Globe Drill reports that drilling of its test hole using its ground-breaking geothermal drill rig, the GT3000, is progressing in line with the Company’s high expectations and the rig is performing even better than expected. During the commissioning of the rig and ancillary equipment the GT3000 has also drilled to 600 m during just 50 engine hours of rig operation. The rig is operating on 1/3 of its pull-back capacity and using only 20% of load capacity on that setting. Rotation torque is running at approximately 2% at 600 m and low bit wear is continuing to impress. This demonstrated efficiency is a testament to the GT3000’s power and capability. While the company only plans to drill between 2,000 and 3,000 m in the current test, based on performance to date, the company believes the GT3000 has more than enough capacity to drill a 5,000 m hole.

Overall, the GT3000 is performing to its specifications and expected ability. When drilling to depths between 300 and 400 m, it intercepted a large water aquifer flowing through a big crack in an unchartered fault line in the granite formation. Water and fractures in the granite were not expected at this depth and as a result further casing was required to provide a secure BOP system.

Globe Drill will continue to commission the BOP system, mud and air delivery equipment, bit sharpening system, booster systems and rig systems while 600 m of BOP casing is being prepared and threaded in Perth. Once that has been delivered to Merredin, the drill team will set and cement the casing to 598 m and wait 24 hours before commencing drilling to full depth with a 159 mm Numa PCD drill bit and hammer.

With respect to the discovered water supply, some of the lower intersections appear to be fresher than the upper sections, which could be beneficial to the local community and may provide a reliable water source for any geothermal energy production should suitable heat sources be found in the area.