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# GEO Group: Contractor for Geotechnical, Exploration and Sonic Drilling, S-CPTu & In-Situ Testing, and Geotech. Instrumentation.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://geogroup.co.za/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [LIV Lanseria Outreach | Nelson Mandela Day 2026](https://geogroup.co.za/liv-lanseria-outreach-nelson-mandela-day-2026/): Serving our communities is always high priority at GeoGroup. This Nelson Mandela Day, celebrated on the 18th of July to commemorate the birthday of Nelson Mandela, the GeoGroup team got out their gloves to help the LIV community with some much-needed maintenance at their school to revamp the palisade fencing surrounding the play area with a fresh coat of paint. It was a tough job in the sun, but we know this is one way that will definitely make a difference to young lives at LIV and help contribute to a happy and colourful schooling environment.
- [Geotech. Investigation for hydro-powered solutions, Mozambique](https://geogroup.co.za/geotech-investigation-for-hydro-powered-solutions-mozambique/): In July 2025, Geomechanics was appointed to carry out a demanding geotechnical investigation drilling campaign for a landmark project in Mozambique. The firm scope of work involved drilling eight intricately located inclined boreholes, alongside an optional scope of a further eight boreholes consisting of both inclined and vertical orientations.
- [LIV Lanseria Winter Clothing Drive](https://geogroup.co.za/liv-lanseria-winter-clothing-drive/): As the winter chill sets in across Gauteng, the biting cold presents a harsh reality for many vulnerable children. To ensure the kids at LIV Lanseria—ranging from infants to 18-year-olds—can brave the season comfortably, GeoGroup recently launched a rapid two-week winter clothing drive.
- [Geotechnical Monitoring Partnership](https://geogroup.co.za/geotechnical-monitoring-partnership/): For five years, Terra Monitoring—a specialist arm under the GeoGroup umbrella—has maintained a robust, strategic partnership with industry-leading manufacturer Geosense. Through this long-standing relationship, Terra Monitoring has solidified its position as the preferred supplier and accredited installer of Geosense products across Southern Africa.
- [Drilling course: Future Innovation](https://geogroup.co.za/drilling-course-future-innovation/): Recognising the historic gap between tertiary education and real-world fieldwork, GeoGroup, UCP, and IMDEX recently collaborated on a 3-day drilling training programme. Aimed specifically at Honours and Masters Geology students from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), the course was designed to bring future geologists and active site contractors together. Bridging this gap on a tertiary level not only allows for and expands the understanding of drilling works on a geological level, it also fosters a relationship built on innovation and understanding between the geological fields and the contracting side of things.
- [Innovation in Complexities](https://geogroup.co.za/innovation-in-complexities/): Geomech Africa was appointed to conduct an extensive in-situ testing campaign at a tailings storage facility. The scope of work consisted of six linear lined out positions around the TSF, with each line containing three test points requiring: Seismic CPTu testing with dissipation measurements; MOSTAP sampling; and electronic vane shear testing (eVST). The testing was executed using a 20-ton track-mounted rig with a 150kN Pagani mast mounted to the bed of the rig. The 20-ton rig was specifically chosen for this task as its mass alone provided the required reaction force without the need for anchoring, ensuring uninterrupted testing.
- [Geotechnical investigation on the Franschhoek Pass](https://geogroup.co.za/geotechnical-investigation-on-the-franschhoek-pass/): In November 2025, the Geomech Africa Cape Town team was commissioned to tackle a technically demanding geotechnical investigation on the iconic Franschhoek Pass in the Western Cape. The project required the drilling of three 15-metre boreholes and to install piezometers on a precarious slope failure, situated roughly 20 metres above and 30 metres back from the main roadway.
- [Monitoring Data Strengthens Tailings Safety, Compliance](https://geogroup.co.za/monitoring-data-strengthens-tailings-safety-compliance/): As the mining industry faces increasing pressure to align with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), the role of geotechnical monitoring has never been more critical. In a recent feature by Creamer Media’s Engineering News and Mining Weekly, Terra Monitoring highlights how sophisticated instrumentation is transforming Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) safety from a reactive process into a proactive science.
