#United Kingdom #Oxford #Element Six #Master Drilling #Tunnel Technology

Element Six and Master Drilling: A Strategic Partnership for Innovative Tunnel Development

In an exciting development in the field of tunnel construction, Element Six (E6), a pioneering force in the production of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and ultra-hard materials, has joined forces with Master Drilling, a global leader in rock drilling and mechanized excavation solutions. Announced on February 18, 2025, this strategic alliance aims to revolutionize the tunneling industry through the use of advanced diamond cutting technology.

Unveiling Innovative Technology

The collaboration between Element Six and Master Drilling leverages Element Six's patented PCD cutting technology and Master Drilling's comprehensive mechanized services. Together, they deliver a new, synthetic diamond-enabled tunneling solution that can reduce the generation of waste rock by more than 17% compared to traditional tunneling operations. This innovative approach has already been tested in various underground and surface conditions in the UK and South Africa, showcasing superior performance in mining and infrastructure sectors.

Koos Jordaan, CEO of Master Drilling, highlights the unique position this partnership holds in meeting the challenges posed by tunnel construction. He states, "Achieving high-quality, non-explosive tunnel construction with significant value compared to traditional methods is a key global challenge for tunnel builders. By combining our technologies and expertise, we can deliver competitive productivity, lower costs, and reduced waste, leading to a safer, faster, and more economical tunneling process."

The Importance of Tunneling

Tunnels play a crucial role in accessing vital mineral resources, creating efficient transport routes, and hosting essential services, all while minimizing surface disruption. In mining, tunnels are indispensable for reaching mineral deposits and ensuring effective transportation and ventilation for underground operations. In transport, they facilitate shorter routes across difficult terrains or urban areas, while in construction, tunnels accommodate underground utilities. Furthermore, in the energy sector, they support hydroelectric plants and pipelines.

Despite the significance of tunneling, there are numerous technical and environmental challenges associated with the construction process. These include unpredictable geological conditions, water ingress, high costs, waste generation, and safety concerns. The new partnership aims to address these challenges with its innovative diamond-enabled solutions, thereby significantly enhancing the speed, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of tunnel construction.

Siobhán Duffy, CEO of Element Six, emphasized the alignment of this partnership with the De Beers Group's Origins strategy. She states, "The innovation in synthetic diamonds holds enormous potential to shape the future of industrial applications. By reducing the amount of rock extracted during tunnel development, we will significantly lessen waste and environmental impact, ensuring a better future for upcoming generations."

About Element Six

Element Six, part of the De Beers Group, is a global leader in the design, development, and production of advanced synthetic diamond materials. Operating internationally, the company boasts primary manufacturing facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and South Africa.

With over seventy years of experience, Element Six harnesses the extreme properties of synthetic diamonds to explore new applications across industries such as photonics, acoustics, energy transmission, water treatment, thermal management, and sensor technology. Their advanced material solutions serve a broad range of applications, from automotive and consumer electronics to cutting and drilling in the oil and gas industry, as well as components for mining, road construction, and agriculture.

About Master Drilling

Founded in 1986, Master Drilling is a global company specializing in technology-driven drilling solutions. Focused on providing fully mechanized services for the mining, infrastructure, and energy sectors, Master Drilling is recognized for its innovative designs and cutting-edge technology. They partner with clients at every stage of the project, from exploration to production, emphasizing research and development of new techniques and methodologies.

Master Drilling is currently listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), exemplifying its position as a trusted partner in the drilling sector. For more information, visit Element Six and Master Drilling.