The rig, which is based on the Comacchio GEO 602, has just completed its first assignment, drilling 3no. 35m deep boreholes through some of the most difficult and challenging ground conditions Structural Soils has experienced - a hard glacial boulder clay containing cobbles and boulders of Gneiss and Granite up to 400mm diameter - where individual 1.5m runs were completed in as little as two to three minutes.

This rig benefits from a dedicated rotary head in addition to the sonic head, which will allow it to core through the sonic section of boreholes to depths in excess of 150m, opening new capabilities to the company's portfolio of services.

Speaking about the new rig, Steve Mackereth, MD, said: "In addition to providing Structural Soils with enhanced capability and capacity, the new rig will also bring many benefits to clients, as well as opening up new service opportunities. The new rig has already proved itself as an extremely efficient machine, having recently demonstrated itself through extremely difficult ground conditions."