Drill Rod Explodes

 On 27th August 2011, a stable 3 metre rod exploded while the driller was pumping water into the drill hole before commencement of drilling. The exploded rod scattered around the drill site (15m away from the rig). 

After pre-start checks were done, the driller connected a 3 metre rod to the head to commence drilling. In the process of pumping water into the hole, a 3 metre rod on top of the head exploded throwing its debris around. All vehicles at post were not affected since the instruction was given not for vehicles to park close to the rig. Nobody has been injured.

Read more about the causes of this incident and the recommendations in this report compiled by the Boart Longyear.