Coldwell Drilling Co. Australasia

03/11/2026

⛏️ Before the blast comes the drilling. And in large-scale mining operations, getting it right makes all the difference.

Blast hole drilling is one of the most important stages of open-pit mining, setting the foundation for effective blasting, better rock fragmentation and more efficient material handling.

Every hole must be drilled to the correct depth, spacing and position. Even small inaccuracies can affect fragmentation, slow down loading and hauling, increase equipment wear and add to operating costs.

When drilling is done correctly, the benefits carry through the entire operation, helping improve productivity and reduce costs across the mine-to-mill process.

It may not be the most talked-about part of mining, but precise drilling is what helps set the operation up for success.

Interested in learning more about Australia's mining industry and the roles that keep operations running?

Interested in this role? email [email protected] and get started with your FIFO journey. 📩

australianmining

29/10/2026

⭐COLDWELL⭐

⛏️ AUSMASA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | OCTOBER 2026

We’re proud to be featured in AUSMASA’s Member Spotlight for October! 👏

As part of Australia’s drilling industry, we understand the importance of skilled people, safe operations and a strong workforce in driving our industry forward.

AUSMASA plays a vital role in identifying current and future skills needs across Australia’s mining and automotive industries, developing industry-relevant training resources and promoting pathways that build the workforce of tomorrow.

At Coldwell, we’re proud to be part of an industry where people, skills and innovation make a real difference. Together, we can help strengthen the future of Australia’s drilling and resources sector.

Showcasing AUSMASA members and their contribution to skills development

19/09/2026

Blast hole drilling rarely gets the attention that blasting does, even though it helps determine how well that blast will perform. Hole depth, spacing, burden and accuracy all influence fragmentation, which then affects loading, hauling, crushing and the overall cost of moving rock.

But poor fragmentation isn't automatically poor drilling.

A crew can hit the planned depth, angle and collar position perfectly and still end up with oversize rock. The reason is simple: rock isn't uniform.

A pattern can pass through hard and soft zones, fractured ground, bedding planes, seams, wet sections, voids or unexpected changes in competency. Water can affect explosive performance. Joints can redirect energy. A hard band buried inside weaker material can behave completely differently from the surrounding bench.

That means a technically perfect drilling pattern can still produce a poor result if the blast design doesn't match the ground actually encountered. Good blasting teams don't automatically blame the driller. They study pe*******on rates, cuttings, water inflows, geology and previous blast results, then adjust spacing, burden, explosive loading, stemming and timing.

Drilling still carries huge responsibility. Hole deviation, incorrect depth or poor collar location can absolutely hurt fragmentation. But good drilling can't completely rescue a design based on the wrong assumptions.

That's why drilling is so underrated. The operator isn't simply making holes. The drill is also revealing what the bench is really made of.

And when fragmentation affects digging rates, truck productivity, crusher performance, secondary breakage and energy use, those holes influence far more than the blast itself.

Drilling deserves more credit.

Just don't blame the drill every time the blast leaves boulders behind.

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10/09/2026

Are you OK? 💛

Today is R U OK? Day — a reminder to check in, start a conversation and let the people around us know we care.

Look out for your mates, your colleagues, your family — not just today, but every day.

Take the time to ask, listen and genuinely check in with the people around you.
A simple conversation can make a real difference.

A simple message, a phone call, a coffee or genuinely asking how someone is going can make a bigger difference than we realise.

Look after your mates. Check in. And keep checking in.

Not just today, but tomorrow, next week and whenever someone might need it.

Ask the question. Listen. Encourage action. Check in.

Not just today. Every day. 💪

26/07/2026

Coldwell is proud to be recognised alongside some of the major leaders in Queensland mining as a finalist at the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) awards night for the Safety Initiative category.

A special thank you to Paul Carroll for his valuable contribution in helping bring this initiative to life. The Lightweight Drill Bit Sub Adaptor demonstrates the importance of practical innovation, collaboration, and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities that enhance safety in the drilling and mining industry overall.

By challenging traditional methods and developing smarter solutions, the Coldwell team continues to contribute to safer and more effective mining practices. This recognition is a great acknowledgement of the commitment by all involved.

The evening provided a fantastic opportunity to recognise the world-class resources industry and the incredible people who continue to shape the future of Australian mining.

Thank you to Macmahon for sponsoring the category. Thank you Bowen Basin Mining Club for hosting an excellent event.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!

15/07/2026

Blast-hole drilling is the quiet beginning of every surface mine blast.

Before explosives can break a bench, drill operators position rigs across a pattern. Each hole must reach the depth, angle and location. Poor drilling can leave oversize rock, unstable faces, wasted explosives and difficult digging for the loading fleet.

The work demands more than moving levers. Operators read drill plans, monitor pe*******on rates, adjust rotation and pull-down pressure, record changing ground conditions and watch for worn bits or mechanical trouble. They need spatial awareness, patience (a lot of it!), knowledge and the discipline to follow exclusion zones and inspection procedures.

It can also be monotonous. A shift may involve drilling the same pattern for hours, moving only a few metres between holes. Modern rigs can automate parts of the cycle, leaving the operator supervising screens, measurements and machine performance. Concentration still can't drop. Soft seams, fractured rock, blocked holes or unexpected water can quickly ruin the pattern.

Dust, noise, vibration, steep benches and weather remain challenges. Drill crews also work near highwalls, pressurised air systems, rotating steel and heavy components. Explosives are loaded later by a separate blasting crew, but the quality of their shot begins with the driller.

The benefits are substantial. Skilled operators are needed across coal, iron ore, copper, gold and quarry operations. The job often offers strong wages, rostered time off and a path into blasting, supervision, maintenance or autonomous drilling support.

It isn't mining's most dramatic seat. Yet every blast depends on someone drilling accurately, repeatedly and safely.

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19/06/2026

17/05/2026

Congratulations to COLDWELL’s very own Paul Carroll!

We’re proud to announce that Paul has been selected on the Australian Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance Technical Committee for the Review of Drilling Operations Qualifications.

This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to Paul’s industry knowledge, experience, and commitment to advancing training and standards within the drilling sector.

We know he’ll make a valuable contribution to shaping the future of drilling operations qualifications across Australia.

Well done, Paul — a well-deserved recognition! 👏

11/05/2026

Congratulations to Paul Carroll on achieving 15-year milestone with Coldwell! 👏

This achievement reflects Paul’s consistent commitment to excellence and professionalism over the years.

Paul your contributions have clearly made a lasting impact, and this anniversary is a testament to the relationships and success you’ve built along the way.

Wishing you continued growth, fulfillment, and many more milestones ahead with COLDWELL.

09/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mums, grandmothers, stepmums, and mother figures in our lives! 🌸💖

Today, all of us at Coldwell want to say thank you. We appreciate everything you do!

We hope your day is filled with love and laughter. 💐

From the team at Coldwell Drilling! 💙💛