Sonic Drilling Meets CPT Testing: Zenex Drilling Delivers Integrated Ground Investigation Capability in Australia

​Zenex Drilling successfully completed a ground investigation project in Australia, marking a significant milestone for the company as it expanded its technical capabilities and operational footprint beyond Papua New Guinea.

​The program combined two complementary investigation methods, sonic drilling and Cone Penetration Testing, delivered through Zenex's integrated Drill and CPT system. Using the MRS 200 Sonic Duo from Royal Eijkelkamp, the Zenex team conducted both sonic core drilling and CPT testing from a single rig, eliminating the need for a second piece of equipment on site and keeping the program efficient, precise, and cost-effective for the client.

What is Sonic Drilling and CPT Testing?

Sonic drilling uses high frequency vibrations to advance the drill string through the ground without the need for injected air or water. The result is continuous, undisturbed core recovery through variable and unconsolidated formations, providing engineers and geologists with high quality samples that reflect true ground conditions at every depth.

Cone Penetration Testing takes that investigation a step further. By pushing a cone-tipped probe into the ground at a controlled rate and measuring the resistance encountered, CPT provides detailed real-time data on ground porosity, water movement through the formation, and the hardness and compaction of material at various depths. Together, sonic drilling and CPT give clients a comprehensive picture of what the ground is made of, how it behaves, and whether it is suitable for the development work planned above it.
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What set Zenex's setup apart was that both capabilities were integrated into a single rig. The CPT module mounts directly onto the MRS 200 and LRS 275, meaning the same machine that drills the core samples can also conduct the formation testing. For clients working in sensitive or space-constrained environments, this integration reduces the site footprint and simplifies logistics considerably.

Bringing World-Class Capability to Complex Environments

General Manager Emmanuel Bonte said the completed program reflected the direction Zenex was heading as a business.
"We have always been known for the quality of our work in PNG, but this project shows that the capability we have built over more than 30 years translates directly to complex programs in other markets," Bonte said.
"The combination of sonic drilling and CPT in a single integrated system is not something every contractor can offer. We invested in this technology because we saw where the industry was heading, and this project is proof that it was the right call," he continued.
The MRS 200 Sonic Duo, supplied and supported by Royal Eijkelkamp, is one of the most versatile ground investigation rigs available in the market. Its dual head configuration allowed the team to switch between sonic and diamond drilling depending on what the ground conditions required, providing a built-in contingency that clients operating in variable geology particularly valued.

A Growing Capability for a Growing Market

Ground investigation programs combining sonic drilling and CPT are increasingly in demand across Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. As operators in the resources, civil, and construction sectors face tighter environmental standards and more complex site conditions, the need for accurate, high quality ground data before development work begins is being felt across the sector.
Zenex Drilling is well positioned to meet that demand. With proven sonic and CPT capability now demonstrated on the ground in Australia, the team is actively looking at opportunities to bring these services to new clients and new programs across the region.

To find out more about Zenex Drilling's sonic drilling and CPT investigation capability, or to discuss an upcoming program, get in touch at [email protected]