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.
Executing a complex geotechnical investigation for a project of this magnitude demands an expert drilling team. It requires resilience, logistical precision, and an unwavering ability to adapt to Africa’s most unpredictable environments.
What followed was an extraordinary test of teamwork, skill, and sheer determination.
AVIATION, RIVERS, AND CULTURES
From the outset, logistics defined the rhythm of the project. The boreholes were situated in highly remote pockets of the Zambezi, accessible only by water or air. As a result, the entire mobilisation and positioning of the drilling setups had to be executed via helicopter. To support the crews on the ground, Geomechanics established a fully functioning base camp. The site featured tents, flat-pack containers fitted with plumbing and ablution facilities, a dedicated kitchen tent, and a meal prep crew tasked with food preparations. Furthermore, despite being far removed from civilisation, modern technology bridged the gap: using high-speed satellite internet, the crews were able to enjoy their downtime, stream entertainment, and easily stay connected with their families back home.
Operating on the Zambezi River means sharing the workspace with its permanent residents—heavy populations of crocodiles, hippos, and the legendary tiger fish. When mechanical hitches briefly grounded the project’s support boat, the team relied entirely on chopper support. However, African skies are famously fickle. Sudden shifts in the weather frequently brought heavy winds and torrential rain just as crews were due for extraction, grounding the helicopter and forcing the team to adapt on the fly.
The remote environment also brought unique cultural experiences. Following an unexpected Sunday mechanical breakdown, local teams noted that the disruption was a sign from the river spirits, displeased with Sunday operations. Respecting local customs and fostering community goodwill, the team participated in a traditional peace ceremony—a stark reminder that successful geotechnical investigation relies as much on cultural respect as it does on technical and mechanical precision.
OVERCOMING THE ELEMENTS: FLOODING
Managing a drilling campaign means constantly balancing water requirements—too little halts production, but too much can threaten an entire operation. Ground conditions on-site were highly variable, ranging from medium-hard to exceptionally hard, highly fractured formations. To thoroughly assess the geology, Geomechanics carried out extensive downhole surveys, standpipe piezometer installations, and Lugeon testing to determine rock mass permeability.
The ultimate test arrived during the week of 20 March. Persistent, heavy rainfall caused the Zambezi River to rise rapidly, turning the river into a powerful torrent of moving debris and closing the airspace. Once the weather cleared and the team could safely return to the site, they discovered that the rising waters had completely submerged two of the powerful drill rigs. This was the exact scenario the team had sought to avoid by targeting the low-lying river boreholes during the dry season, but nature had other plans.
This is where technical skill comes in. Geomechanics’ highly skilled and experienced site mechanics immediately got to work. Thanks to their rapid response and deep mechanical expertise, the “big boys” were stripped, serviced, and successfully restarted in record time, minimising project downtime.
A TRIUMPH OF TEAMWORK
Even the overland supply lines threw unexpected challenges at the team, from navigating punishing, corrugated gravel roads to managing the unique logic of local traffic stops, where driving a South African-registered vehicle occasionally required lengthy explanations about specialised licenses. Ultimately, the project name became the universal password and a ‘badge’ of pride for everyone involved.
Reflecting on the successful completion of the project, the management team extended the highest praise to the personnel on the ground:
“To the team on the ground, kudos to you all. We stuck together through every challenge we faced, and we overcame them together. You are the true champions of this project. To the project leaders and the supporting teams, your backing from above was the reason we kept pushing until the very end.” – Masi Kama, Geomechanics Supervisor.
By merging technical versatility with a resilient mindset, Geomechanics has once again demonstrated its capability to deliver world-class geotechnical investigations under the most demanding conditions Africa has to offer.
