An analysis of the core samples obtained by IDMG from a previous drilling assignment at the service shaft for the EuroChem mine showed that three additional boreholes would be needed in order to create a freeze zone for the stabilisation and sealing of a geological-hydrological anomaly present at a depth of 820 m. This would allow the construction work on the service shaft to continue safely using the freeze sinking method.

On the basis of the quality of the work carried out during the previous drilling assignment EuroChem again commissioned IDMG to drill and fit out the three additional S-shaped boreholes.

As was the case in one of the previous contracts carried out for EuroChem core samples 101 mm in diameter were to be recovered from one of the three holes at a depth of 790 to 848 m.

IDMG once again used its own state-of-the-art equipment for the directional drilling and core drilling operations. The work was carried out to EuroChem's complete satisfaction.

Major fertiliser producers EuroChem decided that if the freeze sinking operation at its mine service shaft was to continue successfully additional freeze holes would be required to stabilise and seal  the geological-hydrological anomaly that had been encountered at a shaft depth of 820 m.

Because of the surface installations that had already been set up close to the mouth of the shaft the seven additional holes were to be drilled with an S-shaped configuration.

Given IDMG's extensive and proven experience with directional boreholes EuroChem commissioned the drilling company to carry out every aspect of the operation, i.e. drilling the deviated holes, planning the borehole path, managing the directional drilling phase, installing the freeze pipes and preparing the area for the subsequent ground freeze.

At EuroChem's request core samples 101 mm in diameter were to be recovered from one of the seven holes at a depth of 790 to 848 m.

IDMG used its own state-of-the-art equipment for the directional drilling and core drilling operations. The work was carried out to EuroChem's complete satisfaction.

The drilling company OOO Thyssen EuroChem Bohren (TEB) has been carrying out exploratory drilling work aimed at surveying the potash deposits in the Saratov district of Russia.

IDMG was commissioned to calculate the course of the borehole deviation and to deliver the associated directional drilling service.

The hole deviation was successfully completed.

The commission, which was based on the borehole drill path previously planned by IDMG, was to drill one additional S-shaped freeze hole and one S-shaped temperature measurement hole at the service shaft being sunk for the fertiliser company EuroChem.

The company contracted to carry out the drilling work (Thyssen Schachtbau) commissioned IDMG with the directional drilling services required to drill both boreholes.

Despite encountering challenging geological conditions and areas of deep-frozen ground IDMG's experienced and highly qualified drilling team was able to remain within the maximum permissible deviation (tolerance radius of 0.6 to 1.2 m) over the entire drill path.

The fertiliser company EuroChem required an additional freeze hole and an additional temperature measurement hole to be drilled in order to be able to continue the freeze sinking work underway to construct a service shaft at its potash mine. Because a number of buildings and other structures were already in place around the mouth of the shaft these new drilling points had to be positioned away from the immediate shaft zone. This meant that a deviated, S-shaped drill path had to be accurately planned so that the boreholes would eventually align with the calculated target area.

The company contracted to undertake the drilling operation (Thyssen Schachtbau) called in IDMG to plan and calculate the proposed drill path.

The drilling work was executed in accordance with the IDMG plan.