Drilling, Exploration, Core Recovery & Water Services
Exploration Drilling – Diamond Core & Reverse Circulation
KP Exploration is a Western US-based drilling contractor specializing in both diamond core and reverse circulation (R/C) drilling for mineral exploration programs. We support greenfield, brownfield, and in-fill programs for a variety of commodities, including copper, lithium, gold, and other base and precious metals.
Whether your project is a small local exploration play or a large-scale international mining program, KP Exploration delivers skilled crews, modern rigs, and flexible drilling solutions to meet your objectives efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.
Diamond Core Drilling
We provide horizontal and inclined diamond core drilling programs in standard wireline sizes:
NQ – Depth capability up to 10,400 ft
HQ – Depth capability up to 6,225 ft
PQ – Depth capability up to 2,610 ft
Our fleet includes modern, meticulously maintained rigs such as:
2026 Boart Longyear LF™300 with Freedom™ Loader – advanced hands-free rod handling and remote operation
Track-mounted Versadrill Canada KMN1.4S rigs capable of NQ, HQ, and PQ coring
Diamond core capabilities include:
In-fill and resource definition drilling & sampling
Oriented core and split tube recovery
Fly-in and remote site operations
Piezometer and monitoring well installation
Our leadership and crews bring a combined 65+ years of hands-on drilling experience, allowing us to provide unmatched technical expertise, production efficiency, and quality control.
Reverse Circulation (R/C) Drilling
KP Exploration maintains a fleet of R/C rigs capable of cyclone/wet splitter sampling, ideal for in-fill, expansion, and bulk sampling programs. Recent R/C programs include copper and lithium exploration with depths up to ~5,000 ft.
Our R/C capabilities also include:
Triple tube recovery and oriented core
Directional coring with mud motors and swedge tools
Dewatering and water well installation
Fly-in programs for remote operations
Our R/C rigs are primarily truck mounted units, optimized for flexibility, reliability, and rapid deployment.
We can also provide added value by installing piezometers during drilling programs, allowing you to collect hydrological data without additional boreholes.
Mine Support & Specialized Services
Beyond exploration, KP Exploration supports a range of mine-site and infrastructure drilling needs, including:
Mine service hole drilling
Dewatering and water supply wells
Environmental monitoring wells
Injection and extraction wells for in-situ operations
Well rehabilitation and pump service (lineshaft turbine, submersible pumps, VFD controllers)
Our crews and rigs are backed by a full suite of support resources, including:
In-house machine shop and dedicated mechanics
Full-time Health & Safety Officer and robust safety programs
Equipment options for specialized drilling and recovery methods
For projects requiring additional expertise in water wells or pumping systems, our sister company, KP Ventures Well Drilling & Pump Company, provides leading services in Arizona and eight other Southwestern states. This partnership allows KP Exploration to leverage a full spectrum of drilling and water infrastructure capabilities for your project.
Safety-First Operations
Safety is integral to everything we do. Our rigs feature engineered safety controls, automated rod handling, and guarding systems. KP Exploration crews follow stringent safety protocols, including:
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and HAZWOPER compliance
Full-time Health & Safety Officer oversight
Site-specific safety programs and incentive systems
Proven experience on mining projects, Superfund sites, and environmentally sensitive areas
Safety is a continuously improving priority, embedded in both crew training and equipment design.
Contact KP Exploration
KP Exploration combines experienced crews, modern rigs, and comprehensive exploration and mine-support services to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality diamond core and R/C drilling programs.
Contact us to request a line card, discuss availability, or learn how we can support your next exploration or mining project
Other Drilling Services – Mine & Infrastructure Support
In addition to exploration drilling, KP Exploration provides a full suite of mine support and infrastructure drilling services for operators across the Western United States. Our experienced crews and versatile rigs allow us to safely and efficiently handle projects beyond traditional exploration programs.
We offer a variety of drilling methods tailored to site-specific needs, including:
Conventional Air Rotary (CAR)
Conventional Mud Rotary (CMR)
Air Assist Reverse Circulation (R/C)
Dual Wall Reverse Circulation
Casing Advance Drilling Methods
Our team also performs:
Mine Dewatering Wells
Water Supply Wells
Utility Holes, including Power Holes
Well Rehabilitation and Repair
Pumping Equipment Installation & Service:
Lineshaft Turbine Pumps
Submersible Pumps
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Controllers
Backed by a full-time Health & Safety Officer, a dedicated machine shop, and skilled mechanics, KP Exploration ensures all drilling projects are executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.