News

Unlocking new water sources and offering insights.

Ollie from our Wellington team and Auckland graduate Kate recently completed wireline logging of two closely spaced, 400+ m deep water wells in New Zealand.

The goal was to identify and correlate fracture zones to allow the wells to be redeveloped more efficiently.

Together, these tools provided a high-resolution understanding of the subsurface conditions:

/ Optical Televiewer – Provided orientated imagery of the open hole sections of the hole. This allowed the wireline engineers to assess fracture orientation of potential aquifers and assess lithological changes.

/ Mechanical Calliper – this provided data on the size of the borehole and gave vital information on whether the fractures were open or not.

/ Fluid temperature and conductivity – this provided information on potential inflow of water into the well from source aquifers. Different bodies of water may have different temperatures and conductivities (linked to salinity).

/ Natural Gamma – clay rich rocks typically have a higher natural gamma signature than other lithologies. This data can help to distinguish between different geology types and allow the hydrogeologist to make high level assessments about the porosity of the rocks.

Despite challenges with site access and working at the limits of the onsite cable length, both wells were logged within two days. One bore reached 421 metres, making it the deepest borehole RDCL has logged using this method in the North Island to date.

These projects highlight the value of combining the right tools, experience, and teamwork – turning complex subsurface conditions into decision-ready data for hydrogeological assessments.

We’re proud of our team for continuing to rise to the challenge of delivering critical insights for our project partners, and the future of our land and water.

#waterinfrastructure #groundwater #WirelineLogging #RDCL #geophysics #hydrogeology … See MoreSee Less

Stress testing, 545m deep.

RDCL is currently delivering hydraulic fracturing testing at 545 metres in Rizal Province, supporting the development of one of the Philippines’ largest pump storage energy facilities.

This is specialist work – technically demanding, logistically complex, and critical to long-term performance. Hydrofrac testing allows engineers to assess in-situ stress conditions at depth, providing essential inputs for the design of underground excavations, tunnels, and long-life infrastructure.

Our Philippines team pioneered this capability locally. Today, RDCL remains the only firm delivering this method in-country; a reflection of our investment in people, training and tools, and in delivering knowledge that supports safe development in difficult ground.

The work is underpinned by the IPI STX-60 system, a second-generation wireline hydraulic packer that enables multiple test stages in a single borehole run. Combined with optical and acoustic televiewer logging, this approach delivers a high-resolution picture of stress, structure, and rock behaviour, from surface to depth.

RDCL’s experience in hydrofrac testing is built over years of technical delivery across the Philippines and Aotearoa. For planners operating in challenging terrain, where legacy risk and stakeholder confidence must be managed in parallel, this level of insight becomes indispensable.

We bring more than data – we bring clarity, confidence, and locally grounded decision support.

Learn more about RDCL’s stress testing, televiewer logging, and advanced investigation tools at rdcl.co.nz.

#GeotechnicalEngineering #Hydrofrac #StressTesting #MinePlanning #PumpStorage #RDCLPhilippines #SubsurfaceData #GeotechAsiaPacific … See MoreSee Less

On Thursday we gathered with clients and partners to celebrate the year that’s been for our Hawke’s Bay team – a year that’s tested us, stretched us.

It was great to acknowledge the commitment and collaboration that underpins the relationships we have with our clients and partners. These partnerships are at the heart of everything we do.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us – and to our team who continue to show up every day with passion and dedication.

Here’s to 2026 – to stronger partnerships, smarter growth, and a shared commitment to caring for both people and the land we work upon.

TW Construction Company Strata Group Consulting Engineers Ltd G.J. Gardner Homes NZ Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Silvester Clark Consulting Engineers – Structural Engineers Hawkes Bay Māori Rugby – Te Matau a Māui & many others, thanks for coming out. … See MoreSee Less

/ On the ground in Kalinga

Our Philippines team (Cam, Eriko and Marvin) recently travelled north into the Cordillera Central for a site visit – a terrain characterized by steep slopes, gullies, creeks and highly challenging terrain.

The purpose: to carry out a geohazard assessment and verify actual ground conditions for the feasibility study of the MCB Copper-Gold Project.

This is core geotechnical work. A straightforward and practical approach means hazards are understood early and mitigation control measures are effectively planned to ensure the project’s long-term deliverability and sustainability.

From the Philippines to New Zealand and across the Asia–Pacific, RDCL brings breadth and depth of experience – always with a focus on clear advice, cost-effective solutions, and safe outcomes.

#geotechnicalengineering #geohazardassessment #mineplanning #philippineresources #AsiaPacific #RDCL … See MoreSee Less

Celebrating 50 years of the NZ Drillers Federation at Conference in Christchurch – and RDCL were proud to be there as a bronze sponsor.

Tony Valentine spoke on behalf of our team, and it was a great opportunity to connect with the many drilling companies we’re fortunate to work alongside across New Zealand.

Thanks to everyone we caught up with – valuable conversations and fresh insights into the innovations shaping the industry.

#NZDrillersFederation #GeotechnicalEngineering #RDCL #Collaboration … See MoreSee Less