Borehole

A narrow cylindrical hole drilled into rock, soil, or other material for geological investigation, resource exploration, groundwater assessment, geotechnical analysis, or production purposes. Boreholes are the primary data collection tool in mineral exploration, providing core or chip samples for geological and geochemical analysis. In iron ore, gold, bauxite, and diamond exploration, borehole drilling programs systematically investigate the subsurface to define resource extent, grade distribution, and geological structure. Borehole data underpins all resource estimation and mine planning activities.