CORE SAMPLING

Stark Drilling relies on Schramm T450

Stark Drilling grows fleet with an additional custom T450 Series rig from Schramm

 The latest Schramm T450 Series rig purchased by Stark Drilling features custom paint finish among the options specified

The latest Schramm T450 Series rig purchased by Stark Drilling features custom paint finish among the options specified

"Having previously used Schramm equipment at many drilling projects over the decades, it was a natural decision for me," said Heness. "Schramm T450s are amazingly versatile, able to complete air-core and RC drilling, at various depths, and have minimal environmental impact."

The T450 Series features the latest hydraulic systems, 30,000lbs (13,608kg) of pullback, a 45-degree sliding angle mast (30k lattice or 40k tube), a deck-mounted diesel engine, and truck or track-mounting capability. Well known for its flexible, reliable operation and improved spare parts availability, the T450 Series' rugged top drive rotation and efficient pipe handling also offer high productivity on the job site and comes with the additional options of heavy winches, carousels and hands-free pipe handling.

Stark Drilling conducts a variety of commodity drilling operations in some of Australia's most remote and hostile environments. The company commenced its inaugural project in October 2017, at a 20,000m project at Wollogorang in the Northern Territory, using an Australian built T450. Today, the company specialises in directional RC and hole retrieval to reduce deviation issues in sampling.

Henness, who has over 28 years' drilling industry experience, said: "Stark Drilling has a very strong focus of providing drilling solutions in both the exploration and mining sectors throughout regional Australia, specialising in remote location activities."

That is why he said he trusts Schramm drilling rigs: their mobility, reliability, quality design, safety, operation functionality and product support.

Like every Schramm rig, the Stark T450 was custom configured to meet the client's needs—reverse circulation and air-core—and included a custom paint job selected by Starks to support a charitable foundation.

"We really are excited with our new Schramm T450," said Henness. "The finished product really is something to behold with the blue colour scheme, which reflects our passion for the Beyond Blue Foundation and mental health awareness in an industry where there can often be a multitude of challenges faced on a daily basis."

In addition to purpose-built configurations, custom paint jobs, rig service and maintenance, Schramm also offers an extensive range of engineered upgrades including automated pipe handling systems, electric over hydraulic hardware and software, hydraulic breakout systems and air control upgrade kits.

Got a story? Email: duncan.moore@aspermontmedia.com