- [Sonic Drilling Critical to Continuous High-Quality Recovery](https://geogroup.co.za/sonic-drilling-critical-to-continuous-high-quality-recovery/): At the heart of this shift is sonic drilling, a high-frequency oscillation method that penetrates the ground two to three times faster than conventional rigs. According to Operations Director Grant Rijsmus, this technology is a game-changer for loose tailings, providing high-quality, representative samples that allow engineers to identify thin, weak layers and assess liquefaction risks with unprecedented accuracy.
- [Community Donations | Baby Moses](https://geogroup.co.za/community-donations-baby-moses/): This month, the Geo Angels rallied together for a donation of 50 chairs, cans of soup and some colouring books towards Baby Moses Children’s Sanctuary. Baby Moses is an organisation dedicated to taking in (and caring for) abused, abandoned and orphaned children. Their homes allow over 100 boys and girls to gain access to opportunities that they would not have had previously. Christo and Lanie de Klerk (owners of Baby Moses), has since 2002, faithfully been dedicating their lives to creating a safe space for these kids to grow up in. “We believe that children should grow up in a family, instead of big institutions where they can get lost within the cracks”, says Christo, owner of Baby Moses.
- [Drillers in the Mist](https://geogroup.co.za/drillers-in-the-mist/): There’s something unusual about preparing yourself in a site mud room with gumboots and a rain suit over your standard required PPE when the ambient temperature is in the mid-thirties, and the conditions are equivalent to that of a tropical rainstorm. This was the case on a recent drilling project the Geomech Africa team took on in the Western Cape.
- [Drilling On Water Bodies and in Ports](https://geogroup.co.za/drilling-on-water-bodies-and-in-ports/): The GeoGroup was recently contracted to conduct Geotechnical Investigations in various South African ports. In order to drill on water bodies, the Jack-up Barge (designed and built by the GeoGroup) had to be certified by SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) before it could set sail. Before the final inspection was passed, a series of submissions and assessments had to be done first. This included all the relevant paperwork and applications needed for submission, naval architects were contracted to draw up the plans of the barge for buoyancy certification, and finally, our teams had to ensure that all the appropriate safety equipment was on board. Receiving the certification allowed the commencement of work to start towards the end of 2022.
- [Drilling to Source Stone for Road Maintenance](https://geogroup.co.za/drilling-to-source-stone-for-road-maintenance/): In December 2021, the Geomech Africa team broke ground in the Free State province in South Africa to conduct Geotechnical Investigations as part of a 2-phase plan to drill for the discovery of quarry materials. These materials are to be used for the construction of new roads and the maintenance and repair of the existing roadway infrastructure.
- [Core Recovery: Adjusting the Method for Maximum Results](https://geogroup.co.za/core-recovery-adjusting-the-method-for-maximum-results/): The study of interactions between Incipient Continental Rifting Fluvial Systems and Regional Climate in Southern Africa.
- [Drill Site With a View – Hout Bay](https://geogroup.co.za/drill-site-with-a-view-hout-bay/): It is always exciting to take on a new challenge, but it’s not often that challenges come with such a spectacular but distracting view as in the case of this geotechnical contract in Hout Bay that we conducted.
- [Polihali Transfer Tunnel](https://geogroup.co.za/polihali-transfer-tunnel/): In August 2021, the Geomechanics team broke ground in Lesotho for the Polihali Transfer Tunnel project. The client required Geotechnical Data for the design and construction planning of a transfer tunnel. The mandate was to conduct drilling at 4 various drill locations for core extraction, Lugeon testing, Hydrofracture testing and downhole surveying.
- [Maintenance of Monitoring Equipment](https://geogroup.co.za/maintenance-of-monitoring-equipment/): In March of 2022, the Terra Monitoring team set out to conduct annual maintenance of the settlement cells and seepage weirs in Eswatini at the well-known Maguga Dam. 
- [Piezometer Installations in South Africa](https://geogroup.co.za/piezometer-installations-in-south-africa/): In late 2021, the Geomech Africa team was assigned the task of installing piezometers at two mine sites in the northern provinces in South Africa. The aim of the project was to install 83 standpipe piezometers at new and existing locations. The client needed these piezometers installed, in order for the engineers to gather important water level data for analysing the tailings dams to monitor and predict possible changes of the phreatic surface under the 8 tailings facilities, over time.
