Meridian Drilling has boosted its operations capabilities with the acquisition of Euro Repair and its Senegal based brand, EDS Drilling. The acquisition has added five Rotary Air Blast (RAB) aircore and light water well rigs to the Meridian Drilling fleet as well as an operating base in Senegal, with a yard and workshop near Kedougou in the Birmian goldfields which provides support for the drilling operations.

EDS will be absorbed into the Meridian Drilling branding and will greatly enhance the UK and Dubai based company’s capabilities in the expanding West African market. Meridian Drilling already has a strong foothold in Ethiopia, East Africa, and the Republic of Congo in West-Central Africa.

The acquisition of Euro Repair also gives Meridian improved mechanical capabilities with workshops and fabrication facilities in Mansfield and will continue to trade with the same staff, location and name.

Jeremy Moore, Meridian Drilling Managing Director said: “This acquisition will boost our capabilities in West Africa and we are planning on enhancing this fleet with diamond and RC/multipurpose capability in the coming months, allowing us to provide the full spectrum of exploration, geotechnical and water well drilling services. As well as an operating base in Senegal, the addition of Euro Repair gives us improved mechanical capability with workshops and fabrication facilities in Mansfield, UK, as well as the   experienced mechanical team headed by Alan Booth.

“This will enable us to maintain our rigs in house, and improve our operational support. We will even be able to build our own rigs from scratch if needed. The workshop will also continue to offer servicing to other companies with heavy plant equipment.”

The RAB and aircore rigs are a first for Meridian Drilling and, coupled with the company’s dedicated geotechnical arm, will enable them to offer a complete service from first pass drilling to feasibility study and geotechnical mine drilling.