Reverse Circulation Drilling
Efficient for creating large-diameter boreholes in unconsolidated formations. Provides uncontaminated samples and excellent borehole stability
Deep Wireline Coring
Wireline coring is a specialist drilling technique used to recover continuous core samples from significant depths below ground level.
About
Wireline Coring
It plays a vital role in geotechnical, geological, mineral exploration, environmental and infrastructure projects, allowing engineers and scientists to gain a detailed understanding of the subsurface conditions over extended vertical profiles.
At Igne, we are experts in deep wireline coring, offering precision drilling services across a wide range of sectors.
Our highly experienced teams use advanced rotary coring rigs and bespoke tooling to deliver high-quality, continuous core recovery, even in complex geological formations or technically demanding locations.
Whether your project requires deep coring for mineral exploration, geological modelling, slope stability assessment or foundation design, Igne delivers results you can rely on.
The uses
What Is Deep Wireline Coring Used For?
Deep coring provides continuous, cylindrical samples of the ground from depths that can exceed hundreds of metres. These intact core samples are essential for understanding lithology, stratigraphy, structural geology and hydrogeology. Wireline coring is typically used for:
- Mineral exploration and resource evaluation
- Geotechnical investigation for infrastructure and tunnelling
- Landslide and slope stability assessments
- Contaminated land characterisation
- Foundation and pile design for large structures
- Geological and hydrogeological research
- Carbon capture and storage feasibility
The ability to retrieve complete samples from depth gives clients a more accurate and nuanced view of what lies beneath the surface, improving both design reliability and environmental risk assessment.
The process
How Does the Deep Wireline Coring Process Work?
Wireline coring is most often carried out using rotary coring methods. Igne deploys high-performance rigs capable of operating in a wide range of ground conditions and at considerable depth. Igne match the rigs capabilities including pullback and head speed to the drilling systems to be used and the anticipated geological conditions.
The coring bit, embedded with industrial-grade diamonds, cuts a circular path through the subsurface, allowing the core barrel to collect a column of intact material. Different matrix bits are utilised depending on the geology encountered. The harder the rock, the softer the matrix of the bit that is utilised. This matrix wears down faster, exposing more diamonds to cut the rock.
Depending on the ground conditions and project requirements, we may use double or triple tube core barrels to maximise recovery and preserve sample integrity. Our high pressure pumps, drilling fluids and additives are carefully selected to ensure minimal disturbance and optimal core preservation.
Core samples are then logged, photographed, and securely boxed, ready for laboratory testing, structural analysis or visual inspection by the client or consultants.
The benefits
Advantages of Deep Wireline Coring
The core benefits (pun intended) of deep coring include:
- Continuous sample recovery from significant depths
- High-quality, undisturbed core for laboratory testing and analysis
- Improved geological and geotechnical understanding
- Precise identification of geological boundaries and features
- Accurate input data for design, modelling and risk assessment
By working with Igne, you also benefit from our broader expertise in ground investigation, instrumentation and monitoring, giving you a complete view of the ground conditions and how they may affect your project.
minimising risks
Challenges & Considerations
Deep coring is a technical process that requires specialist equipment, trained operators and meticulous planning. Challenges can include:
- Access to remote or restricted sites
- Difficult or mixed ground conditions
- Groundwater control and drilling fluid management
- Core recovery in fractured or weak strata
- Transport and preservation of long-length core sections
Igne brings the experience and equipment to overcome these challenges efficiently and safely. We tailor every project to the site conditions and client requirements to ensure high recovery rates and minimal disruption.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Deep Wireline Coring
- How deep can Igne core?
We routinely undertake coring to depths exceeding 500 metres and can go deeper depending on the scope, geology and rig access. Each project is assessed individually to ensure the most appropriate drilling approach.
- What size cores are typically recovered?
Common core diameters range from 50mm (NQ size) to over 100mm depending on the tooling and purpose. Larger diameters are often used for geotechnical and structural testing. Wireline systems available and commonly used are Geobor S, PQ, HQ and NQ. Conventional systems are available as required.
- What happens to the core once it is recovered?
Core samples are logged, photographed, and placed in durable, labelled core boxes. They can be transported to our laboratory for further geotechnical, chemical or structural testing, or retained for client inspection.
- Do I need permits to drill deep cores?
Permitting requirements depend on location, land ownership, depth, and whether groundwater or protected geology is involved. Igne can guide you through the permitting process and ensure compliance with all regulatory standards.
- Can deep coring be combined with other investigations?
Yes, core holes can be used for piezometer installation, gas monitoring, packer testing or geophysical logging after core recovery and other in situ testing as required. This integrated approach maximises the value of the borehole.
- Is deep coring noisy or disruptive?
While it involves plant and machinery, Igne uses rigs with small footprints and low-noise engines wherever possible. We manage logistics carefully to minimise disruption, particularly in sensitive or urban environments.
The Experts
Contact Igne today to discuss your deep coring requirements
With decades of experience and a team of highly trained specialists, Igne is the partner of choice for deep coring projects across the UK. From planning to execution and post-coring analysis, we offer a turnkey solution that delivers quality, precision and insight from the ground up.
Discover how we can help you uncover the full story beneath your site.
Artesian Boreholes
Specially designed to access confined aquifers under pressure. Igne offers complete design, drilling and testing services.
Angle Boreholes
Used where vertical access is limited or to intercept specific targets such as old mine workings or structural features. Can be cored or open holed depending on project requirements.
Drilling with Mud
Supports borehole stability and facilitates drilling in soft or variable ground. Suitable for a range of geotechnical and environmental applications.
Large Diameter Boreholes
For water supply, dewatering, geothermal energy or structural support. Igne has the equipment and expertise to drill large diameters efficiently and safely.
Deep Boreholes
Our teams are experienced in drilling to significant depths, whether for monitoring, exploration, energy or environmental purposes.
Acidisation
Used to improve borehole performance by dissolving scale, mineral deposits or blockages within the borehole or surrounding formation to improve the yield.
Hydrofracturing
Enhances borehole yield by opening fractures in the surrounding rock to increase water flow.
Dewatering
Design and installation of boreholes to lower groundwater levels for construction or mining projects.
Monitoring Boreholes
For groundwater sampling, piezometric monitoring or other environmental assessments. Igne handles design, drilling, installation and instrumentation
Vibrating Wire Piezos
Installation of vibrating wire piezos for accurate measurement of pore water pressure and ground movement.
Fibre Optics
Deployment of fibre optic sensors within boreholes for monitoring temperature, strain or acoustic signals.
Seismic Monitoring
Drilling and installation of boreholes to house seismic monitoring equipment, supporting geotechnical and structural assessments.
Deep Wireline Coring
Recovery of continuous core samples from depth for geological, geotechnical or environmental analysis. In Geobor S, PQ, NQ and HQ.
Gas Control
Design and drilling of boreholes for gas extraction, venting or monitoring, often in brownfield or landfill sites.
Deep Soakaways
Installation of deep boreholes for sustainable drainage and infiltration of surface water.
Decommissioning
Safe and compliant sealing and decommissioning of redundant boreholes to prevent environmental risk.
Specialist Plant & In Hole Equipment Hire
Provision of advanced drilling equipment and downhole tools to support client and contractor projects.
Recovery & Fishing Trouble Shooting
Expert services to retrieve lost or stuck equipment from boreholes and troubleshoot downhole challenges.