Case Study
Reliable surveying technologies supporting lithium exploration
30 Sept 2025
Site Profile
Savannah Resources is advancing a lithium exploration program in Portugal, targeting a potential new mining operation. The project involved drilling a five-figure number of meters within a compressed timeframe, using both Reverse Circulation (RC) and Diamond Drilling techniques. The campaign was part of Savannah Resources broader commitment to sustainable resource development, with a focus on operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The situation
With multiple drill contractors operating simultaneously and a demanding schedule, Savannah Resources required surveying and orientation tools that could integrate smoothly into their workflow, while delivering consistent, high-quality data. Several boreholes were vertical, necessitating advanced capabilities for uninterrupted and accurate downhole measurements.
Technical solutions
Orica Digital Solutions’ Axis Mining Technology supplied the Champ™ Navigator2 gyro and Champ™ ORI core orientation tools, which were deployed across the drilling campaign. The vertical continuous mode of the Champ™ Navigator2 was particularly valuable for surveying vertical holes, enabling seamless data acquisition without interruptions.
The Champ™ ORI offered a unique advantage; being driller-operable and replacing the guide bushing in the core barrel head assembly, eliminating the need for extensions or sacrificing core length. This simplicity and efficiency was well received by drill crews.
Additionally, the system’s flexible data transfer options—via cloud, USB, or email—allowed the Savannah Resources team to choose the method that best suited their operations, without being locked into a single workflow. This adaptability was especially appreciated in a multi-contractor environment.
Axis Mining Technology provided dedicated in-person training and support, ensuring smooth implementation and optimal tool performance throughout the campaign.
The result
Savannah Resources achieved numerous outputs and benefits as a result of using the Axis Mining Technology instrumentation throughout the project, including:
- Successful surveying of a five-figure meterage of boreholes
- Continuous tool operation over several months with no reported failures
- Enhanced geological confidence and operational efficiency
- Flexible data workflows supporting multi-team collaboration
- Positive alignment with Savannah Resources sustainability goals
Orica Digital Solutions wishes to thank Savannah Resources for their support and permission to publish this case study.
Author: Deyvi Akkris
"Savannah has worked with Orica's drilling and core orientation tools from Axis for the first time, and it was a great experience.
Our exploration team and multiple drill contractors received in-person training and support, and the equipment was in continuous operation for several months without any problems."
— John Morris Pereira, Exploration Manager, Savannah Resources
No reported failures
Savannah resources achieved continuous tool operation over several monthsd with no reported failures.
Enhanced geological confidence and operational efficiency
The combination of robust technology, responsive support, and operational flexibility enabled Savannah Resources to meet its exploration objectives efficiently and confidently.
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