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Innovative Barge Drilling in Remote Canada: A Project with Forage Fusion Drilling

  • warkentinfab
  • Sep 30, 2025
  • 2 min read

In one of the most logistically challenging environments in Canada, a custom-built barge, a dedicated team, and the precision of helicopter-supported diamond drilling came together to achieve what few thought possible. This barge drilling project, executed in partnership with Forage Fusion Drilling and Warkentin Fabricating, was recently featured in Coring Magazine and has since become a benchmark for remote drilling innovation.



The Challenge: Remote Access in James Bay, Québec


The project site was located in a remote lake system near James Bay, with no traditional road access. Our objective: complete a 1,000-meter N-size lithium core drilling program for Patriot Battery Metals' Corvette Property, a high-potential exploration target.



Winter Roads, Helicopters, and Custom Engineering


Accessing the site required building a 27 km winter road, complete with temporary bridge installations. Even with that in place, moving equipment to the drill targets involved helicopter transport, making weight and modularity critical.


To address these extreme conditions:

  • Warkentin Fabricating designed a modular barge system built from Canadian-sourced steel.

  • The barge was split into 35 helicopter-portable sections, each weighing under 2,000 lbs.

  • On-site assembly involved submersion welding and stabilization in shallow, rocky waters — a feat requiring precision, manpower, and resilience


Forage Fusion Drilling’s Role & Equipment


Forage Fusion Drilling deployed their highly capable MPP Discovery series diamond drills, chosen for their lightweight design and high performance.


Key equipment features included:

  • Compact, heli-portable drill rigs suited for aquatic environments.

  • Custom modifications by Odyssey Fluid Power to enhance drilling efficiency in low-clearance areas.

  • Ability to drill at angles of up to 45°, ideal for targeting mineralized structures under lakes.


Despite the challenges, shallow water, strong currents, boulders, and tight weather windows, the team completed several holes averaging 400 meters each, delivering valuable geological data to the client.


Why This Project Stands Out


This barge drilling operation set a new precedent for remote mineral exploration in Canada. It combined:

  • Modular engineering

  • Eco-sensitive logistics

  • Multidisciplinary teamwork

  • Innovation in remote drilling techniques


The approach demonstrates that environmentally responsible exploration is possible, even in the most difficult locations.


 
 
 

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