In this article published by Creamer Media’s Engineering News and Mining Weekly, GeoGroup highlights how advanced drilling and testing technologies are closing the gap between site investigation and long-term safety monitoring.
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.
Beyond drilling, the group emphasises the move from “delayed data” to actionable intelligence. By integrating services under one roof, GeoGroup streamlines the process:
Seamless Transitions: Once a borehole is complete, teams immediately deploy in-situ testing—such as seismic piezocone and electronic vane shear testing—to capture critical data “right there and then.”
Real-Time Dashboards: Manual readings are being replaced by automated remote data logging, feeding directly into cloud-based systems for immediate decision-making.
Unified Accountability: Using a single provider eliminates vendor silos, ensuring that internal feedback loops improve data quality and prevent costly site revisits.