Services
Technology-Enabled Execution
We don't drill blind. Technology supports people, decisions and safety. Humans remain at the centre of everything we do.
Our Approach
Why This Matters
Drilling has traditionally been a black box. What happens at the rig stays at the rig — until something goes wrong. We believe visibility and data improve outcomes, but only when technology serves experienced people rather than attempting to replace them.
Individual human driller knowledge is the main driver of drilling outperformance. The very best drillers (our “unicorns”) out-drill the average significantly. We are building the drilling intelligence and training data set to capture that knowledge and make it repeatable.
Systems
Our Technology Stack
Intelligence-Assisted Drilling
EdgeCore AI
An offline-first, on-rig application that records every shift, hole and core run, learns how your ground drills best, and passes that knowledge back to the driller. EdgeCore uses machine learning (XGBoost) to predict drilling performance and recommend optimized parameters (RPM, weight-on-bit, flow and bit usage) for each formation, with voice-guided advisories that keep crews hands-free.
- Combines drilling parameters + subsurface geology inputs (formation type, rock hardness, rock Quality Designation)
- Predicts expected rate of penetration (ROP) and recommends parameter adjustments
- Voice-guided AI advisories deliver recommendations without taking hands off the controls
- Offline-first at the rig, keeps working without connectivity and syncs to the cloud over Starlink
- Model improves as the drilling dataset grows and can be trained for site-specific geology, making best-practice drilling repeatable across every rig
Real-Time Digital Nervous System
RigStream Telemetry
Mitchell’s real-time digital nervous system for exploration drilling rigs. RigStream streams live machine data from every rig — 21 channels at 50-millisecond resolution — to a Panel-PC display at the console, enabling consistent performance monitoring and rapid response to changing ground.
- Streams 21 machine signals in real time (50 ms resolution): pressure, RPM, torque, position, angles, flow rate, temperature
- Panel-PC HMI at the rig mirrors physical instruments and gives true visibility into what the rig is actually doing
- Four drilling modes with AI parameter envelopes keep the rig in its optimal operating window
- Reduces reliance on individual operator intuition alone
- The live data foundation the rest of the Mitchell technology stack builds on
High-Resolution Core Scanning
PixelCore 360
A lightweight, field-ready core imaging system that passively captures ultra-high-resolution 360° imagery at the moment of core retrieval — not a downstream scanner. Cloud AI interpretation (CoreVision) stitches the imagery and drafts geological logs, turning traditional core trays into rich, structured datasets.
- Passive 360° capture at the point of core retrieval — no extra handling step
- Cloud AI interpretation (CoreVision) stitches imagery and drafts geological logs
- Integrates seamlessly with drilling metadata (depth, ROP, WOB, torque)
- Enables instant export to platforms like Imago for client reporting
- Capture runs fully offline on the device — no connectivity required at site
Proprietary Mobile Recycling
Mud Recycling Units (MRU)
Proprietary mobile recycling units designed and manufactured by Mitchell to reduce polymer usage and improve downhole conditions. Cut point down to 20 micron, suitable for diamond drilling operations.
- Solids removal down to 20 micron cut point
- Reduces stuck tubes and downhole challenges
- Reduces drilling polymer usage and sump clean out
- Highly mobile, suited for mobile exploration rigs
- Designed for use with environmentally friendly above ground sumps
Hands-Free Handling
Automated Rod & Tube Loader
Designed to be paired with the Mitchell M450D deep hole drill rigs, the loader reduces manual handling associated with rods, inner tubes and casing. Incorporates a core barrel break and pump out station.
- Handles 6m PQ drill rods and core barrels
- Core barrel break and pump-out station integrated
- Reduces manual handling and improves safety
- Improves overall deep hole productivity and rig utilization
- Expected rollout across exploration rigs in 2026
Comprehensive Data Capture
Digital Drill Reporting
Comprehensive digital recording and reporting of all drilling activities, enabling data-driven decision making and continuous improvement. Digital recording of drilling activities provides the data for time in use assessment and optimisation of drilling operations and performance.
- Comprehensive drilling reporting platform
- Cost, shift, and productivity analytics
- Client portal access for real time data insights
- Enables paperless rig operations
Results
Outcomes for Clients
Technology-enabled execution means fewer surprises, better decisions, and more consistent results. Our clients see the difference in programme delivery and operational transparency.
Future
The Future of Mineral Exploration Drilling
MDI is planning for an eventual transition to autonomous drilling systems. The transition point will likely be adequate finger dexterity and improved intelligence. We are building the drilling intelligence and training data set for this eventuality — capturing the knowledge of our best drillers today to power the systems of tomorrow.
We are building the systems that learn from our best drillers, understand what works in different formations, and transfer that knowledge across our fleet, so every hole is better informed than the last.
See our technology in action
Data-driven drilling for better outcomes.