Conquering Complex Geology: Drilling 1,320 Meters Deep to Uncover Treasure—A Listed Company Achieves Unprecedented Milestone in Quang Ninh

On February 16, 2023, TKV Mineral Geological Joint Stock Company successfully completed the MK1227 borehole, reaching a depth of 1,320 meters. This achievement marks the deepest coal mineral exploration in Vietnam to date.

The MK1227 borehole, executed by Drilling Team 12 of the Geological Mining Company, is part of the Mao Khe coal mine exploration project. The project was granted Exploration License No. 153/GP-BTNMT by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on August 24, 2020.

The project aims to explore 25 coal seams from seam 1D to seam 12, within the elevation range from the outcrop to -1,000 meters. Its objectives include upgrading the reserve classification to 87% for the -150m to -400m layer and 86% for the -400m to -600m layer. The project also includes several boreholes deeper than -1,000 meters to delineate coal-bearing formations and assess resource potential below -600 meters to the coal seam base.

The MK1227 site is situated in the steep, mountainous area of Trang Luong Commune, Dong Trieu Town, Quang Ninh Province. The geological conditions are highly complex, with the site located far from residential areas and water sources. Drilling in this water-pressured zone, characterized by thick conglomerate layers with high porosity, frequently results in complete washout, water infiltration, and eruptions. The shale layers, with thin bedding and numerous local slip surfaces, exhibit poor cohesion, leading to swelling, sticking, and severe borehole collapse.

Access to the site is extremely challenging, with many steep, slippery sections and sharp turns, making travel and material transport arduous for workers.

According to industry experts, drilling boreholes deeper than 1,000 meters in the Quang Ninh coal basin is associated with significant risks and a high likelihood of incidents. Historically, many deep drilling projects have encountered accidents, requiring substantial time, manpower, resources, and complex rescue operations.

The borehole was designed to reach 1,220 meters but was extended to 1,320 meters to achieve the following objectives: studying stratigraphy and tectonics, determining the thickness of main coal seams (V.12 to V.6T), collecting coal, gas, small bulk, coal ash chemical, and rock mechanical samples, conducting hydrogeological and engineering geological monitoring, performing geophysical logging, repeat checks, and ultrasonic measurements to accurately determine the dip and strike of rock layers. The technical requirements included a 70% rock sample ratio, 75% coal sample ratio, and a bottom deviation limit of ≤180.

Given the complex drilling conditions, the Geological Mining Company focused on three key areas: manpower, equipment, and technology. They invested in new equipment, including the HXY-5A drilling rig, pipes, pumps, and mixing stations, ensuring synchronization and backup availability. A highly skilled workforce with extensive deep drilling experience was deployed, working in three continuous shifts on-site. Skilled supervisors implemented synchronized preventive and emergency measures, strictly adhering to technical procedures and regulations.

After over five months of drilling, the MK1227 borehole was completed at 1,320 meters, meeting safety, productivity, and quality goals. The project successfully achieved its technical objectives, particularly confirming the presence of coal seams and significant resource potential below -600 meters in the northern wing of the Mao Khe coal mine.

TKV Mineral Geological Joint Stock Company, trading under the stock code MGC on the UpCOM exchange, originated from Drilling Team IX Hon Gai, established on September 1, 1958, under Decision No. 223/ĐC by the Department of Geology, Ministry of Industry.

Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group holds 9,351,800 shares, representing 86.59% of the company’s total voting shares.

The company’s primary activities include basic geological surveys, mineral exploration for coal and other minerals, topographic surveying for open-pit and underground mines, geophysical logging, construction material production, and other geological services. It also provides catering and concentrated rehabilitation services, including hot mineral baths and massage. The company operates primarily in Quang Ninh Province.

As of December 31, 2024, the company employs 628 staff members.

In 2024, MGC completed 44,155 meters of exploration drilling, achieving 83.9% of the plan. Topographic surveying was a highlight, covering 17,798.4 hectares, exceeding the annual plan by 11.9%.

Financially, the company reported net revenue of over 327 billion VND, a 6% decrease from 2023, and a post-tax profit of over 3 billion VND, down 46% year-on-year.