The Canadian Diamond Drilling Association is pleased to announce that Orbit Garant Drilling Inc. has been chosen as the April Member of the Month for their ongoing commitment to the CDDA, dedication to expanding the diamond drilling sector, and promotion of safety and industry standards.
Orbit Garant Drilling Inc. (“Orbit Garant”, “OGD” or “the Company”) is one of the largest Canadian-based mineral drilling companies, with more than 200 drill rigs and approximately 1,000 employees. OGD’s history dates back more than three decades, to the founding of its two main predecessor companies, Forages Garant & Frères Inc. (“Forages Garant”), and Forage Orbit Inc. (“Orbit”), which were combined in 2007 to create Orbit Garant Drilling Inc. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGD”.
Pierre Alexandre, the Company’s current President & Chief Executive Officer, was an original founder of Orbit Garant and has extensive field experience in diamond drilling (over 35 years). In addition to his extensive field experience in Canada and internationally, he leads OGD’s team with his expertise in operational planning and business development.
OGD provides both underground and surface drilling services in Canada and internationally to major, intermediate and junior mining companies, through each stage of mineral exploration, mine development and production. Approximately 40% of the Company’s drilling projects are considered “specialized”, meaning that, in the opinion of OGD management, these projects cannot be undertaken by smaller conventional drilling companies, because of the scope, complexity, remote location and/ or technical nature of the work. Specific examples of the specialized drilling services Orbit Garant provides include: deep hole drilling (up to a maximum of 3,500 metres), directional drilling, large diameter drilling (using PQ-sized (4⅞ inches) diameter drill bits), water drilling, heli-portable drill rigs, drilling on barges, geotechnical drilling services, and hard rock (iron formation) drilling.
The Company is primarily focused on gold drilling operations in Canada (approximately 70% of revenue), but also has a presence in Chile where it has exposure to copper drilling projects (Chile is the largest copper producing country in the world). Orbit Garant provides services to major mining companies, such as Agnico-Eagle Mines, Anglo American, IAMGold, Pan American Silver, Eldorado Gold, Alamos Gold, Vale and intermediate mining companies, including, Osisko Mining, Hecla Mining and Wesdome Gold Mines, as well as several junior mining companies.
Orbit Garant has a comprehensive infrastructure with vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities. The Company manufactures custom drill rigs and ancillary equipment for its own use and also manufactures conventional drill rigs for third-party customers from its facilities in Val-d’Or, Québec. It is able to manufacture drill rigs more rapidly and at a competitive cost compared to an Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Orbit Garant is focused on continuous innovation. The Company’s proprietary computerized monitoring and control technology is currently deployed on 45 of its drill rigs. This technology provides greater accuracy, improved productivity (up to 30% greater productivity), lower use of consumables (eg. fuel), rig components typically last longer and it is easier train drilling personnel. Other benefits include real-time, remote monitoring of drilling progress and the ability to view core samples remotely. More recent models of the Company’s computerized underground drill rigs also now include its automated rod handling systems, which further improves productivity and provides for greater driller safety. The Company is now rolling out this technology on its surface drill rigs.
The Company furthers its growth and development by focusing on its organizational values and on its Environmental, Social and Governance through its constant effort at all levels of the organization. Orbit Garant’s Health & Safety and Environmental practices align with, or exceed, the strict requirements of senior mining companies. The Company is UL 2724 ECOLOGO® Certified for suppliers of the mineral exploration industry. The Company often partners with its clients, host governments, Aboriginal groups and local nongovernmental organizations to positively impact the communities that it works within.
The Company founded a driller training program based in Val-d’Or in collaboration with the local school board to certify students as mineral drillers. The program curriculum requires that students complete a practical component by acting as driller helpers with Orbit Garant. The Company’s arrangement with the Val-d’Or school board is exclusive and provides it with access to students to recruit for permanent employment upon completion of the program certification. Orbit Garant also provides its drilling personnel with ongoing training for new technologies, techniques and safety / environmental standards.
In conclusion, Orbit Garant Drilling Inc. has been recognized as the April Member of the Month by the Canadian Diamond Drilling Association for their unwavering commitment to the industry, dedication to safety and standards, and continuous efforts to expand the diamond drilling sector. Orbit Garant’s dedication to training and developing future drillers ensures a sustainable workforce for the industry, further solidifying its position as a leader in the drilling sector. Congratulations Orbit Garant Drilling Inc. and thanks for your continued support of the CDDA.
Orbit Garant Drilling Inc is also a Gold Sponsor of our 79th CDDA AGM and Convention and will be joining us at our convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia May 5-7, 2024. Register Now https://www.cdda.ca/convention-registration/
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