Mineral Exploration
Fraste MX mineral exploration drilling rigs for continuous core recovery at depth. The range runs from the MX 140 to the MX 400, each available tracked or truck mounted, configured for exploration programmes on remote and undeveloped sites. Supplied and supported in the UK.
The MX range
Capacity and depth capability step up through the range. Every model is offered in both tracked and truck mounted form, with the T suffix denoting the truck version.
- MX 140 and MX 140 T — the entry point to the range, for shallower exploration and reconnaissance programmes.
- MX 170, MX 170 T and MX 170 PLUS — the widely specified middle of the range, with the PLUS offering extended capability over the standard MX 170.
- MX 250 and MX 250 T — higher capacity for deeper programmes and larger core sizes.
- MX 300 and MX 300 T — for sustained deep drilling on established exploration projects.
- MX 400 and MX 400 T — the largest machines in the range, at the deep end of the exploration envelope.
Core recovery is the product
Exploration drilling is not judged on the hole. The core is the deliverable, and everything downstream — logging, assay, grade estimation, the resource model and ultimately the investment decision — rests on it. Core lost in a run is not simply a missed interval; it puts uncertainty into a dataset that people are making expensive decisions from, and lost recovery inside a mineralised zone can undermine a whole programme.
That is why these machines are configured the way they are: high torque and pull-back for handling long strings, rod handling built for repetition rather than occasional use, and the stability to keep a hole on line over depth. Deviation matters as much as recovery, since a hole that wanders puts the intercept somewhere other than where the model assumes.
Depth is a system, not a number
A model number indicates capacity, not a depth rating. The same rig reaches considerably deeper in a smaller diameter, and formation makes as much difference as either. The useful conversation is about your target depths, the core size the programme requires and the ground you expect — from which we can recommend a machine that covers the programme with margin rather than working at its limit for the whole campaign.
Working remotely
Exploration rarely happens near a depot. Transportability, self-sufficiency and straightforward field maintenance carry real weight, because a machine down on a remote programme costs far more than the repair. It is worth settling spares holdings and support arrangements at the point of purchase rather than after mobilisation — we run UK-based service and support, and stock bits and core lifters for direct reorder.
Related ranges
For water wells, geothermal and general purpose drilling see Conventional Rotary Rigs. For high recovery coring in unconsolidated ground at shallower depths, Sonic Rigs are usually the better tool. For geotechnical rather than exploration work see CPT Rigs and Conventional Foundation Rigs.
Mineral exploration FAQs
What is a mineral exploration rig built for?
Recovering continuous core at depth, reliably and repeatedly, often a long way from anywhere. Exploration drilling is judged on core recovery and metres per shift, and the machines are configured accordingly - high torque and pull-back for handling long strings, robust rod handling, and enough self-sufficiency to keep working on remote sites.
What is the difference between the MX models?
Capacity, and with it depth capability. The range steps from the MX 140 through MX 170, MX 170 PLUS, MX 250 and MX 300 to the MX 400. Each is also offered in a truck mounted T version. Achievable depth depends on hole diameter and the core system you run, so the model number is a guide rather than a depth rating.
What does the T suffix mean?
Truck mounted. Tracked machines reach ground a truck cannot and are the usual choice for remote or undeveloped terrain; truck mounted versions move between locations far faster, which matters when a programme involves many collar positions with reasonable road access.
How deep will these rigs drill?
That depends on the hole diameter, the core system and the formation rather than on the machine alone - the same rig reaches considerably deeper in a smaller diameter. Tell us your target depth, the core size the programme requires and the expected ground, and we will confirm which model covers it with margin rather than at its limit.
Why does core recovery matter so much in exploration?
Because the core is the entire product. Assay results, grade estimation and the resource model all rest on it, and core lost in a run is not just a missed interval - it introduces uncertainty into everything downstream. Poor recovery in a mineralised zone can compromise a whole programme.
Can these rigs work in remote locations?
That is what they are designed for. Exploration programmes rarely happen next to a depot, so self-sufficiency, transportability and straightforward field maintenance matter as much as raw drilling capability. Spares availability is worth discussing at the point of purchase rather than after mobilisation.
Do you supply core tooling and consumables?
Yes. Bits and core lifters are stocked in the UK for direct reorder, and the wider tooling range is quoted on request.
Specifying a rig
Exploration rigs are configured to the campaign and quoted rather than listed. Tell us the target depths, core sizes, expected formations, terrain and how the rig has to be moved, and we will put a specification together. Request a quote or ask about the UK rental fleet.