- [Drilling in Tzaneen](https://geogroup.co.za/drilling-in-tzaneen/): One of the greatest privileges we get to enjoy at the GeoGroup is having the opportunity to visit both local and international destinations. Although Tzaneen is only a mere 4-hour drive from our Lanseria head office, it was still a spectacular and memorable experience for Welcome Dlamini and his crew. This is the first project that Welcome had the opportunity of managing as the appointed site supervisor. 
- [Geotechnical Drilling for the Expansion of Road Infrastructures](https://geogroup.co.za/geotechnical-drilling-for-the-expansion-of-road-infrastructures/): Before drilling could commence, our supervisor was tasked to liaise with the community-based business forum. This was a necessary step in the process as our team needed to inform the community of the work being conducted in their area. This also gave the local community the opportunity to empower their residents by assisting the crew on site. Once this was finalised, our team was ready to commence drilling.
- [Conducting Testing in Difficult Conditions](https://geogroup.co.za/conducting-testing-in-difficult-conditions/): Concerns about the stability of a tailings dam require specialized testing and analysis in order to gather sufficient data. This was a task well suited for the Geomech Africa Team. In 2020, a client required the services of the GeoGroup to conduct Cone Penetration Tests (CPTu) and field Vane Shear Testing (VST) at a site in Mpumalanga.
- [Side-By-Side in Mpumalanga](https://geogroup.co.za/side-by-side-in-mpumalanga/): On the 27th of February 2021, the Geomech Africa and Terra Monitoring teams commenced work together for a 5-week project where they needed to conduct rotary core drilling (using a YWE-D90) at 6 locations for the installation of Piezometers at discard facilities in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
- [”Probing” into CPTu Testing](https://geogroup.co.za/probing-into-cptu-testing/): Jones & Wagener, a specialist firm of consulting engineers and scientists, commissioned Geomech Africa to do a round of supplementary CPTu at a site in the North West Province in South Africa. The mandate was to gather as much information as possible by means of CPTu testing and to capture reliable dissipation data. Tailings dams are well known for variability both with depth and spatially. This variability can be seen in the hydraulic properties, layering, strength characteristics, pore pressure regime etc. The CPTu test is very useful in this sense as the highly specialised sensors in the cone provide the user with the required information to determine the above-mentioned, albeit by direct measurement or by empirical means.
- [Raising of the dam wall](https://geogroup.co.za/raising-of-the-dam-wall/): In June 2020 AECOM commissioned Geomech Africa (Pty) Ltd. to assist with the drilling of four geotechnical boreholes, a total of 70 meters, at the abutments of the existing Distillery Road Bridge crossing the Plankenberg River near Bosman’s Crossing in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The existing bridge is the only access to Bosman’s Crossing. Due to its narrow dimensions, the bridge width needs to be widened to accommodate the increase of traffic.
- [Reverse Circulation Drilling | Letšeng Diamond Mine](https://geogroup.co.za/reverse-circulation-drilling-letseng-diamond-mine/): “The Geomechanics drill team drilled 3 354 meters using the Reverse Circulation drill method.” What is Reverse Circulation Drilling? Reverse Circulation drilling, or RC drilling, is a specific method of drilling which makes use of dual wall drill rods. These drill rods are a combination of an outer drill rod and an inner tube. With RC drilling, the rock is fragmented into chips by use of a piston that delivers rapid impacts to the stem of the hammer. This causes the rock to fragment which is then extracted through to the surface via the hollow inner tubes at a steady and continuous flow.
- [At the ‘core’ of the matter – Sasolburg, South Africa](https://geogroup.co.za/at-the-core-of-the-matter-sasolburg-south-africa/): Geomech Africa was recently contracted by Michael Pavlakis & Associates Consulting Geotechnical Engineers to assist at the Petroleum Plant in Sasolburg to perform a Geotechnical Investigation for the foundation design for a new chimney as part of the plant upgrade.
