Volume 22 February 2025 Call JEFF for all your Equipment and Tooling Needs 828-322-3056 more on page 6!
Does your rig need help? We can take care of your new or not so new rig. Remounts • Rebuilds • Overhauls Our distributors are: Drilling Supply & Mfg. 7301 Hwy 183 South Austin TX 78744 Tel: (512) 243-1986 Fax: (512) 243-1091 Check out our website for a list of units for sale. www.dsm-mayhew.com 3 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
Are you Planning to go?.......................................................27 Breaking News......................................................................13 Classifieds: WorldWide Buyers’ Guide™..................51-64 Dealmakers...........................................................................24 Education Connection..........................................................22 Hot Off the Press.....................................................................9 Industry Announcements.....................................................24 Obituary: Albert, Keil............................................................35 Photo Page.......................................................................12,49 Product Spotlight.................................................................38 Who’s in the News................................................................13 WorldWide Association Memberships....................................36 WorldWide .............6 WorldWide Subscription Form.....................................,.........60 Acker Drill Company...........................................................61 Allegheny Instruments........................................................30 Atlantic Screen & Manufacturing, Inc. (ASI)........................29 Baker Water Systems.........................................................41 Best in the West Drill & Blast Conference (ISEE)……...........8 Better Water Industries Inc..................................................32 Bit Brokers International (BBI)............................................31 Bitco, Inc.............................................................................46 Central Mine Equipment Company (CME)..........................19 Cotey Chemical Corp. (CCC)..............................................23 Drill Pipe, Inc.......................................................................42 Drilling Equipment Sales, Inc. (DES).................................1,6 Drilling Supply & Mfg (DSM).................................................3 Eastern Driller Manufacturing Company Inc. (EDM)...........62 ESI Supply..........................................................................14 GET ASSOCIATION HELP™...........................................37 Geoprobe Systems®............................................................64 Geothermal Supply Company, Inc. (GSC)..........................20 Heron Instruments, Inc.......................................................28 Horizon Hoist........................................................................9 Horizon Hoist......................................................................25 Infinity Tool Manufacturing....................................................2 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................22 KS Bit, Inc...........................................................................45 Mills Machine Company, Inc...............................................50 Moab Bit & Tool Co., Inc......................................................48 N&N Drilling Supply.............................................................26 New England Water Well Assn. (NEWWA) Expo................47 PennDrill Mfg......................................................................34 Robit, Plc..............................................................................7 SEMCO, Inc........................................................................63 Shallow Exploration Drillers Clinic (SEDC).........................21 SIMCO® Drilling Equipment...................................................4 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Construction....................................16 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Water Well.......................................17 TDH Manufacturing Inc.......................................................39 Tennessee Water Well Assn. (TWWA) Ann. Mtg & Trade Show...33 Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC)....................15 Well-Vu, Inc.........................................................................13 Advertisers Featured Editorial CONST - Construction ENV - Environmental EXB - Exploration/Blasthole G&O - Shallow Gas and Oil GEOTECH - Geotechnical GEO - Geothermal HDD - Horizontal Directional Drilling MIN - Mining WTR - Water February 2025 - Shallow Gas and Oil CONST ENV EXB G&O GEOTECH GEO HDD MIN WTR Aardvark Packers Acker Drill Company Atlantic Screen & Mfg.,Inc. Bit Brokers International Centerline Mfg. Co. ChemGrout® Drill King International Drill Pipe, Inc. Drilling Equip. Resources Eastern Driller Mfg. (EDM) Eijkelkamp North America Heisey Machine Co. Hole Products Kovai Drilling Applications Merrill Mfg. PennDrill Mfg. Pulstar Mfg. Star Iron Works, Inc. T&T Carbide, Inc. VMAC Western Drilling Tools Connor, Tim: Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men?..8 Revision to PPE Standards for Construction Industry...33 Four Steps to Hiring and Retaining the Best Workers...48 Using Core Samples to Understand the Earth..............14 Battersby, Mark E.: Drilling Into Money Not Boring..22 Using Modern Tools to Locate Undocumented ~ Pt 1....29 Environmental Engineers Making a Difference.............40 Wilson, Jr., Robert Evans: The Un-Comfort Zone II...18 Exploration Efforts to Source Cobalt Continues in Idaho...34 What Causes Flyrock and How to Control it..............46 Energy Production is Growing in New Mexico.............11 Natural Gas ~ Fueling Mankind.................................16 Marcellus Shale Celebrates 20 Years of Success.....38 Airboat Drilling...........................................................15 The Purpose of Geotechnical Investigations.............44 New Technology for Safely Drilling into Magma.........20 Smith, Billy Bob: The “Idiots” Corner.......................27 Rapid Scale-Up of Enhanced Geothermal System...31 Understanding HDD Rig Applications.........................17 Why is HDD Important?..............................................28 Storkson, Britt: It Doesn’t Know...............................32 Examining the Impacts of Vertically Integrated Mining..21 A New Solar Plant to Power Kennecott...........................26 Five States Honored by OSMRE....................................43 E-News Readers’ Choice - Lytton Tribe Invests in......23 Four Ways to Collect Deep Groundwater Samples...35 Tips for Selecting the Proper DTH Hammer ~ Pt 3....42 Rasmussen, Tim: Water for Life International..........47 5 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
