The CDDA is pleased to announce that Major Drilling is CDDA’s Contractor Member of the Month for December. Our Membership Services Coordinator connected with the company to learn more about their history, services, and the people behind their success.
How did Major Drilling get started and how has the company evolved?
Major Drilling Group International Inc., founded in 1980 in Bathurst, New Brunswick, has grown from a regional drilling company into one of the world’s largest providers of specialized drilling services for the mining industry. Over the decades, the company expanded globally through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, establishing operations across North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Today, Major Drilling is recognized for its ability to tackle some of the most challenging drilling projects worldwide, supported by a highly skilled workforce and a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability.
What products and services does Major Drilling offer?
Major Drilling offers a comprehensive suite of drilling services, including:
- Surface and underground coring
- Reverse circulation and directional drilling
- Sonic and geotechnical drilling
- Environmental and water-well drilling
- Coal-bed methane and shallow gas drilling
- Underground percussive/longhole drilling
- Additionally, the company continues to develop in-house innovative drillside solutions to enhance efficiency and safety. This includes the Rock5 real-time drill analytics system and Drill side Imaging Unit built with core imaging precision and cloud-based connectivity for our drilling operations worldwide.
At the CDDA, we love celebrating the people who power our industry. Is there an employee at your company you’d like to recognize?
Recently, we said Farewell and Congratulations to Ron Rivett. Our Canadian team gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to Ron Rivett, Warehouse Coordinator at our Sudbury, Ontario branch.
Ron’s journey with Major Drilling began over 50 years ago, when he was just a young fella starting out and his remarkable career has left a lasting impact on everyone who has worked alongside him.
On a bittersweet day for Major Drilling, Ron has officially decided to retire and embark on an exciting new chapter.
Ron began his career in 1974 with Midwest Drilling, a major Canadian and international drilling company later acquired by Major Drilling in 1998. His path took him through the Flin Flon branch, and then north of Yellowknife into permafrost and the early days of Canada’s diamond mining industry.
Today, we honour Ron’s dedication, hard work, leadership, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Congratulations on your retirement, Ron. Thank you for more than five decades of service, stories, and commitment. You will always be part of the Major Drilling family.
This year also marks an incredible milestone: 39 years of service for Marshall, a respected and well-loved member of the Major Drilling team.
Marshall’s journey with Major Drilling began nearly four decades ago, and throughout the years, he has been a loyal and dependable presence across countless projects and sites. Known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment, Marshall has set a standard that reflects the very best of what Major Drilling stands for.
From early mornings in challenging conditions to mentoring new generations of drill crews, Marshall’s experience and leadership have left a lasting impact. His dedication to doing things the right way safely, efficiently, and with pride, has earned him the admiration of his coworkers and the respect of everyone who’s had the pleasure of working alongside him.
Beyond his technical skill, Marshall is recognized for his friendly demeanor and genuine care for his team. He’s the kind of person who’s always willing to lend a hand, share his knowledge, and offer a good story from years on the job.
Congratulations Marshall, on this milestone and thank you for nearly four decades of outstanding service.
Why is CDDA membership important to Major Drilling?
Being part of CDDA strengthens our commitment to industry standards, safety, and collaboration. We are proud to be a Canadian company with a large Canadian workforce, and we value the leadership role our team plays in the industry. Kathy Karbonik, HR Manager – Canada, and John Stringer, Regional Manager – Eastern Canada, actively serve on the CDDA Board, contributing their expertise to advance the association’s mission and ensure the highest standards across the drilling sector. Their involvement reflects our dedication to shaping the future of drilling in Canada.
In addition to strengthening the Canadian drilling industry, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate by employing local workforces and engaging with Indigenous partners. This commitment is reflected in our more than 12 active First Nations and Inuit agreements across the country.
We extend our sincere thanks to Major Drilling for their continued support of our association and proudly congratulate them as our December Contractor Member of the Month.
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