Mitchell Drilling rig operating on a lake at first light

Mitchell Drilling International

Drilling outcomes in complex ground

A new standard in advanced drilling. Technology-enabled drilling for technically complex ground across Africa and South America.

Discuss your project

Our Position

Drilling treated as a system, not a service.

Traditional drilling measures metres. We measure outcomes, achieved through integrated capability, intelligence, and delivery discipline.

Our crews work across Africa's most challenging environments

"We don't just drill holes. We deliver drilling outcomes."

Trusted By Industry Leaders

Powering Exploration for the World's Largest Mining Companies

Anglo American

BHP

Glencore

Peabody

Vale

Debswana

Rio Tinto

Sandfire Resources

30+

Active Rigs

African Countries

55+

Years Experience

2.8km

Max Depth Record

How We Work

Three integrated pillars that define how we deliver drilling outcomes

We can drill what others can't

Advanced Drilling Capability

Specialising in technically difficult, deep, directional and remote drilling where precision and experience matter.

Explore all capabilities

Proven Results

Case Studies

Real projects, real results. See how we've helped major mining companies achieve their exploration goals across Africa and South America.

Discuss your project

Surface & Underground Copper Drilling at Sierra Atacama, Chile

Diamond CoreRCChile

Rigs

RC + DD

Methods

Surface + UG

Setting

Active

Status

Cobre Limited (ASX: CBE)|Chile

Surface & Underground Copper Drilling at Sierra Atacama, Chile

MDI's first South American operation, delivering combined surface and underground drilling for Cobre Limited's flagship Sierra Atacama copper project in Chile.

Challenge: Cobre required a drilling partner able to deliver a major surface-and-underground campaign, combining reverse circulation and diamond core, to grow and upgrade the Sierra Atacama copper resource toward a JORC-compliant statement, all in a jurisdiction new to MDI.

Solution: MDI established its first South American base and mobilised a purpose-matched fleet: underground diamond coring with a Boart Longyear LM110 and two Sandvik DE130 rigs, alongside surface drilling with an EDM 1200. The same full-service, technology-enabled model MDI runs in Africa was set up on the ground in Chile.

Key Results

Established MDI's first operation on a third continent
Underground diamond coring with LM110 and two Sandvik DE130 rigs
Surface RC and diamond drilling delivered by the EDM 1200
Supporting Cobre's resource growth toward a JORC-compliant statement

Similar project? Let's talk

Deep Diamond Drilling in the Zambian Copper Belt

Diamond CoreDeep HoleZambia

2,875m

Max Depth

98%+

Core Recovery

18 months

Duration

Rigs Deployed

Kobold Metals|Zambia

Deep Diamond Drilling in the Zambian Copper Belt

Successfully completed ultra-deep diamond core drilling programme for copper exploration in challenging Kalahari conditions. Holes consisted of complex multi-branch directionally controlled holes.

Challenge: Client required deep exploration holes to 2,000m+ in the Kalahari Copper Belt, where ground conditions are notoriously difficult and remote location presented logistical challenges.

Solution: Deployed Mitchell M450D deep hole rigs with advanced deviation control systems and our specialized mud recycling units (MRU) for water management in the arid environment.

Key Results

Achieved record depth of 2,875m - deepest core hole in Zambia
Maintained exceptional core recovery rates above 98%
Obtained critical geological data in very challenging, broken formations
Completed ahead of schedule despite challenging ground

Similar project? Let's talk

Exploration and Pilot Production Well Drilling in Botswana

Production WellsCopperBotswana

Tanks

200,000L

Capacity

Pilot

Phase

Complete

Status

Cobre Limited|Botswana

Exploration and Pilot Production Well Drilling in Botswana

Exploration and pilot production well drilling program to validate an in-situ copper leaching process, requiring drilling, pumping, and full trial support.

Challenge: Cobre needed an exploration and pilot production well program to validate its in-situ copper leaching process, requiring a contractor capable of drilling, pumping, and full trial support. The program had to be executed safely and seamlessly to generate reliable flow-testing results.

Solution: Mitchell mobilised a dedicated fleet to deliver a turnkey drilling and support package for the exploration and pilot well program. Mitchell Equipment Hire (MEH) engineered a custom pumping solution and supplied and installed above-ground tanks, enabling Cobre to complete the initial trial phase successfully with strong outcomes.

Key Results

Phase 1 hydrogeological testing completed on newly constructed production and monitoring wells
MEH installed and managed 2 x 200,000L surface tanks and pumping system
Slug testing verified an enhanced-permeability zone
Reciprocal injection–pumping tests demonstrated hydraulic connectivity

Similar project? Let's talk

Greenfields Exploration in Remote Angola

Project SupportGreenfieldsCopper

Personnel

6 weeks

Mobilization

Rig Types

Complete

Status

Anglo American|Angola

Greenfields Exploration in Remote Angola

Complete project support for copper exploration including drilling, camp, and logistics in a remote greenfields location.

Challenge: Client needed a full-service solution in a remote area with no existing infrastructure, requiring everything from road construction to camp facilities.

Solution: Provided integrated project support: Mitchell Camps accommodation, full logistics chain, and a combination of diamond core and slimline RC drilling rigs with experienced crews.

Key Results

Established operations in 6 weeks from contract award
Self-sufficient camp supporting 40 personnel
Highly mobile infrastructure with DD, AC and RC capabilities
Successful program in one of the most remote regions in Africa

Similar project? Let's talk

Have a challenging drilling project?

We specialize in complex ground conditions and remote locations. Tell us about your project and we'll provide a tailored solution.

Request a Quote

Presence

Measured in decades,
not seasons

18+

Years in Africa

10+

Countries

750+

Employees

30+

Active rigs

MDI crew celebrating 2,875m depth record

West Africa Operations

2,875m depth record achieved

Our teams consistently push the boundaries of what's possible in African drilling. This record depth was achieved on the first hole, demonstrating our capability to deliver results even in the most challenging conditions.

Every project builds on decades of accumulated knowledge and systems refinement.

Our Credentials

Certified for Excellence

We maintain the highest international standards for safety, quality, and environmental management across all our operations.

ISO 45001 Certified

Occupational Health & Safety Management

ISO 14001 Certified

Environmental Management System

Safety First

Our Safety Record

Safety is not just a priority, it's a core value. Every team member has the authority to stop work if they feel unsafe, with no exceptions and no repercussions.

Recognised

Multiple Safety Awards

55+

Years Safety Record

100%

Safety Training

Countries Operated

RPS Safety Systems: Rod Positioning System removes personnel from high-risk positions during rod handling

Responsibility

Operating in Africa means investing in Africa

Local employment. Skills transfer. Environmental discipline. Not compliance. Trust.

Local Employment

Building African drilling expertise

Mitchell Drilling employees in discussion

Skills Development

Training the next generation

Learn about our approach

Future

Building deliberately

Systems. Capability. Presence. Steady advancement over empty promises.

We invest in equipment, technology, and people, not marketing. Our Mitchell Loader represents the next generation of drilling infrastructure, designed for the unique demands of deep hole drilling. The Mitchell Loader is an automated drill rod and innertube handling system, designed with safety, productivity, and functionality in mind.