The Secret to Efficient Drilling is Hiding in Your Data

The first in a 5-part series that explores the data secrets to optimizing your drilling operations.

#1 Centralized and Standardized Data – The Missing Link

Mining and drilling have long relied on traditional methods, but the industry’s reluctance to change can come at a cost. As demand for critical minerals rises and a new generation of workers enters the field, the pressure to digitize operations is greater than ever. The key to unlocking greater efficiency lies in drilling data—but only if it’s properly collected, structured, and analyzed.

Unlocking the Value in Your Data

Despite the push for digital solutions, many companies still struggle to transition from manual paper reporting. Weekly delays in receiving information, lost paperwork, and incorrect information create unnecessary bottlenecks, leaving operations vulnerable to costly mistakes.

Jon Madigan, Regional Operations Manager for Boart Longyear, explains:

“There’s no visibility on your production or financial performance[with manual data entry], you have a notepad with reports, and someone picks it up weekly. There’s no further insight—if the metres are being drilled, the job is getting done.”

By the time paper shift reports reach the approval stage, the data is already outdated. Without a way to go back and recover missing or incorrect reports, reconciliation drags on, increasing costs and creating friction between partners.

Even companies that have adopted digital solutions often face fragmented systems, disconnected workflows, and unstructured data, leading to blind spots that hide inefficiencies and drive-up costs.

Jody Conrad, President and CEO of Krux Analytics, explains:

“If you don’t have data—or have it in a form you can use—how can you tell if it could be working harder for you? How do you know if better data could revolutionize your business if you don’t even have a way to test that theory?”

“When we partner with a drilling company, the first reaction is almost always the same: shock. Before we can analyze anything, we often need to organize their data first. We structure it in a database so proper analysis can begin. That’s when they finally get a clear picture of their operations.”

“Usually, after just one month of inputting data into Krux, companies realize what they’re really spending their time and money on, and it’s often more than just drilling.”

Digging Deeper for Hidden Inefficiencies

The moment structured data starts revealing inefficiencies can be eye-opening.

“There’s always been a gut feeling that certain activities are wasting time, but companies rarely know just how big the problem is—or what it’s truly costing them,” says Conrad.

With the right data in place, productivity bottlenecks become visible. Companies can pinpoint problems before they escalate, whether it’s excessive rig downtime, inefficiencies in drill time, or delays in mobilization.

James Barrieau, Vice President of Commercial Operations for Boart Longyear, adds:

“Before, metres were being drilled, but we couldn’t see exactly what was happening in real time. Now, we have a crystal-clear view, not only can we see it, but our customers can too.”

“Everyone is working within the same system. The driller enters data directly, and everyone—supervisors, managers, and clients—can access the same information. If there’s a problem, the data speaks for itself, allowing for informed decisions without guesswork or assumptions.”

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Good Data, Great Results

“You need good data to drive real change,” says Conrad. “And depending on where you’re operating, those decisions will vary.”

For some, manpower shortages might point toward automation. Others may need to rethink rig selection, optimize drill cycles, or streamline logistics. Every project is different, but data can provide the answers.

“Every bit of data, if well-used, can increase profitability, reduce costs, and keep companies ahead of the competition.”

In an industry where margins are tight, efficiency is everything; the secret to unlocking it is already in your data. The question is: Are you ready to use it?