Business Details
26 Years
experience
Expert Geotechnical & Environmental Drilling Services in Newcastle
Established in 2000, Total Drilling is an Australian-owned and operated geotechnical and environmental drilling company headquartered in Newcastle, New South Wales. Over two decades, we have grown steadily, investing in cutting-edge drilling rigs and innovative safety-focused equipment. Our dedicated engineering workshop supports continuous research and development, ensuring our fleet remains among the most advanced in the state. Every rig is equipped with emergency shut-off switches and safety cages, meeting stringent coal mine compliance standards. We specialise in drilling to depths of 250 metres, offering techniques such as solid flight auger, hollow auger, air hammer, and diamond core drilling.Our all-terrain vehicles enable access to remote and challenging sites, and we maintain long-term contracts with leading geotechnical and environmental firms. Committed to industry best practices, we prioritise quality, safety, and performance in every project. Our teams expertise, spanning decades, ensures reliable service across Australia, supported by rigorous job safety analyses and internal audits. This dedication to excellence has solidified our reputation as a trusted partner in complex drilling operations.
Services
Geotechnical Drilling
Environmental Drilling
Diamond Core Drilling
Mine Subsidence Monitoring
Borehole Instrumentation
Marine Drilling
Push Tube Sampling
Mud Rotary Drilling
Air Hammer Drilling
Hollow Auger Drilling
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Established in 2000 with extensive industry experience.
- Innovative drilling equipment with advanced safety features.
- Operates modern, technically advanced drilling rigs.
- Capable of mobilizing equipment anywhere in Australia.
- Committed to continuous improvement and best practices.
Associations and certifications
- N.A.T.A. Q-Base Code
- Australian Drilling Industry Association (ADIA)
What people say
Great experience
Very helpful
Successful outcomes
Services
Geotechnical Drilling
Our geotechnical drilling services assess subsurface conditions for construction and infrastructure projects. Using solid flight augers and hollow augers, we collect precise soil samples to evaluate stability and load-bearing capacity. This data informs engineering designs, ensuring safe and efficient project execution across diverse geological conditions.
Environmental Drilling
Environmental drilling supports contamination assessments and remediation planning. We employ push tube sampling and mud rotary techniques to extract undisturbed soil and groundwater samples. These analyses identify pollutants, guiding effective environmental management strategies for industrial and urban development projects.
Diamond Core Drilling
Diamond core drilling retrieves high-quality rock samples for mineral exploration and geological studies. Utilising NQ, HQ, and NMLC systems, we achieve accurate stratigraphic data. This method is critical for resource evaluation in mining and quarrying operations, ensuring precise mineral reserve calculations.
Mine Subsidence Monitoring
We install inclinometers and piezometers to monitor ground movement in mining areas. This service detects subsidence risks, enabling proactive mitigation measures. Continuous data collection ensures operational safety and compliance with environmental regulations for longwall and open-cut coal mines.
Borehole Instrumentation
Borehole instrumentation involves installing monitoring devices to track groundwater levels and soil movement. We use casagrande piezometers and vane shear apparatus for geotechnical investigations. This service provides real-time data for infrastructure projects, enhancing decision-making during construction and maintenance phases.
People
Chris Kiernan
Managing Director
With over 40 years in drilling, Chris founded Total Drilling in 2000. His expertise in geotechnical investigations and environmental assessments drives the company's technical leadership and operational excellence across Australia.
Allen Ellis
Workshop Manager
Allen has 35 years of drilling industry experience, specialising in rig maintenance and engineering. As Workshop Manager, he ensures all equipment meets rigorous safety and performance standards, supporting seamless field operations.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We operate nationwide, with a focus on Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Maitland, Cessnock, and Upper Hunter regions.
What drilling methods do you use?
We utilise solid flight augers, hollow augers, diamond core drilling, mud rotary, and push tube sampling techniques for diverse project requirements.
Are your rigs equipped for remote sites?
Yes, our all-terrain vehicles and modular equipment enable access to challenging and remote locations across Australia.
How do you ensure drilling safety?
All rigs feature emergency shut-offs, safety cages, and hydraulic lockouts. We conduct job safety analyses and regular equipment audits.
What industries do you work with?
We serve construction, mining, environmental consulting, and government sectors with tailored drilling solutions.
Can you handle urgent projects?
While we prioritise thorough planning, our rapid mobilisation capabilities allow us to respond swiftly to time-sensitive drilling needs.
