DRILLING FOR GROWTH
WANGARA
WEBDRILL MINING
2 | APAC Outlook Issue 82
DRILLING FOR GROWTH As demand for underground diamond drilling continues to rise, Webdrill is strengthening its operations, investing in its people, and expanding its global ambitions. We speak with Jared Webb, CEO, who outlines how the company continues to create long-term value for its clients Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
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WEBDRILL MINING
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ne of the most significant mining jurisdictions globally, Western Australia (WA) continues to be the engine room of Australia’s resources sector. “Over the course of my career, I’ve seen the industry evolve through multiple commodity cycles, periods of rapid expansion, and times of market uncertainty,” opens Jared Webb, CEO of Webdrill – a leading Australian contractor providing underground diamond drilling services. Whilst there has been a slowdown across parts of the industry in recent years, the sector has shown remarkable resilience. Today, the company is seeing renewed confidence driven by strong gold prices, along with continued diamond investment and increased demand for more rigs across the board. “It’s a common theme across all clients – drill it out as fast as you can. Exploration activity has remained strong, and many operators are investing in smart resource development and drill drives to speed up the efficiency of drilling and reduce underground mining interactions or frustrations,” he insights. Like many mining contractors, however, labour and cost pressures have presented Webdrill with challenges. Proactively, it views many of these hurdles as opportunities for the business to focus on culture, efficiency, and building strong client relationships. “Organisations such as ours – who can consistently deliver value, maintain high safety standards, and adapt to changing market conditions – are well-positioned for future growth,” Webb outlines. Indeed, the company has never been stronger, with demand for its services remaining high as it continues to partner with clients whose values align closely with its own. “We are easy to work with – we get 4 | APAC Outlook Issue 82
this comment a lot from our clients,” he tells us. As it continues on this upward trajectory, one of Webdrill’s greatest opportunities is its ongoing international expansion. The company is increasingly focusing on opportunities on the global stage and, whilst Australia remains its foundation, is open to supporting clients across multiple jurisdictions as it scales the business over the next 25 years.
CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO Webdrill was founded on a simple principle – to deliver high-quality drilling services with transparency, integrity, and a genuine commitment to its clients’ success.
Having emerged from a vision to challenge the status quo, today it specialises in underground diamond drilling, providing high-quality core samples that assist clients in resource definition, exploration, and mine development. “Put simply, we focus on accurate results,” Webb asserts. What differentiates Webdrill is its method – the company believes in operating ethically, communicating openly, and building meaningful relationships with its customers. “For our clients, there are no hidden costs, surprises, or shortcuts. We focus on delivering core samples safely and to the highest possible standard,” he points out. With the company’s recent quarterly update revealing its
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR WEBDRILL TO HAVE A PRESENCE AT INDUSTRY EVENTS. HOW DOES THIS KIND OF EXPOSURE AND KNOWLEDGE-SHARING BENEFIT THE BUSINESS? Jared Webb, CEO: “For Webdrill, industry events such as the recent Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum, RIU Conferences, and other events play an important role in maintaining and strengthening relationships across the business. “Whilst these conferences provide valuable opportunities for mining companies to share their story, they also allow us to find everyone in one room, so to speak. “They enable us to connect directly with clients, industry partners, suppliers, and peers whilst staying informed about emerging trends and future opportunities. “Events like these bring together the entire mining industry. From formal presentations and exhibitors at the booth to informal conversations away from the conference, they create opportunities to explore new partnerships. “For Webdrill, participating in these forums demonstrates our commitment to the industry and ensures we remain closely connected to the people and organisations helping shape its future.”
