News

National Acquires First Drilling LLC

Montrose, Colorado, USA, November 1st, 2022 – National, a well-established exploration drilling contractor operating throughout the US, has acquired First Drilling, a specialized drilling contractor servicing the mining and exploration industry. The official announcement was made on October 24th and the agreement was signed on November 1^st, 2022.

“This new acquisition positions us to enter the underground drilling services market,” said Jeff Morgan, President and CEO of National. “We will continue National’s purpose to add value to our people, clients and the industry by setting the standard for safe and productive drilling services. We feel honoured to welcome the First Drilling personnel to the National team” added Mr. Morgan. The acquisition of First Drilling fits our strategy to mirror our surface Core, RC, and Dewatering capabilities in the underground drilling space. By purchasing First Drilling, we bring on board a team of experts with extensive experience in underground and a reputation for safety and quality. Our long-term objective is to lead the industry in underground drilling capabilities with a focus on robotics and automation.

“We could not find a better fit for our employees and customers”, said Clint Chapman, CEO and President of First Drilling. “National brings a great reputation for quality drilling services, and we are thrilled to be part of their team.”

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Visit National website : nationalewp.com

First Drilling crosses 10-Year Safety Milestone

First Drilling crosses 10-Year Safety Milestone

Montrose, Colorado, USA, August 30th, 2022 – First Drilling is extremely proud to announce that in August 2022 the company crossed a massive milestone in its history.  The company celebrated TEN years of continuous operations without lost time injury. This is a true milestone in terms of safety excellence and an accomplishment that could not have been possible without the commitment of First Drilling employee.

“We, as a company and a team, have been able to face adversity and meet the challenge presented to us every day and work safely, ensuring we all come home safe at the end of each shift.  We keep safety at the forefront of everything we do,” said Bryan Greene, Safety Manager at First Drilling. “I am very proud to be a part of a group that not only talks the talk but stands behind our core values to sustain such an achievement,” added Greene

First Drilling has built a culture of safety over the years driven by small daily actions. With operating discipline built around safety excellence, an in-house on-boarding training program for the new hires, dynamic and creative safety meetings, and a proactive focus on hazard identification, awareness and elimination. The employees created an environment where they can safely carry out their tasks.  Our work is nothing short of hard; it’s that simple. The chances of getting injured are there every day in the field and within the whole organization.  First Drilling consciously chooses to work safely, and there is a 10-year milestone to prove it.

“We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment and everyone’s contribution to this effort. We must continue to keep our guard up, to work hard, if not harder to continue this outstanding accomplishment: everyone going home safe and healthy every day ”,  says Clint Chapman, CEO of First Drilling.

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About First Drilling

First Drilling has provided drilling services to the mineral industry for more than 50 years focusing on surface and underground drilling for exploration companies and producing mines. Our services include surface and underground diamond coring, helicopter supported drilling and innovative fit for purpose drilling solutions. First Drilling can lower your operating costs while maintaining the highest level of safety and service. Contact our team today and find out how we can optimize your drilling program: info@firstdrilling.com

First Drilling LLC Announces Clint Chapman as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Montrose, Colorado, USA, August 11th, 2021 First Drilling is pleased to announce Clint Chapman has joined the organization as the new President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 19th, 2021. 

A Nevada native, Mr. Chapman brings over 15 years of experience in the mining space with expertise in operations, accounting, finance, and sales involving start-ups and major organizations. 

“Clint is the right leader for First Drilling,” said Kyle Rhoderick, former CEO and now a member of the board of directors, “Clint will bring his network and strategic mindset to the company to grow the business to the right size with the right team.”  His systematic approach to operations will bring tremendous value to First Drilling and will take the company to the next level of performance.

Clint received a BS Degree in Economics & Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada, an MBA from Colorado State University.

About First Drilling

First Drilling is a leading drilling services provider to the mineral industry focusing on surface and underground drilling for exploration companies and producing mines.   The organization has over a 50-year history, operating from our Colorado headquarters.  Our services include surface and underground diamond coring, helicopter-supported drilling, and innovative fit-for-purpose drilling solutions. First Drilling can lower your operating costs while maintaining the highest level of safety and service. Contact our team today and find out how we can optimize your drilling program: info@firstdrilling.com

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First Drilling expands its fleet with a new track-mounted deep hole drill.

Elko, Nevada, USA, October 6th, 2020 – First Drilling is pleased to announce the commissioning of an Epiroc CT-20 to expand its diamond drill fleet. The track-mounted deep hole capacity rig completed commissioning on Oct 4th and is working at a Northern Nevada exploration project.  First Drilling offers a wide range of specialty drilling, and this newcomer complements the fleet with over 5000 ft HQ depth capacity and 8000 ft NQ capacity.

Our best in class, highly experienced team, combined with a powerful deep hole rig brings to our customers the solutions they are seeking.” says Kyle Rhoderick of First Drilling. “We are absolutely committed to safety, productivity, and innovation and with this new machine in our fleet, we can take on deeper holes and bigger core diameters without compromising on the key deliverables our customers need, ensuring those precious exploration dollars are delivering real results” added Mr. Rhoderick.

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About First Drilling

First Drilling has provided drilling services to the mineral industry for more than 50 years focusing on surface and underground drilling for exploration companies and producing mines. Our services include surface and underground diamond coring, helicopter supported drilling and innovative fit for purpose drilling solutions. First Drilling can lower your operating costs while maintaining the highest level of safety and service. Contact our team today and find out how we can optimize your drilling program: info@firstdrilling.com

First Drilling to focus on exploration projects and small to medium producers.

Montrose, Colorado, USA, July 16th, 2020 – First Drilling steps away from Nevada Gold Mine contract to focus on exploration projects and small to medium or emerging producers. The company sold a number of used machines operating on Nevada Gold Mines properties to a global contractor. This transaction gives First Drilling the flexibility to offer their services to their target market and deploy rapidly. First Drilling’s highly experienced team will continue to execute safe and efficient drilling services for their customers all around the USA. 

“We created a unique win-win opportunity for a larger contractor to purchase the underground drills we employ to support Nevada Gold Mines. These rigs will continue to support Nevada Gold Mines with many of the same great drilling experts that have always been there, delivering safe production every shift, every day!” said Kyle Rhoderick, CEO of First Drilling. “ We can now focus on bringing value to target projects, optimizing drilling programs, and developing long-term relationships with our customers” added Mr. Rhoderick.

About First Drilling

First Drilling has served the mineral industry for more than 40 years in underground and surface drilling. Our services include underground multi-purpose definition drilling, lightweight heli-portable exploration, and surface and underground coring using innovative proprietary processes and technology. First Drilling lowers your operating costs while maintaining the highest level of safety and service. Contact our team today and find out how we can optimize your drilling program: info@firstdrilling.com

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