WELCOME BACK, STATES! The WorldWide Drilling Resource® Team welcomes back the following State Associations to our Association Membership Page effective with our January 2025 issue: CGA, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Montana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Oregon. If your state is not listed, just ask your Executive Director or a Board Member how to get listed. It’s FREE! Look for it in EVERY issue! Here’s a quick - important question for you. Why do companies give discounts to people / companies who haven’t done business with them, rather than reward those customers who have done business with them for years? I heard that again on a New Year’s Day commercial by Turbo Tax. “Haven’t used Turbo Tax to file taxes last year - or the year before? It’s FREE for you this year.” Please send your answers to: ronnie@worldwidedrillingresource.com Proudly Made in the United States of America - delivered WorldWide! WorldWide Drilling Resource® The complete magazine for the drilling industry worldwide, owned by drilling industry associates dedicated to bringing the most up-to-date technology and information to subscribers. Covering construction, geotechnical, directional, environmental, exploration-blasthole, shallow gas & oil, geothermal, mining, water well, irrigation, wastewater; from bits, to pumps, to rigs, to tanks, through wire, and more. Whatever it takes to get the drilling job done! Managing Publisher/CEO/President: Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones Vice President: Troy Cunningham Office Administrator: Michele Stevens Editor: Bonnie Love Sales Manager: Kevin Kevilly Public Relations Professional/Display: Sheryl Kevilly Public Relations Professional/Classified: Linda Peterson Representative: Marie Cunningham Editorial Assistant: Sophia Henline Editorial Contributors for this month: Mark Battersby Tim Connor Tim Rasmussen “Billy Bob Smith” Britt Storkson Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. Hyd/Eng Consultant: Thomas Kwader, Ph.D.,P.G. Consultant: Mary Ann Pelletier Editorial contributions & advertisements include statements of fact and opinions that are the sole responsibility of the author and/or companies and do not necessarily imply any opinion of the owners, management, or staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource® . Images may have been altered for clarity. Complete advertising information may be found at: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com or by calling 850-547-0102. WorldWide Drilling Resource® makes every effort not to place advertisements for “like” products on the same page in our publication; this may occur however, due to size and space within the publication. We regret any incovenience this may cause our advertisers. WorldWide Drilling Resource® is published monthly by: WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc., a Florida Corporation, independently owned and operated. PO Box 660 (3089 Northride Lane) Bonifay FL 32425-0660. Telephone: 850-547-0102 Fax: 850-547-0329 E-mail: wwdr@worldwidedrillingresource.com Website: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com Copyright 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc. Seen by countless WorldWide. Publication Agreement No. 40892520. Back issues may be requested. Cost per issue $10.00 USD. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the strict written consent of the publishers. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Editorial contributions are welcome subject to editorial review.* WorldWide Drilling Resource® reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. We Recycle 6 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® With Pen - Computer in hand . . . Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones, 850-547-0102 ronnie@worldwidedrillingresource.com Next Up . . . Tennessee Water Well Association and New England Water Well Association ~ See you on the trail . . . ~ Pulstar Pump Hoists UP-Z-DAZY by Funk Mfg. Drilling Equipment Sales ~ Your Connection for: And so Much More! Give us a Call Today - 828-322-3056 REICHdrill Rose-Wall Grouters and Water Trucks Mudslayer Systems
8 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Tuesday, April 22 - Registration and early exhibit set-up (after 10am or before noon on Wednesday). Wednesday, April 23 - Regulatory Session, Crazy Horse Mountain Tour, Paul Muehl Memorial Trap Shoot, Bob Martin Scholarship Golf Scramble, Primer Hour, and Student Reception. Thursday, April 24 - Technical Sessions, Booster Hour, Banquet, Scholarship Presentations, and Live Auction. Friday, April 25 - Technical Sessions. Booths close after 10am coffee break. Conference ends after lunch. Every Day - Exhibitor booths featuring the latest in blasting technology and products, plus lunch, door prizes, and much more! Blaster recertification credit hours available for Wyoming and many other states! 36th Annual Best in the West Drill & Blast Conference April 23-25, 2025 Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center Spearfish, South Dakota Register today at: bitwconference.org/register.html Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men? by Tim Connor Check out your local nursing home and you’ll find the population is 90% women. Why? Generally speaking, women live longer than men. One of the reasons is they share their feelings more often. Men tend to stuff their feelings. This is a good practice to continue if you want an early grave. The problem is, a lot of men interpret this sharing or venting of feelings as complaining or whining. This release of pent-up feelings, needs, desires, frustrations, or stress can often be seen as a cathartic process, or what I like to refer to as self-disclosure. Women have more friends because of it - and they have better relationships with their male friends because of it. So what is self-disclosure? It is the willingness and ability to share your honest feelings, pain, grief, fears, frustrations, and anything that if stuffed or kept inside, will contribute to greater stress and less-than-satisfying relationships with others. Men were raised to be tough, competitive - to win and not show emotions since this is often seen as a weakness. I have never considered sharing your true feelings a weakness, although there have been many times in my life I have resisted for fear of rejection, embarrassment, or to be perceived as week by others. I have learned managed self-disclosure builds bridges in relationships and more satisfying outcomes than sharing too few or too many feelings. Sharing too much of yourself, as in vulnerability, can invite pity, scorn, ridicule, and a variety of other adverse reactions from others. Sharing too little of yourself keeps others in your life at a safe, controllable, yet unhealthy emotional distance. We are all in this life together, doing the best we can, with what we have at any given moment. Why not let more people into your inner circle of shared feelings? You might be surprised at their support, love, and acceptance. There is no sin in crying in public, sharing your innermost fears with those you trust and respect, and hugging those who cross your path. Hugging is actually a good thing for your health. As a matter of fact, I’ll bet you have had too few hugs today - from a spouse, friend, or even a total stranger. No, don’t go getting weird on me! There’s nothing wrong with a consoling embrace when someone you have just met who is in pain or emotional distress. One of my dear friends hugs everyone, all the time. I’m doing my best to emulate this behavior, but many people view this as an invasion of privacy, unsociable, or even rude. On the contrary, I see it as a caring gesture most people appreciate. Yes, you may get some strange looks from some people who just don’t hug. My father was one of those people. After over 50 years of shaking his hand when we would first see each other after many months, I told him no more, that I wasn’t a business partner and we either hugged or did nothing. It took awhile and it tried my patience some, but he did start hugging. In His service, Tim Tim Connor may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com