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WEBDRILL MINING
strongest financial year on record, Webb reflects on the hard work that has enabled Webdrill to achieve such success. “This milestone is the result of several years of strategic planning, disciplined growth, and investment in our people and rig-build capabilities,” Webb prides. “We’ve continued to expand our client base and increase the number of active drilling rigs operating across our projects.” At the same time, Webdrill has invested heavily in new technologies and innovations to redesign and build its own drill rigs in-house. “It’s been a journey, to say the least!” he exclaims. Bringing this capability under Webdrill has significantly improved its operations, reduced reliance on external suppliers, and enabled it to
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“ O R G A N I S AT I O N S S U C H A S O U R S – W H O C A N C O N S I S T E N T LY D E L I V E R VA L U E , M A I N TA I N H I G H S A F E T Y S TA N D A R D S , A N D A D A P T T O CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS – ARE WELL-POSITIONED FOR FUTURE GROWTH” – JARED WEBB, CEO, WEBDRILL
better manage costs. Having complete control over the design and manufacturing process also provides greater certainty around maintenance, parts management, and equipment performance. Importantly, it has also allowed the company to continuously refine and improve its rigs based on operational feedback from its teams in the field and create equipment specifically tailored to the challenges and harsh
requirements of underground diamond drilling. “The result is a fleet of highly capable rigs that deliver outstanding results whilst supporting operational efficiency across the business,” Webb states. “Combined with strong client demand and an elite reputation, these initiatives have helped position Webdrill for sustained, long-term growth potential,” he adds.
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CURATING A SAFETY ENVIRONMENT As safety is a top priority for Webdrill, it operates on the ethos that each individual involved in underground mining deserves to return home safely at the end of every shift. Indeed, the company is dedicated to curating a safety environment built on more than mere policy and procedure, but on a genuine commitment to the physical and mental well-being of each member 8 | APAC Outlook Issue 82
of staff. “At Webdrill, safety is embedded into every aspect of our operations. We maintain strict safety systems, invest in quality equipment and personal protective gear, and continually review our processes to identify opportunities for improvement,” Webb says. Importantly, it also takes a proactive approach to injury prevention by being realistic about the nature of its business.
“We understand underground drilling can be physically demanding and repetitive, and conditioning the role is a timely process,” he insights. As such, ensuring its people are well prepared and properly supported helps Webdrill to reduce risk whilst improving performance. “Looking out for people is not simply a responsibility. It is fundamental to the success of our business because people are our assets,” Webb outlines.
WEBDRILL MINING
“FOR OUR CLIENTS, THERE ARE NO HIDDEN CO STS , S U R P R I S E S , O R S H O R TC U TS . W E FOCUS ON DELIVERING CORE SAMPLES S A F E LY A N D T O T H E H I G H E S T P O S S I B L E S TA N D A R D ” – JARED WEBB, CEO, WEBDRILL
environmental impact. This includes adopting more sustainable products and practices wherever possible, such as environmentally responsible drilling fluids from Mudex.
SETTING THE BENCHMARK
Indeed, when it comes to sustainability, Webdrill believes its responsibilities extend far beyond the environment. “For us, sustainability encompasses how we operate, treat our people, and the impact we have on the communities and industries we work in,” Webb emphasises. From an operational perspective, the company actively works with suppliers and partners who share its commitment to reducing
When it comes to company culture, Webdrill has built a real sense of equality and autonomy across the organisation, where people are the foundation of success and everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. “People are never just numbers – every individual has a voice, role to play, and opportunity to make a meaningful impact. “We have created a culture built on teamwork, accountability, and mutual respect – something that consistently stands out to those who join our organisation, and it’s a key reason we continue to attract and retain great people,” Webb reflects. Looking ahead, the future is bright for Webdrill, whose immediate focus is on supporting existing client rig demand whilst continuing to scale the business responsibly. “Over the coming financial year, we expect to build approximately 10 additional rigs to support current contracts and future growth opportunities,” he adds. This expansion represents a significant investment in the company’s people, workshops, maintenance teams, and operational infrastructure. At the same time, it will continue focusing on safety, operational
excellence, and developing talent. Elsewhere, international growth options remain a key strategic focus for Webdrill, alongside strengthening relationships with existing clients and pursuing opportunities with new partners who align with its values. “Ultimately, our goal is simple – to continue setting the benchmark for underground diamond drilling whilst creating long-term value for our clients and opportunities for our people,” Webb passionately concludes.
Tel: Australia: +61 8 9349 2296 US: +1 907 302 2931
webdrill.com.au
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AUS: +61 8 9349 2296 USA +1 907 302 2931 webdrill.com.au
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