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

Azurite core drilling sample with 55% copper content Diamond Core Drilling results Arizona and Nevada

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.