9 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® TekMark Industries is making an IMPACT TekMark Industries’ IMPACT is a semiautomatic 2G Orbital Welding & Casing Handling System was designed to: a Improve Weld Quality a Eliminate Weld Failures a Raise Productivity a Increase Efficiency a Gain Consistency a Strengthen Safety One casing alignment and carriage guide is needed for each size of casing. Simply select a holder for the largest size of casing and slips for each smaller size of casing. A single size lifter can be converted to any other size with a lifter conversion kit. IMPACT is an attractive option for water well drilling professionals looking to improve their casing installation methods while completing more wells safely, faster, and with better weld quality. Make drill operators and helpers into great welders! For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com WWDR photo of the TekMark Industries Team of Larry, Dewy, and John at the Groundwater Week 2024 event in Las Vegas.
85 sales@aardva “Quality Packers Y Mechanical Inflatable Environmental Geotechnica Packer Parts 55-546-6488 arkpackers com You Can Count On” Wireline Straddle al Mining Grout Packers Custom Design s aardvarkpackers.com sales@aardvarkpackers.com 6707 Netherlands Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 O M 919 694 1114 *2005 512 789 9709 E m.epley@sonicsampdrill.com I www.royaleijkelkamp.com/en-us/ Mike Epley Drilling Sales Manager Association Need Help? 850-547-0102 - Ronnie 10 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
11 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Energy Production is Growing in New Mexico Adapted from Information by Chevron While Texas is often recognized as the energy capitol of the world, it’s important to note other states like New Mexico also contribute significantly to U.S. energy independence. The Permian Basin, which covers part of West Texas and New Mexico, is one of the most productive gas and oil regions, accounting for nearly 15% of its natural gas and 40% of the country’s oil production. “We see great potential there,” said Chevron’s Duncan Healey, the company’s New Mexico asset manager. “Several factors have made it the place to be.” Thanks to its remarkable geology and distinctive rock formations, the Basin in New Mexico is able to produce gas and oil from multiple layers of rock, making it one of the most prolific fields in the world and greatly increasing its natural resource potential. “The rock is thick and deep, which means it is under high pressure and can force the oil and gas out easier,” Healey explained. “At the end of the day, we expect to get more out of the ground than we could in other areas of the Permian.” Chevron’s approach to developing the New Mexico side of the Basin prioritizes safety and environmental considerations, such as utilizing electric compressors instead of natural gas fuel compressors where possible. Additionally, Chevron has implemented measures to reduce the carbon emission intensity associated with its hydraulic fracturing equipment. The company is also leveraging advanced technologies and predictive analytics to enhance well performance and inform exploration decisions, resulting in increased efficiency and production in the Basin. Chevron’s goal is to reach one million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the Basin by 2025, concentrating on the areas with the highest production potential. “It’s about delivering the affordable, reliable, and lower carbon intensity energy the world relies on,” he said. “I feel proud about what we’re doing there and how we’re doing it.” Inspecting instruments at a central gathering facility near Pecos, Texas, in the Permian Basin. G&O
12 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Team of Sophia, WWDR The nity Tool Mfg. James were all Sheryl, Kevin, and Ronnie. p , smiles for Infin Bert, Keith, and Acker Drill Co. the Recon by plenty of bits to ch Bit Brokers Interna Robert and Michael displayed was ready to gre hoose from. ational had The Heron Instru were ready fo ’s Dav eet attendees. uments Team SIMCO’ discussed prody. ool Company or business. ve and Ryan n represented d- Team came from y. Te amazing SEMCO T Always great to Lacey with Palmer Bit Company The Eijkelkamp T Steve and Dave w had a great group eam at work! see this Cotey Chemical were happy This crew stayed Tate and Lennie To Moab Bit & T Vegas. in Las V Corporation Dirk and Justin busy between T to represent Me w. all over the world for the show and Joe manning Terra Sonic Int’l had Drilling Supplies. Marco of N&N T TDH Mfg. and Ho errill Mfg. the booth. y, d Wi with a vast array Hole Products had ill, Casey ucts by Better W orizon Hoist. y of products. Mills Machin Chuck Mills an d a big display Water Industries. discussed prod W - . ne Company h attendees. y was happy nd David from os online! ’ cameras. Allegheny Instruments’ ff and Cotten demonstrated www.wor Franklin, Marisa, Ni Works, Star Iron W This is just a sneak peak ~ visit Jef ick, & Kevin. Drill King Inte Inc. sent rldwidedrillingresource.com y.html for more photo to speak with Well-Vu’s Ray ernational. u’ m/gallery
13 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Keystone Drill Services Invests in Iconic Product Line Keystone Drill Services (KDS) announced it will continue its commitment to the water well industry by investing in Epiroc's Water Well Product Line. The company is gearing up to manufacture the TH60 while providing support for the T2W, T3W, T4W, TH75, and RD20 rigs worldwide. Building on over 100 years of excellence, KDS is proud to bring these iconic drills into a new era of innovation and dependability. The company is dedicated to continuing the legacy, while shaping the future of the water well drilling industry. For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com WHO’S IN THE NEWS Additional announcements from the Deep Foundations Institute and Graycor can be found in our online issue at worldwidedrillingresource.com Avanti VP of Operations Retires After 25 Years After 25 years working at Avanti International, Frank Aguilar, Vice President of Operations, has retired. “On behalf of the team, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible contributions Frank has made during his 25-year career with Avanti . . . While Frank will be missed, we are also thrilled for the adventures that await him and his family in his well-deserved retirement,” said Britt N. Babcock, PE, President of Avanti. Frank and his wife Marla at a celebratory luncheon at Avanti’s headquarters.
