Izak Bredenkamp, Group Business Development Manager, Master Drilling Group
The Master Drilling Group (MDG) is a benchmark for innovation and efficiency in the drilling industry, driven by our commitment to delivering bespoke solutions to our global clients. With four distinct business divisions, we cater to a broad spectrum of drilling needs, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry.
These are Rock Boring, a division that oversees our core raise boring services and associated operations. Slim Drilling focuses on exploration and reverse circulation drilling. Mining Services provide digital sections, which include our proximity and collision detection and data-driven mine management solutions. Lastly, Mining Technologies is home to our Shaft Boring System (SBS) and Mobile Tunnel Borer (MTB) projects, along with other special projects.
At MDG, we prioritise understanding and addressing our clients’ pain points. Our raise boring rigs are designed with this philosophy in mind, incorporating several unique features. In terms of safety, we keep personnel out of harm’s way with innovations like the Make Out and Break Out (MUBO) tool for cutter changes, automated rod handlers, and remote operation capabilities.
In terms of productivity, quick equipment mobilisation and commissioning through plug-and-play couplings minimises downtime. Looking at continuous improvement, our enhanced reamer designs with larger discharge holes prevent blockages and advanced cutter tungsten buttons extend cutter life, reducing costs and boosting productivity.
One of our specialities is bespoke solutions, especially as we design and manufacture all our own equipment. Our Research and Development (R&D) teams are dedicated to providing tailored solutions to meet specific client needs. With a fleet of over 150 machines, including more than 70% of the largest rigs in the world, MDG is well-equipped to manage any project scope and the most challenging ground conditions. This extensive fleet ensures that we can meet client requirements promptly and efficiently, without being reliant on external Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), as we effectively function as our own OEM.
MDG continuously integrates the latest technological advancements into our fleet, enhancing our capabilities and service offerings. For example, both piloting and reaming can now be conducted remotely. We have slot machines designed for sub level caving. These highly mobile machines can drill holes ranging from 700 mm to 2.1 m in diameter at various angles.
Our advanced capabilities have set world records in directional drilling. We have implemented machine learning to ensure machine fail-safes and prevent operational and safety disasters. Consistency in quality and service is paramount, and MDG ensures this through our ISO 9001 certification, adhering to international quality management standards. Our Quality Management approach provides a robust operational framework, while our War Room Concept is a strategic approach to project management and problem-solving.
Safety is a core value at MDG, upheld through fleet safety, quality control in manufacturing, lessons-learned initiatives, benchmarking, and continuous R&D. In terms of personnel safety, our accredited training centres, involvement in developing national and international unit standards, and a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) allows us to track and prioritise our human resource development.
Our expansion and upgrade strategies are guided by client demand and market trends. We collaborate closely with partners and clients to ensure our solutions meet their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). At MDG, our commitment to innovation, safety, and client satisfaction drives us to constantly evolve and improve, ensuring we remain a global leader in the drilling industry.