Kluane Drilling Ltd.

Mobility

KDL can mobilize a drill to any location in the world in the cargo hold of a conventional aircraft. The drill is sufficiently compact so that everything, including rods, can be loaded by hand in a five-ton truck or in five pick-up loads. Where access is limited the unit can be transported by local laborers and/or mules on footpaths. Everything is hydraulically driven, modularized and easily assembled, so drill moves can be completed in one shift or less. The heaviest single component of the drill weighs between 300 and 400 lbs. Quick lock disconnection allows the rig to be taken apart from the drill position in less than 45 minutes. On a helicopter-supported job, the drill’s light weight and small size significantly reduces the number of flying hours. The drill can be safely landed and assembled while the helicopter hovers, and in case of bad weather conditions, unsuitable for flying, the drill can de supported manually and moved by hand.

Environmental and Social Impact

With a firm position to attain minimal environmental impact, KDL complies with the top level environmental policies and ethics with regards to protecting the environment. The drill can be set up in a cleared level space of 4 by 4 meters or less, or on scaffolding if needed. Since drill moves can be manually carried out, no roads need to be constructed. The entire footprint of pads and impact on the environment are extremely limited, aiding in permitting and subsequent reclamation. By using local laborers, KDL provides employment, which in turn generates a positive response in the community. The drills are quiet - a critical factor when drilling night shifts in populated areas. As a testament to our approach, one of Kluane’s drill programs was chosen as a case study by Canada’s E3 Environment Excellence in Exploration Initiative.

Performance / Production

We have achieved high production rates through the type of drill we use and expertise of our personnel. We are constantly striving to increase production rates while retaining the highest regard to personnel safety and the environment. Meters drilled by Kluane Drilling Ltd. and its subsidiaries have shown a steady increase as indicated below:

2006 : 150,000 meters drilled
2007 : 164,000 meters drilled

Projected meters for 2008 to exceed 200,000.
In favorable ground conditions we achieved depths of 500 meters HTW and over 830 meters NTW with KDHT-1000 drill type.

Workplace Safety

Kluane Drilling undertakes every effort to ensure the health and safety of its employees and conducts safety programs to meet and exceed safety requirements in each country where it operates. These safety programs include having personnel that is highly trained in drill operation, materials handling and first aid. Internal safety inspections and audits are conducted to ensure that the safety policies and procedures are followed. Our drill’s design in itself is a significant component of the overall direction towards the higher standard of safety. Kluane rigs help avoid various workplace hazards that are common to other drill types.

Technical

KDL drills compete effectively with most conventional drills in depth capability and with larger core size. KDL operates a fleet of high altitude drills capable of drilling BTW to depths of 1000 meters plus, NTW to 900 meters in depth, and HQ to depths of 500 meters in most conditions (HTW, NTW and BTW core is drilled for with thin wall rods and is therefore slightly larger than HQ, NQ and BQ size core). The narrow kerfs of the thin wall system allows for a higher ratio of horsepower per square centimeter of cutting face resulting in improved cutting efficiency, drilling production as well as better higher core recovery. KDL rigs use smaller multiple turbo charged engines to run hydraulic pumps. The pumps pressurize a reservoir, which provides hydraulic pressure to run the wireline winch, water pump, ram and the top head motor. Hydraulic drive is a more efficient power transfer system that allows for the modularization of the rig. Being totally modularized also means repairs can be effected in the field rather than returning the drill to a shop. Only the damaged part is removed and either repaired or replaced while the drill continues working.