14 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Using Core Samples to Understand the Earth Compiled by Sophia Henline, Editorial Assistant, WorldWide Drilling Resource® By extracting a cylindrical core sample through drilling, core sampling allows researchers and professionals in fields like geology, environmental science, and engineering to gain valuable insights into subsurface conditions. This technique provides a vertical column of geological information, enabling the analysis of subsurface layers’ composition and characteristics. Understanding the different types of core samples is vital for effective analysis, as each type serves specific investigative purposes. Upon collection, core samples undergo various laboratory analyses, including physical and chemical assessments, to uncover material properties, mineral composition, and potential contaminants. This critical stage lays the groundwork for subsequent steps, such as data interpretation and visualization, where findings are synthesized and presented in a clear and actionable manner. The analysis of core samples has extensive applications across multiple disciplines, including environmental restoration and natural resource exploration, as well as providing valuable insights that drive critical decisions and strategies to address pressing challenges and understand our planet’s surface. Here are some examples: j Scientists extracting core samples near Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica made a groundbreaking discovery, uncovering evidence of a former rainforest close to the South Pole. The samples revealed a large quanity of plant pollen, spores, and a dense network of roots, confirming the coast of West Antarctica was once warm and ice-free. j Through core sampling, we can identify different minerals and understand their role in shaping the earth’s story. This knowledge helps us grasp geological settings, resource potential, and environmental conditions, ultimately aiding mineral exploration and geological research. j Fossils, the preserved remains of ancient animals and plants in rocks or minerals, provide a unique record of time, while geological formations and their movements offer valuable insights into the earth’s history. For instance, the discovery of fossilized marine life on Mount Everest’s summit suggests the mountain’s surface once lay at the bottom of an ocean. In addition to geological and soil cores, specialized samples like sediment cores from lakes, rivers, and oceans provide valuable records of past climate conditions and ecological changes. Analyzing these cores reveals historical environmental changes, enabling researchers to predict future climate patterns and understand ecosystem dynamics. If you would like a fun activity to do with your kids or grandkids, follow this link: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/resources/project/explore-rocks-using-core-sampling/ to show the kids what it’s like to explore rocks using core sampling. Photos courtesy of the University of Kentucky. ENV
15 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Airboat Drilling Adapted from Information by Amdrill Inc. Airboat drilling is a specialized technique for geotechnical and environmental drilling, offering a solution for inaccessible wetlands, marshes, and swamps. These flat-bottom boats, powered by large propellers, navigate shallow and vegetation-choked waters, allowing for subsurface investigations in sensitive environments. Combining conventional drilling and the airboat’s mobility, the vessel can be utilized as a platform for the drill rig, allowing for transport and operation in difficult-toreach areas while minimizing environmental impact. The boat is outfitted with a lightweight, compact drill rig that can be easily secured to the deck, allowing for various drilling operations such as soil sampling, groundwater monitoring, and environmental assessments. Additional equipment like storage tanks and safety gear are also carried onboard, yet the setup remains maneuverable and efficient. Key applications include: j Wetland Exploration and Environmental Assessments: Wetlands are environmentally fragile areas requiring careful subsurface investigations, particularly for environmental remediation projects. Airboat drilling enables the collection of soil and water samples while monitoring groundwater levels and evaluating contamination without significantly impacting the surrounding ecosystem. j Geotechnical Investigations for Infrastructure Projects: To ensure the durability of bridges, pipelines, and other infrastructures built near wetlands and marshes, technical investigations are essential. Drilling allows engineers to access soil data and its strength, composition, and stability in these waterlogged areas, enabling them to design structures that can withstand unique challenges posed by such environments. j Gas and Oil Exploration: In specific regions, gas and oil reserves may be situated beneath wetlands of shallow coastal areas, making airboat drilling a necessary tool for conducting preliminary explorations and collecting data on subsurface formations. Airboat drilling offers a unique set of advantages for subsurface investigations in challenging environments. Its benefits include access to difficult terrain, minimal environmental impact, and operational efficiency, making it an invaluable tool for geotechnical, environmental, and exploration projects in sensitive areas. However, project managers must consider the limitations of airboat drilling, such as depth restrictions and load capacity when planning a project. GEOTECH
