evolving global standards.
Services
Air Core Drilling
Reverse Circulation Drilling
Diamond Core Drilling
Grade Control Drilling
Blast Hole Drilling
Mud Rotary Drilling
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We have over 55 years of experience in mineral exploration drilling since 1965
- Our patented Air Core drilling system sets global industry standards
- ISO-certified quality, environmental, and safety management systems since 2003
- Custom-designed rigs with automated safety and productivity features
- Dedicated team of 300+ professionals with in-house engineering support
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001:2015
- ISO 14001:2015
- ISO 45001:2018
- ISO 55001:2014
Services
Air Core Drilling
Our Air Core Drilling technology provides rapid, uncontaminated sample collection with compact, powerful rigs that access challenging terrains. Using lower air pressures than conventional systems, this method increases drilling rates while reducing field costs. Customisable from AQ to 6-inch sizes, our rigs feature automated rod handling and acoustic enclosures for reduced noise pollution.
Reverse Circulation Drilling
Fast and cost-effective Reverse Circulation Drilling collects rock samples efficiently during early exploration phases. Our automated rigs with wireless remote operation and programmable isolation systems deliver high productivity while maintaining safety standards. Available in configurations with compressors up to 1350cfm/500psi for diverse geological conditions.
Diamond Core Drilling
Diamond Core Drilling extracts intact solid core samples for precise geological analysis. Our high-torque rigs (up to 16,000kgf pullback) with rod spinners and fire suppression systems ensure accurate mineral deposit assessments. Equipment includes Man 8x8 and track-mounted configurations for deep drilling applications.
Grade Control Drilling
Grade Control Drilling employs shallow, closely spaced patterns to define ore reserves accurately. Utilising reverse circulation techniques, our rigs with electronic compressor controls and autonomous drilling capabilities provide detailed geological data while maintaining operational efficiency and safety standards.
Mud Rotary Drilling
Mud Rotary Drilling offers versatile solutions for soft rock, sand, and clay formations. Our systems use drilling muds to stabilise boreholes and control groundwater, with open-face bits for sampling. Available in configurations with mud mixing tanks and support trucks for continuous operations.
People
Graeme Wallis
Executive Senior Director
Graeme Wallis leads strategic operations with decades of drilling industry experience. He upholds the company's founding principles of innovation and sample integrity while driving technological advancements in automated drilling systems.
Jamie Wallis
Co-Founder
As co-founder, Jamie Wallis established Wallis Drilling's culture of resourcefulness and problem-solving. His legacy continues through the company's commitment to developing drilling solutions that balance productivity with environmental responsibility.
Kim Wallis
Drilling Manager Exploration
Kim Wallis manages exploration projects with technical expertise in air core and reverse circulation drilling. She ensures client requirements are met through tailored equipment solutions and experienced field operations.
Chris Verran
Drilling Manager Iron Ore & Mine Services
Chris Verran oversees iron ore and mine services with a focus on operational efficiency. His team delivers specialised drilling programs for major resource companies using advanced rig automation and safety systems.
Questions
What drilling methods does Wallis Drilling offer?
We provide air core, reverse circulation, diamond core, grade control, mud rotary, and blast hole drilling services tailored to exploration and mining requirements.
Are your drilling rigs custom-designed?
Yes, we engineer custom rigs with automation features that enhance safety, productivity, and environmental performance for specific project needs.
Do you operate internationally?
While based in Australia, we deliver drilling solutions to selected international markets with support from our experienced technical team.
What safety accreditations do you hold?
We maintain ISO 9001 (quality), 14001 (environmental), 45001 (safety), and 55001 (asset management) certifications since 2003.
How do you support equipment maintenance?
Our Perth-based engineering team and machine shop provide comprehensive maintenance, spare parts, and technical support for all drilling equipment.
