Coldwell Drilling Co. Australasia

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! 💙💛

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Keagan our fourth-year apprentice, completing his second trade and to Mitch, our first-year apprentice, on being named runners-up in the Sprintsuite Bowen Basin Apprentice of the Year Awards! 👏

An incredible achievement and a testament to your hard work, dedication, and commitment.

We are extremely proud to have you as part of the Coldwell team.

Well done! 🎉

Coldwell continues to invest in its workforce — developing the next generation of talent within the business and creating strong pathways for future success.

Behind every great operation is a great team.

Coldwell Drilling Co. Australasia has spent almost five decades building both, and their apprentices are proof of that.
Mitch Carr and Keagan Neilsen, 2026 Bowen Basin Apprentice of the Year Runner-Ups, are developing the kind of multi-skilled experience the industry needs more of.

From dual trades to drilling certifications, this is what investing in people looks like.

Read their story: https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0Pjq60

24/04/2026

On ANZAC Day, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all who have served our nation.

Lest we forget.

22/04/2026

Blasting often gets the attention in mining, but none of it works without precise blast hole drilling. It's the step that quietly dictates everything that follows, from fragmentation quality to total cost per tonne moved.

In large open-pit operations, drilling and blasting typically handle almost 100% of hard rock breakage before loading and hauling begin . Each blast hole is drilled to a planned depth and spacing, often 10 to 15 meters deep in bench mining, then loaded with explosives that can break tens of thousands of tonnes in a single detonation.

The impact is massive. Poor drilling accuracy can create oversized rock that slows down crushers and increases secondary blasting costs. Good drilling improves fragmentation so loading units move material faster, reducing downstream energy use and equipment wear .

Even small improvements matter at scale. Studies show fragmentation quality directly influences production rates and total operating cost across the mine-to-mill chain . That means drill patterns, hole deviation, and depth control often decide whether a shift runs smoothly or stalls.

Despite this, drilling rarely gets spotlighted. It is repetitive, slow, and done before anything dramatic happens. Yet it quietly sets the efficiency of operations that can move hundreds of thousands of tonnes per day in major mines worldwide.

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21/04/2026

Once again, we proudly celebrate and congratulate Travis Petts on such an extraordinary achievement!

Travis has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, remarkable expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

His contribution over the years has been outstanding, setting a high benchmark across the Drilling industry.

Congratulations Travis! 🙌