16 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® www.starironworks.com 257 Caroline Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767 800-927-0560 • 814-427-2555 Fax: 814-427-5164 SERVING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Serving the Drilling Industry Natural Gas ~ Fueling Mankind Adapted from Information by the American Petroleum Institute Natural gas is made up of a mixture of four naturally occurring gases - methane, which makes up 70-90% of natural gas, along with ethane, butane, and propane. These gases are a result of compacted heat and pressure from deceased animals buried deep under the planet’s surface for millions of years. Humans have been fascinated with natural gas long before civilization even understood what it was. Long ago, between 6000 and 2000 B.C., natural gas was first discovered when lightning strikes ignited gas seeping from the ground in the Middle East. In 500 B.C., Chinese civilizations were creating pipelines from bamboo shoots to transport the gas, where they would use the gas to boil sea water to separate the salt and create drinking water. In America, it was 1626, when French explorers noticed Native Americans were igniting gases seeping from Lake Erie. More than 100 years later in 1785, Britain became the first country to commercialize the use of natural gas, using it to fuel lighthouses and streetlights. By 1821, the first operation to obtain natural gas in America was conducted in Fredonia, New York, by William Hart, who is known as the “father of natural gas” as he pioneered the first American natural gas company known as the Fredonia Gas Light Company. After World War II, the natural gas pipeline industry boomed. America constructed thousands of miles of pipelines by the 1960s, and continues to this day. Most natural gas in the U.S. is retrieved though a “horse head” pump, which moves up and down to lift a rod in and out of a wellbore, bringing the gas to the surface. Another technique, hydraulic fracturing, creates tiny cracks in the rocks near natural gas reservoirs, which opens a pathway for the gas to flow to the surface. Natural gas deposits in the earth’s surface are usually found near oil deposits. The deeper the deposit, the higher percentage of natural gas. The deepest deposits are pure natural gas. Natural gas is also found in the intestines of animals - including humans - and in low-oxygen areas near the surface of the earth. It is estimated the U.S. has at least a 100-year supply of natural gas. Today, you’ll see natural gas drilling right alongside oil drilling. Once extracted, the gas is combined with a liquid called crude oil where it is converted into everyday energy. With the country’s natural gas production increasing more than 20% in the past few years, the U.S. is now the world’s leading producer of natural gas. The nation’s first gas street lamp, located in Baltimore, Maryland, was lit on February 7, 1817. This landmark was rededicated 200 years later. Photo courtesy of the Historical Marker Database. G&O
17 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® www.starironworks.com 257 Caroline Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767 800-927-0560 • 814-427-2555 Fax: 814-427-5164 SERVING THE WATER WELL INDUSTRY Serving the Drilling Industry Understanding HDD Rig Applications Adapted from Information by Patriot Utility Services Working with underground utilities often requires the use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD), which is a method for installing pipes, conduit, and cables beneath the surface without the need for traditional trenching. HDD rigs, which are available in various sizes for different applications and bore lengths, make this possible. When it comes to your project’s success, choosing the appropriate HDD rig is essential. Bore length, soil conditions, pipe diameter, and overall project complexity must be taken into account. When it comes to tight spaces and short distance installations, mini rigs are the best choice. They are the smallest and lightest, making them perfect for residential and urban areas. Their compact design and maneuverability makes them ideal for navigating obstacles and installing smaller diameter pipes, fiber-optic cables, and utility lines. Midi rigs combine the best of both worlds, offering a balance between compactness and power, making them versatile and capable of handling a wide range of projects. Excelling at installing medium-diameter pipes, electrical conduits, and gas lines in any setting, its typical bore length is 500-1500 feet. When it comes to long-distance bores, maxi rigs are the ultimate solution with a range of 1500 feet to several miles. With their immense pulling power and torque, they can handle challenging soil conditions, as well as install large-diameter pipelines, river crossings, and utility lines under highways and waterways. HDD technology has evolved beyond simple linear drilling. Now, with directional control and advanced steering tools, contractors can create curved boreholes and avoid obstacles while maintaining precision and control, ensuring the utmost efficiency in underground utility installation. While HDD technology is impressive, it’s the people behind the machines who make the real difference. These drilling professionals undergo specialized training to master drilling, steering, and installation techniques, and they understand the importance of site conditions, as well as equipment operations to complete projects on time and within budget. Photo courtesy of Numa Hammers. HDD
18 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The Un-Comfort Zone II by Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. Stepping into Courage can Liberate You from Many Fears In this space, I have encouraged people to be more bold, advised people to stand up for themselves (especially with bullies), and suggested that people take risks, but recently I’ve come to realize these are actually all about courage. Courage is about stepping out of your comfort zone; it means confronting your fears and anxieties while resisting the urge to run away. The good news is, discovering the autonomy of courage is liberating, it’s empowering, and it creates opportunities. I’ve had to discover the power of courage separately and at different times for each of the various areas of my life. Courage has not come to me all at once. It has been incremental. When I was in primary school, I was bullied by the older kids. When I got to fifth grade, I started getting bullied by my own classmates - kids my age. It made me angry enough to find the courage to fight back. I had several fights, but by the end of the year, word had gotten around I was no longer a pushover and the bullying stopped. Sixth and seventh grades were peaceful. Then when I started high school, a boy two years older and much bigger than me bullied me every day in the gym locker room as we got dressed