- [Geotechnical Investigations for AECOM](https://geogroup.co.za/geotechnical-investigations-for-aecom/): In June 2020 AECOM commissioned Geomech Africa (Pty) Ltd. to assist with the drilling of four geotechnical boreholes, a total of 70 meters, at the abutments of the existing Distillery Road Bridge crossing the Plankenberg River near Bosman’s Crossing in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The existing bridge is the only access to Bosman’s Crossing. Due to its narrow dimensions, the bridge width needs to be widened to accommodate the increase of traffic.
- [CPTu testing to establish the profile of mine’s orebodies](https://geogroup.co.za/cptu-testing-to-establish-the-profile-of-mines-orebodies/): Over the duration of the project, the team conducted 57 CPTu tests, at depths up to fifty metres, reaching 1030.41 m in total. Fifty metres is very deep for CPTu testing and many of the tests were required in soft soil. These factors posed some interesting challenges.
- [DPSH testing to help identify founding conditions](https://geogroup.co.za/dpsh-testing-to-help-identify-founding-conditions/): Geomech Africa was contracted to conduct a DPSH investigation in Langebaan, Western Cape to help identify the founding conditions and levels for a three-storey residence. Previous DCP tests had not identified the details of the ground conditions with enough certainty and so more rigorous tests were required.
- [CPTu testing at the Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine](https://geogroup.co.za/cptu-testing-at-the-langer-heinrich-uranium-mine/): Project ObjectiveOn the 16th of July 2019, Geomechanics was contracted to do CPTu testing at the Langer Heinrich Uranium mine in Namibia on existing Tailing Storage Facilities (TSF), also known as Tailing Dams. The tests were spread out over 3 different TSF’s; TSF1, TSF2 & TSF3. Langer Heinrich Uranium intends to modernize the process by which Uranium is mined at LHU and as a result, could extract further Uranium from the already discarded tailings if it is put through the new process. The overall objective of the CPTu tests was to establish whether the tailings requires wet (requires pumping – a slurry form) or dry (requires excavation – solid form) mining once this process commences. A secondary objective was to establish whether TSF2 possessed suitable internal structural strength to be loaded with additional tailing material, on top of the existing tailing material.
- [AEL Sonic coring project at Modderfontein](https://geogroup.co.za/ael-sonic-coring-project-at-modderfontein/): Geomechanics was commissioned to determine the extent of contamination of explosive material in the ground.
- [Lesotho LHDA Dam Investigations – Oxbow and Senqu](https://geogroup.co.za/lesotho-lhda-dam-investigations-oxbow-and-senqu/): Geomechanics was contracted by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) to drill and test two potential dam sites for the hydropower component of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. These sites are in the Oxbow and Senqu areas.
- [Drilling in sands for Rio Tinto](https://geogroup.co.za/drilling-in-sands-for-rio-tinto/): Sonic drilling for Rio Tinto's Richards Bay Minerals sands project at the RBM site near Richards Bay.
- [Determining a new East African pipeline route for TOTAL](https://geogroup.co.za/determining-a-new-east-african-pipeline-route-for-total/): The extensive works undertaken by the GeoGroup for TOTAL’s Lake Albert Development Project TILENGA and East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) underscore the depth of expertise fielded by this South Africa based geotechnical contractor. GeoGroup’s geotechnical investigations for a Central Processing Facility (CPF) in Bullisa, Western Uganda and a pipeline to transport crude oil from the CPF to the 1 443km pipeline to Tanga on the coast of Tanzania successfully put its skills to the test.
- [Road Interchange, Paarl](https://geogroup.co.za/road-interchange-paarl/): CPTu testing for a road interchange in the Paarl area. The project entailed 12 CPTu’s, with augering through the hard layers, to a total depth of 20m. The benefits of the Geomechanics Pagani machine is that it is able to do the drilling through the hard layers with just a switch of head on the machine. Previous technology required the use of a separate machine for the augering portion of the hole which was more time consuming and therefore costly.
- [Khanyisa Power Station](https://geogroup.co.za/khanyisa-power-station/): The Apageo Pressure Meter test and other In-Situ tests were done to determine the soil characteristics to be used for assessment of excavation methods and for detailed design of foundations, ground improvement and earthworks. 185 pressure meter tests were done in 18 boreholes with test depths ranging from 1meter to 38.5meter.
