Leading drill and blast specialist, Action Drill & Blast (ADB), has doubled its resources and significantly increased its presence and capability in the coal sector following the acquisition in December of east coast drilling company, Hughes Drilling, by ADB’s parent company NRW Holdings.

Hughes’ operations are currently being integrated into ADB’s, including its fleet of 35 large drill rigs, 140 employees and the nine contracts Hughes has in place at major coal projects in Queensland and NSW.

ADB General Manager, Warren Fair, said the significant presence Hughes has in the east coast coal industry meant it was a fantastic acquisition for ADB.

“ADB is an integrated drill and blast provider so this acquisition provides us with an opportunity to present the value adds of this integrated offering to another segment of the market,” Warren said.

In the Queensland coal sector, ADB is the only company providing an integrated drill and blast contract service. Its contract-pricing model is flexible and includes the option of a fixed price per blasted cubic metre ($/bcm) rate with strict quality assurances.

“On a fixed $/bcm rate, best-for-project solutions are developed to optimise blasts, resulting in reduced explosives use, less metres drilled and therefore less cost to clients,” Warren said.

ADB’s additional value-adds include its innovative, best-for-project approach, technical expertise and best practice quality, fleet maintenance and safety systems.

“We are now seamlessly integrating Hughes’ operations and personnel into ADB. We are focused on the ongoing delivery of safe, efficient and quality services that we are known for, while continuing to build on the excellent relationships and reputations that Hughes’ senior management and staff have established,” Warren said.

In addition to doubling its skilled workforce and increasing its coal expertise, ADB has one of the largest fleet of drills in the country, with a total of 65. The acquisition has introduced Reichdrill rigs to ADB’s fleet, specifically the Reichdrill C750D and C700D models. These USA-built drills are solid performers capable of larger hole drilling up to 312mm, making ADB the best-equipped drill and blast contractor offering large diameter drilling.

“The addition of Hughes’ Reichdrill rigs is significant for our coal and iron ore clients. It means we have increased availability and flexibility – further enhancing our best-for-project solutions,” said Warren.

IMAGE | ADB has introduced Reichdrill rigs to its fleet through the acquisition of Hughes Drilling.