Surface Diamond Core Drillers
Diamond Core Drilling Services
KP Exploration provides comprehensive diamond core and reverse circulation (RC) drilling services to mining and exploration clients across the Western United States. Our team supports the full spectrum of drilling programs—from greenfield exploration to brownfield expansion and in-fill/resource definition campaigns.
In addition to core and RC drilling, we bring recent field experience in in-situ injection and extraction wells, as well as monitoring wells installed using air rotary methods. This versatility allows us to support both exploration and operational mine-site needs with a single, highly capable contractor.
Our fleet includes modern, high-performance equipment—leveraging technologies comparable to those developed by Boart Longyear—designed to maximize safety, efficiency, and data quality in demanding field conditions.
Capabilities:
Diamond Core Drilling
Infill & Resource Definition Drilling and Sampling
Reverse Circulation (RC) Exploration & Sampling
Mine Service Hole Drilling
Dewatering Well Drilling & Service
Well Rehabilitation
Monitoring, Injection & Extraction Wells
Design, Service & Repair of Well Control Electronics
Submersible & Line Shaft Pump Evaluation and Repair
Our crews are fully trained and compliant with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards and HAZWOPER requirements. They are experienced in operating under the unique conditions of active mine sites, where safety, coordination, and efficiency are critical.
Many of our mine-capable rigs are equipped with advanced rod handling systems to reduce manual handling and minimize risk. The result is a safer, more productive operation that keeps your project moving forward.
If you’re looking for a drilling partner that shows up prepared, equipped, and ready to perform, contact KP Exploration to discuss your next project.
Surface Core Drilling - Western US
The team at KP Exploration comes from a long lineage of diamond core drillers—you could say it’s in our blood. This heritage, combined with a proven ability to attract and retain top-tier drilling talent, allows us to provide some of the most skilled, reliable crews in the industry. Our three drilling leads alone bring 65 years of combined hands-on experience, delivering leadership and insight that benefit every project we undertake.
We operate a fleet of track-mounted surface rigs, including Versadrill Canada KMN1.4 units and the Boart Longyear LF™300 (2026), purpose-built for high-performance core drilling across diverse mineral targets. These rigs handle NQ, HQ, and PQ (HWT) wireline coring, with depth capabilities of up to 4,600 feet (NQ) on KMN1.4 units. The LF™300 adds next-generation technology with Freedom™ Loader hands-free rod handling, advanced safety controls, and remote operation features, improving efficiency and reducing operator exposure. The LF™300 is capable of depths to 10,040 NQ. Its high-powered design allows deeper and more technically demanding drilling programs while maintaining excellent recovery and safety standards.
KP Exploration’s success in recruiting and retaining experienced drillers allows us to staff most projects on a 24-hour basis, maximizing productivity while maintaining strict safety and quality standards. With modern, well-maintained equipment—comparable to leading manufacturers like Boart Longyear—and highly experienced crews, we are equipped to execute drilling programs efficiently, safely, and effectively.
Contact us to request a line card or learn more about our current availability.
FAQs
Are your rigs new and well maintained?
Our diamond core fleet consists primarily of 2021 and 2022 model rigs, along with our newest addition—a 2026 Boart Longyear LF™300 equipped with a Freedom™ Loader. This latest-generation rig represents a major advancement in safety, automation, and drilling performance.
All of our rigs are actively maintained and continuously upgraded. Having been proven in the field, they are operating at peak reliability and efficiency. We’ve also made targeted improvements—replacing underperforming components with OEM parts and integrating enhancements that increase uptime, safety, and overall productivity.
Our track-mounted core rigs, including Versadrill Canada KMN1.4S units, are capable of drilling up to 4,600 feet (NQ), depending on ground conditions. Our larger rigs—including the LF™300—are capable of significantly greater depths depending on the application.
For those familiar with industry benchmarks, our smaller rigs offer comparable—or greater—power than similarly equipped rigs such as the Boart Longyear LF™90.
As we continue to expand, we are actively adding capability and depth to our fleet. If your project requires specifications beyond what’s listed, contact us—additional equipment may be available through our extended network.
How experienced are your staff?
Our exploration leadership team brings over 65 years of combined drilling experience, with backgrounds rooted in some of the largest and most respected drilling contractors in the industry.
Our crews are experienced in:
Fly-in and remote operations
Triple tube coring (NQ, HQ, PQ)
Oriented core and split tube systems
Piezometer installation and monitoring wells
While we operate with the responsiveness of a specialized contractor, our team’s experience rivals that of much larger firms. We’ve built a reputation for attracting and retaining high-caliber drillers by offering competitive compensation, strong safety incentives, and long-term career opportunities.
This allows us to staff projects 24/7 with experienced personnel focused on productivity, safety, and data quality.
Detailed resumes and project history are available upon request.
How robust is your safety program?
Safety is embedded in every aspect of our operations—not added on.
Our rigs are equipped with modern safety features such as automated rod handling systems, guarding, and engineered controls designed to reduce manual handling and exposure. These systems are consistent with best practices seen across leading manufacturers, including Boart Longyear.
Beyond equipment, our program includes:
Full-time Health & Safety Officer oversight
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) compliance and training
Ongoing safety incentives and performance tracking
Environmental awareness and site-specific protocols
Our safety systems have been successfully implemented across a wide range of environments, including active mine sites, international projects, Superfund locations, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Safety at KP Exploration is a living, continuously improving system. We are committed to raising the standard every day.
Contact us if you’d like detailed safety statistics, documentation, or program materials.
Mine Service Hole Drilling, Dewatering & Environmental Services
KP Exploration supports mine operators with a wide range of drilling services beyond traditional exploration. Our team brings the equipment, experience, and flexibility needed to handle both production support and site infrastructure drilling across the Western United States.
We utilize a variety of drilling methods to match site-specific conditions and objectives, including conventional and advanced techniques comparable to those used with leading equipment providers such as Boart Longyear.
Drilling Methods
Conventional Air Rotary
Conventional Mud Rotary
Air Assist Reverse Circulation
Dual Wall Reverse Circulation
Casing Advance Drilling Methods
Mine & Water Infrastructure Services
Mine Dewatering Wells
Water Supply Wells
Environmental Monitoring Wells
Utility Holes (including power holes)
Rehabilitation & Pumping Systems
Well Rehabilitation and Repair
Pumping Equipment Installation & Service:
Lineshaft Turbine Pumps
Submersible Pumps
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Controllers
Whether supporting active mining operations or developing critical water infrastructure, KP Exploration delivers reliable, field-proven solutions tailored to your site’s needs