| BACKGROUND |
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| As global demand for an efficient and well-priced energy source increases, so does demand for Coal. The Wiggins Island Coal Terminal is a project of global significance: the terminal will enable massive efficiencies in the export of coal. A key aspect of the Wiggins Island Coal Terminal feasibility study was determining the suitability of the sub-surface conditions offshore from Golding Point to support the proposed wharf and jetty facilities.
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| WHAT WE DID |
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| Accurate geotechnical test results were vital in order to identify suitable founding strata. |
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| Client | Douglas Partners Pty Ltd |
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| Duration | Undertaken over a 6 month period, 45 boreholes were completed. |
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| Location | Overwater and land drilling in the following locations: |
| • | 12 bores along the alignment of the proposed jetty; |
| • | 13 bores in the vicinity of a berthing wharf; and |
| • | 20 bores in the vicinity of the proposed dredging areas, including along the berth pockets, departure/arrival channel and possible future swing basin. |
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| Drilling | Coordinated with Maritime Safety Queensland as follows: |
| • | Drilling using a Hydrapower Scout MK.3 drilling rig mounted in a dumb barge with a four point anchoring system controlled by four independent winches. |
| • | The bores were advanced by rotary mud flush techniques. |
| • | The majority of the soil sampling was undertaken by SPT, with only minimal 'undisturbed' push tube samples possible, due to the presence of frequent gravel beds. |
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| OUTCOME |
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| "Schneider Drilling worked hard under extremely difficult conditions. The expertise of the drill crew produced excellent core recoveries from some very difficult weathered rock conditions. The climatic and geological working conditions were thus extremely wearing on the drilling and sampling equipment - Schneider Drilling was often called to repair and replace damaged or worn items from the rig and drill string. This the drillers undertook speedily and efficiently, thus minimising down time." |
| Ken Boddie | Douglas Partners Pty Ltd, Principal |
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