for physical education class. He punched me in the arm, slammed my locker shut (relocking it), pushed me off the bench where I was sitting, and then threatened to beat me up if I tried to get dressed before he was finished. I tried avoiding him, but it didn’t work. I was afraid, but the situation was intolerable. I knew I was going to have to fight him, and get hurt. I also knew if I got caught, I would get suspended from school, which would get me in trouble with my father. My first step of courage was to tell Dad and ask his permission to get suspended. He fully understood and gave me the green light. I was scared, but I visualized exactly what I would do. The next day when the bully hit me and pushed me off the bench, I jumped up and started punching him with my fists as rapidly as possible. I was shocked; it didn’t faze him. He picked me up like a TV wrestler and threw me against the lockers, then laughed. My back hit with a loud thud and I fell to the floor, but I jumped back up and resumed punching him. Again he picked me up and threw me into the lockers, and again I jumped up and continued hitting him. At that point, we were surrounded by dozens of kids yelling, “Fight, fight, fight!” All the yelling alerted the coaches who came rushing into the room, demanding, “Who’s fighting?” Before they could identify the bully and me as the fighters, we quickly sat down and returned to getting dressed. No one ratted us out. The bully never bothered me again. In fact, no one ever did. It was liberating; I was 13 years old and able to walk the halls of a five-year high school without fear. Unfortunately, that was just one instance. I’d like to tell you that lesson translated into every area of my life, but it didn’t. Looking back at the mental hurdles I’ve had to overcome makes those days of physical fighting seem simple. The biggest challenge to come was being true to myself and living authentically. Perhaps the hardest for me was developing the ability to set boundaries. I was afraid if I set boundaries, I would lose the relationship. I needed to set boundaries with friends, family, and especially in my love relationships. When I finally started doing it, the results were amazing. For example, I would say assertively, “I don’t like it when you speak to me that way.” Sur- prisingly, my friends didn’t abandon me; even better, they respected my wishes. It was truly empowering. I kept doing it more and more, and before long I rarely felt stress in my relationships. I was able to be myself and not fear rejection. My default mode is to stay home and curl up with a good book. I’m an introvert, although no one believes it (probably because I make my living as a public speaker - which is considered by many to be scarier than dying). I have to push myself to attend social gatherings. However, when I feel reluctant to attend an event, I recite this mantra: “Good things happen when I leave the house.” And they usually do. Courage creates possibilities. When I go out, I meet interesting people and discover new options, prospects, and choices. It was through volunteering that I recognized I could become a professional speaker. By going to networking events, I have gotten valuable speaking gigs. I, like many people, find the pressure to conform to social norms extremely difficult to resist. Finding the courage to do so is a big step in living with authenticity. During the COVID years, the social pressure to conform reached new highs with demands to shelter in place, wear surgical face masks, and stand six feet apart in public despite the lack of scientific evidence to support such actions. Those who didn’t comply were treated as pariahs. As a critical thinker who didn’t buy the hype, I did my own research to learn the truth. It irritated me how much propaganda and fake news was being thrown at the public. The strength of fake news reminded me of the Solomon Asch Conformity Line Experiment Study from 1951. It examined how social pressure from a majority group could influence an individual to conform. In brief, the experiment asked a group of participants to match the length of lines on posters in 18 trials. The correct answer was designed to be obvious, yet out of five participants, only one was a true subject. The subject was told it was a vision test. Meanwhile, the rest were associates of Asch, who were instructed to give an incorrect answer in 12 of the trials. Remarkably, one-third of the subjects conformed to the majority answer each time; and a whopping 75% of the subjects conformed at least once. Only 25% never conformed. It is astonishingly liberating when you develop the courage to question authority and begin thinking critically. Thinking for yourself is a major component in living authentically. The more often you step into courage, the more resilient you’ll become to the fears that cause you to resist change or taking chances. I can’t recommend it highly enough! Robert Robert is an innovation/change speaker, author, and consultant. He works with companies that want to be more competitive through innovation and with people who want to think more creatively. Contact him via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com “You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind, next to honor. ~Aristotle
19 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