- [Fufu Hydropower project, Malawi](https://geogroup.co.za/fufu-hydropower-project-malawi/)
- [Black Rock](https://geogroup.co.za/black-rock/): Largest underground drilling contract to date was for Assmang's Black Rock mine operations project in the Northern Cape which was completed with a flawless safety record and uncompromised commitment to quality assurance and environmental project aspects.
- [East London Harbour Quay Wall](https://geogroup.co.za/east-london-harbour-quay-wall/): The project required that we drill 6 holes (HQ3 size), with SPT’s, Shelby and vane shear testing, half a meter out into the sea from the Quay edge. The challenge was to design and build a platform from which to perform the drilling and testing.

## Pages
- [Geomechanics Uganda](https://geogroup.co.za/geomechanics-uganda/)
- [News](https://geogroup.co.za/news/): June 24, 2026
- [Thank You](https://geogroup.co.za/thank-you/): Your message was sent successfully Thank you for your enquiry. We will be in touch shortly.
- [Commitment to Communities](https://geogroup.co.za/who-we-are/commitment-to-communities/)
- [Who We Are](https://geogroup.co.za/who-we-are/): The GeoGroup stands as a formidable collective of specialist companies and branches, dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions across the geotechnical and exploration drilling spectrum. Our integrated structure ensures clients benefit from deep, focused expertise in every facet of site investigation, from initial ground assessment to long-term monitoring.
- [Geotechnical Instrumentation](https://geogroup.co.za/what-we-do/geotechnical-instrumentation/): GEOGROUP, through its specialist entity TERRA MONITORING, offers a turnkey solution for the supply, installation, and ongoing monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation. Since 1980, TERRA MONITORING has delivered crucial instrumentation services to the Civil Engineering, Mining, Railway, and Road Infrastructure industries. This capability is vital for long-term project management, risk mitigation, and ensuring the ongoing stability of infrastructure, particularly in high-risk areas like Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs).
- [CPTu & In-situ Testing](https://geogroup.co.za/what-we-do/cptu-in-situ-testing/): GEOGROUP offers a comprehensive suite of In-Situ Testing Services, headlined by our expertise in S-CPTu (Seismic Cone Penetration Testing with pore pressure measurement). These services provide immediate, accurate, and high-resolution data for detailed geotechnical characterisation, significantly reducing the need for traditional, more time-consuming laboratory testing. 
- [Sonic Drilling](https://geogroup.co.za/what-we-do/sonic-drilling/): Sonic Drilling is a specialist capability offered by GEOGROUP. This low-impact, high-frequency vibratory method significantly reduces drilling time and is particularly valuable for complex and sensitive geotechnical and environmental investigations, notably in challenging unconsolidated materials and on large-scale Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs). 
- [Exploration Drilling](https://geogroup.co.za/what-we-do/exploration-drilling/): GEOGROUP provides highly specialised Exploration Drilling services across Southern Africa and beyond, serving the mineral exploration and mining industries. With a robust fleet and the capability to drill up to 2000 metres deep, we offer a comprehensive range of drilling solutions to suit the most challenging projects in sand, soil, and rock. Our expertise ensures reliable and high-quality core recovery, which is critical for accurate resource estimation and subsequent mine planning.
- [Geotechnical Investigations](https://geogroup.co.za/what-we-do/geotechnical-investigations/): GEOGROUP stands as a leading provider of specialised geotechnical and exploration services across Southern Africa and the continent. As a crucial drilling contractor, we are regularly contracted to execute comprehensive small and large scale subsurface investigations at pre-determined positions for major civil, mining, and environmental projects. 
- [Contact Us](https://geogroup.co.za/contact-us/): Johannesburg | Head Office
- [Projects](https://geogroup.co.za/projects/): Feel free to explore our library of PROJECT SUCCESS STORIES.
- [What We Do](https://geogroup.co.za/what-we-do/): Geotechnical Investigation
- [Home](https://geogroup.co.za/): Geotechnical Investigation