Can you introduce NPLH Drilling and the history of the company?

NPLH Drilling is a privately owned contract drilling company based in Timmins, and we have worked with many local mines in northern Ontario. We are present in Timmins, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Atikokan; outside of Ontario, we also have some operations in Québec and Newfoundland.

The company has recently expanded into the underground drilling market, adding to our existing surface-level capabilities. We deliver value to customers by keeping operations in-house and providing a quality product built on efficiency, safety and high standards.

What trends in demand are you noticing in the market for drilling services?

The price of gold is driving the flow of capital into exploration, which is taking many projects to the next level. Our underground drilling business is also growing consistently. The mining industry continues to push forward, and the demand for reliable, high-quality drilling services plays a vital role across multiple phases of the mining lifecycle, from early-stage exploration to full-scale production.  

There used to be a lull during freezing and thawing periods of the year. However, over the last five years, business has remained consistent year-round, with minimal downtime. This speaks to the quality of the product we provide and the demand there is for drilling services in northern Ontario.

What kind of presence does NPLH Drilling have within the local community in northern Ontario?

We partnered with Northern College to run a program focused on training community members from local First Nations communities on the common core requirements necessary to work in mines or junior exploration. The program was successful, with 10 individuals participating free of charge thanks to generous funding from our community partners. In 2025, NPLH Drilling has been involved in several community events, such as fundraising for local sports, our local hospital and various charities. 

The mining industry has created jobs and boosted our economy in Northern Ontario. Operating mines here do a good job of giving back to local communities. Minister Pirie has also played a major role in developing our region. He is from Timmins, knows mining well and has excellent relationships with our communities, including First Nations.

What kinds of partnerships has NPLH Drilling developed with First Nations?

We have a limited partnership with the Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN) called Takwata NPLH Drilling. Chief Bruce Archibald is an exceptional leader who understands the importance of mining and its potential benefits for the community. Our relationship with First Nations partners is built on a foundation of giving back and mutual respect. 

Trust is crucial to our relationship and has grown over the past few years. We hope to continue fostering trust and respect between the private sector and local First Nations communities. We have a commitment to focus on reducing the environmental impact of mining, including through water recycling processes and an ongoing transition towards biodegradable materials. This is important to us and all our stakeholders.

How does NPLH Drilling uphold environmental standards?

We are ISO 14001 certified, but we also strive to exceed these standards in every way possible. Due diligence is a huge part of our workflow. We want Timmins to be a healthy place where future generations can thrive. We utilize robust water management, effective cuttings management and biodegradable materials to ensure we do not contaminate the environment. 

What types of improvements in drilling equipment and safety do you see coming to market?

Safety is our top priority, and we continue to seek equipment upgrades such as the introduction of autonomous systems, particularly for underground drilling operations. Hydraulic rod handling systems now allow for less interaction with the helper and driller, making the operation of our remote-controlled rigs more of an individual task and improving safety. 

We continuously invest in comprehensive safety programs that are rigorously developed and regularly reviewed. Our goal is to ensure every crew member is equipped with the safest procedures and practices so they can return home safely to their families at the end of each shift.