20 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® New Technology for Safely Drilling into Magma Reservoirs Adapted from Information by PR Newswire Magma Power LLC proudly announced the issuance of a groundbreaking patent for an advanced method designed to detect and drill through the challenging transition zone between solid rock and underground magma reservoirs. This cutting-edge technology marks a significant leap forward in the field of geothermal drilling, offering a safer, more efficient approach to accessing the earth's geothermal energy resources. The patented method addresses a critical challenge in geothermal energy exploration - accurately identifying when a drill bit transitions from solid rock into the zone where rock begins to melt and merge with magma. Magma Power's innovative approach begins with drilling a borehole in standard mode, typically used for solid rock, while the system continuously monitors drilling and borehole characteristics to determine when the drill bit enters the transition zone. The method involves monitoring the torque and weight on the bit along with pump pressure. A significant increase in torque, a decrease in weight, and significant pressure change beyond a threshold value indicates the drill bit has likely entered the transition zone, allowing the system to adjust accordingly. The system measures both the temperature of fluid entering the borehole and the fluid returning from it. Significant changes in these temperatures, particularly an increase in downhole temperature, can also indicate entry into the transition zone. When operating in the transition zone mode, the system can introduce thermally resistant drilling fluids to withstand the extreme temperatures encountered in partially molten rock. It also includes monitoring the amount of gaseous species along with measuring chemical and physical properties of the fluid returned from the borehole. Variations in these properties can help determine when the drill bit is in the transition zone. Monitoring vibrational or acoustic data associated with the borehole, provides additional insight into the drill bit's location relative to the magma reservoir. It adjusts the drilling rate when entering the transition zone, slowing down to safely and effectively navigate the challenging environment. The company is committed to advancing geothermal energy solutions and is actively seeking industry partners to bring this innovative drilling technology to the market. This patent represents a critical step forward in making geothermal energy a more viable and sustainable resource for the future. KC Conner, Founder of Magma Power LLC, emphasized the broader impact of the patent: “This patent encompasses a comprehensive approach to drilling in some of the most challenging conditions on earth. By integrating real-time monitoring, adaptive drilling techniques, and specialized fluids, we've developed a system that not only advances geothermal energy extraction but also sets a new standard for safety and efficiency in the industry. This technology is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our vision for a sustainable energy future.” Photo courtesy of Magma Power. GEO For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com All New! Atlantis-Pro Vault • Traffic-Rated Capable • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation
21 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Examining the Impacts of Vertically Integrated Mining Operations Adapted from Information by the Colorado School of Mines According to the Department of Energy’s Critical Minerals Program, the demand for critical minerals is expected to skyrocket in coming years. Current U.S. production of these minerals lags behind China, which produces nearly 60% of the world’s critical minerals. It seems clear, if the U.S. wants to remain competitive in the clean energy market, increasing domestic production of these minerals will be crucial, which means the country needs more mines. “We know we need these minerals for the energy transition and to address climate change,” said Nicole Smith, a Cultural Anthropologist and Associate Professor of Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM). “The question is, can we produce these minerals in a way that ensures environmental and social injustices are not repeated or new ones aren’t created?” Smith is focusing on this question as part of a new three-year research project through CSM in collaboration with Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. As lead investigator, Smith will be joined by Associate Professor Elizabeth Holley and Research Assistant Professor Aaron Malone, both in Mining Engineering, as well as Jihye Kim, Assistant Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at CSM. The project is supported by a $750,000 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. To reduce supply chain risks while maintaining efficiency, mining companies in the U.S. are taking a closer look at vertically integrated operations - combining the mining and refining processes. Smith and her team will investigate the social and technical factors related to the development of these operations and how they impact local communities and Indigenous populations. Research will look specifically at projects for nickel and cobalt refining. These minerals are often mined together and play a critical role in clean energy technologies, like lithium-ion batteries. According to the Payne Institute for Public Policy’s 2024 State of Critical Minerals Report, demand for nickel and cobalt is expected to double over current demand. Collaborators from Fort Lewis include Michelle Larkins, Assistant Professor of Environment and Sustainability; Kathleen Hilimire, Associate Professor of Environment and Sustainability; and Carma Claw, Assistant Professor of Management. Fort Lewis is a Native American-serving nontribal institution. Faculty from Fort Lewis will be particularly important to gain a better understanding of environmental justice and how the mining and refining operations may impact Indigenous stakeholders. “Are these projects incorporating the concerns of Indigenous and other communities? Are decisions about these projects being made in collaboration with tribal and local government officials, and to what extent?” Smith asked. “Historically, production on or near tribal lands has not taken those populations into consideration. That’s where some of the tension lies that we’re trying to understand.” The project is underway, with the research team conducting site visits in multiple states. The project is expected to produce several academic papers, a database of the mining and refining facilities studied, as well as presentations for conferences and government officials. In the project’s final year, Fort Lewis College will hold a symposium on Indigenous communities and the energy transition. MIN 58th Annual Shallow Exploration Drillers Clinic April 8 - 10, 2025 Sioux Falls, South Dakota Registration Details Coming Soon! Trade Show Exhibits Networking Opportunities Educational Seminars HEADS UP! Space Reservation for APRIL issue is HERE - February 25th, 2025. CONSTRUCTION is the focus!
