The acquisition of the new state-of-the-art rig forms part of an on-going programme of investment and will provide a much-needed boost in capacity as well as capability with Central Alliance seeing considerable growth across all its ground investigation services.

The Comacchio Geo 300 is an advanced hydraulic drilling rig, installed on variable (telescopic) rubber crawler track base.

The fundamental aspect of the design and construction of the Geo 300 is the robustness and strength of the components, which guarantees stability, reliability, durability and allows for high performance and continued operation under the most punishing conditions.

The flexible design, based on the use of highly efficient hydraulics, allows the use of a comprehensive range of onboard accessories, such as an NG500 mono mud pump (130LPM at 12 Bar), FX25 percussive hammer, wire-line winch (60m) and UDOR air mist pump and pressure washer lance.

Comacchio's Geo 300 can adapt to virtually any rotary drilling application as well as rotary percussion drilling techniques (DTH hammers, coring, dynamic sampling, undisturbed sampling and wire-line systems) in all geological formations. The Geo 300 is a small footprint unit ideally suited for coring projects inside buildings, on railways and/or highways projects or in areas of restricted space. The multi-purpose rig incorporates advanced safety features and complies with the strictest safety regulations adopted in the industry.

Speaking about the new rig Tom Burnett, operations manager, Central Alliance said: "The new rig will provide a tremendous boost in capacity, as well as allowing us to greater on-site flexibility as a benefit of the rig's versatility and customisation options.

"The rig marks the first of many new fleet additions planned for the coming months, as Central Alliance seeks to grow its fleet and provide an even better and more responsive service to its growing customer base."