Exploration Civil Support
Gebro is experienced in providing exploration and civil support. Mining is pivotal to the Pilbara, and at the centre of a strong mining region is mineral exploration. Gebro Contracting can provide exploration civil support, including the preparation of drill pads, development and maintenance of access roads and tracks, water storage and cartage, and rehabilitation of unproductive drilling programs.
Complete Exploration Support
Drill pads
Exploration drill pads are essential for mineral exploration, providing a safe and productive work area for equipment and staff. Gebro Contracting can prepare drill pads to the client’s requirements while meeting any environmental or Aboriginal heritage requirements. Depending on the area to be drilled, Gebro Contracting may use rock breaker-equipped excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, or any combination of these to develop a safe work area for the exploration crew. When developing drill pads, the gradient and terrain, the quantity of topsoil to be removed, the amount of groundwater expected to be contained, as well as post-drilling rehabilitation requirements, will be considered before the construction of a pad.
Access roads and tracks
Access to drill pads will be via a combination of existing roads and new tracks. Gebro can upgrade and maintain existing tracks, in addition to developing tracks that link proposed drill sites to existing roads. The improvement of existing roads and the development of new tracks are designed to meet the requirements of client and drilling contractor traffic, and are governed by environmental and Aboriginal heritage considerations. A combination of dozers and graders is usually sufficient to develop safe roads and tracks that are trafficable by large drill rigs and drilling crews. On occasion, due to the terrain, additional materials are required to ensure the safety of the tracks. In this instance, loaders and trucks may be used to transport additional material, thereby improving the safety of the tracks.
Post drilling rehabilitation
On the completion of the campaign, client procedure, industry best practice, and environmental permits dictate the rehabilitation and revegetation requirements of the site. The capping of drill holes and the removal of all contaminants and rubbish, including sump liners and sample bags, form the first phase of site rehabilitation.
The removal of redundant roads and tracks, recontouring areas to restore natural water flow, and the planting of nearby, locally sourced native seeds or plants complete the process. This final stage requires smaller equipment and, in most cases, the hand mechanical planting of native seeds.