22 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Drilling Into Money Not Boring by Mark E. Battersby Finding the Right Tax Pro When a drilling operation or business has outgrown tax preparation software or feels it would be better served by another tax return professional, the question is: How do you find a good - and affordable - tax professional? Among the various types of tax professionals are accountants, certified public accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), attorneys, and others without a professional credential. EAs, CPAs, and attorneys can represent the business in the front of the Internal Revenue Service on audits, payments, collection issues, and appeals - should it come to that. In many cases, the tax professional hired should be able to do more for the drilling operation than preparing its tax returns. The professional should work throughout the year tracking income and spending to ensure the operation doesn’t have a cash flow problem. Asking someone within the industry who they recommend can be helpful for finding a tax professional well-versed in the particular needs of the drilling operation. While this method is more time-consuming than a web search, it can help ensure finding a professional who is able to expertly handle the operation’s tax returns. Every drilling contractor should seek a tax professional of a like temperament, knowledgeable about their industry, and experienced enough to utilize every legitimate deduction and credit available. A lot can be learned from an interview, but tax time is busy, so long conversations may be rare. The interview should answer questions such as: • Is the tax professional’s style compatible? • How and what will be charged for the services needed? • Can the professional work with the operation’s recordkeeping, bookkeeping, or Point-Of-Sale (POS) system? • Is the tax professional available for questions or assistance other than during the tax season? • Does the professional prepare all returns, or are they delegated to staff - and how will that affect the fees charged? Always check a tax professional’s credentials. For those without professional help, or those seeking to change tax professionals, finding a professional should be more than a search for the least expensive or most convenient. Although money should never be the sole criteria for selecting a tax professional, remember it is not “tacky” to discuss fees before engaging their services. Bottom line, it should be kept in mind that regardless of the source of any advice or who prepares the drilling operation’s tax returns, it is the operation’s owner who is responsible for everything on that return. Mark Mark E. Battersby may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com Foundations by: Pile Driving Contractors Association & Pile Dynamics, Inc. Deep Foundations Dynamic Testing & Analysis Seminar/Workshop March 10-12 ~ Orlando, FL phone: 904-215-4771 www.piledrivers.org Gas & Oil by: EUCI Pipeline Safety Regulations March 4 ~ ONLINE Introduction to the Natural Gas Industry, Infrastructure and Regulations March 17 ~ ONLINE phone: 303-770-8800 www.euci.com Groundwater / Water Well by: Idaho Ground Water Association Virtual Workshop March 7 ~ ONLINE phone: 208-888-0988 www.igwa.info/event/igwa-virtualworkshop/ Irrigation by: Rain Bird Academy Training March 3-7 ~ Sacramento, CA March 3-7 ~ Detroit, MI March 10-14 ~ St. Louis, MO March 10-14 ~ Salt Lake City, UT March 17-21 ~ Portland, OR March 17-21 ~ Charleston, SC March 24-28 ~ Indianapolis, IN March 24-28 ~ Seattle, WA March 31- April 4 ~ Denver, CO March 31-April 4 ~ Columbus, OH phone: 800-498-1942 E-mail: training@rainbird.com Water & Wastewater by: EUCI Solar Applications for Water & Wastewater Facilities March 4 ~ ONLINE phone: 303-770-8800 www.euci.com More education opportunities during events can be found by clicking here online at: worldwidedrillingresource.com Education Connection
23 FEBRUARY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Lytton Tribe Invests in Groundwater Banking Project Adapted from Information by Cadiz, Inc. Cadiz, Inc. and the Lytton Rancheria of California, recently signed a Letter of Intent for the Lytton Tribe to invest up to $50 million in the company’s groundwater banking project in the Mojave Desert. The Mojave Groundwater Bank is a clean water infrastructure project being developed by Cadiz in California’s Mojave Desert. It is located at the base of a 2000-square-mile watershed system fed by the rain and snow in the high desert New York and Providence mountains. The underground reservoir holds an estimated 30-40 million acre-feet of water in storage today, which is more than what is presently stored in Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the two largest surface reservoirs in the United States, combined. Lytton’s investment would be the first major investment by a Native American Tribe in large-scale water infrastructure off tribal lands in U.S. history. With 2.5 million acre-feet of new water supply and an estimated 30 million acre-feet of water in storage today, the Mojave Groundwater Bank will be the largest new groundwater bank in the Southwest. This partnership signifies a landmark collaboration in water resource management, with Tribes holding a majority ownership stake in the Mojave Groundwater Bank. This ownership structure empowers Indigenous communities to play a leading role in decision-making and investment in water projects. Lytton Tribal Chairperson Andy Mejia said, “As a Tribal Government, we take our responsibility to be good stewards of the land and the environment seriously. Working with other Tribal Governments, Cadiz, and other responsible environmental investors to develop a sustainable, responsibly managed water source in these shifting times is something we want to be involved in. With Tribal involvement in the direction and operation of this project, we can ensure that all people have a chance to benefit from this critical water resource.” Cadiz CEO and Chairperson of the Board Susan Kennedy also stated, “We are proud and honored to create this groundbreaking partnership with Lytton to develop this important project for the benefit of underserved and indigenous communities. Access to clean water will be the single greatest challenge many communities in California and the Southwest face in the coming decades. We are grateful for the chance to be part of the solution.” The project includes capturing and conserving groundwater before it reaches the surface and is lost to evaporation. Once operational, the conserved water supplies will be moved through roughly 300 miles of pipelines intersecting California’s water transportation network. It is expected to provide the underserved, disadvantaged, and tribal communities in the Mojave River Basin, the Colorado River Basin, and California’s Inland Empire with a new clean water source. Construction should begin in 2025 with initial water delivery targeted for as early as 2026. Editor’s Note: In between our print issues, the WWDR Team prepares an electronic newsletter called E-News Flash by WorldWide by WorldWide Drilling Resource®. This newsletter is filled with articles not included in our print issue. Based on readership, this was the most popular article of the month. Get in on the action and subscribe today at: worldwidedrillingresource.com Water flowing through the aquifer has supported sustainable agriculture operations at Cadiz Ranch for 40 years. WTR
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