As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, Zenex Drilling is celebrating the national milestone with a step that blends technical innovation with local ambition: the arrival of the LRS275 Duo Sonic Drill Rig from Dutch manufacturer Eijkelkamp. For Zenex, this is more than a fleet upgrade — it’s a statement about where PNG’s homegrown drilling capability is heading next.
“The LRS275 Duo is a real investment in PNG’s future capacity, not just a headline,” said Emmanuel Bonte, General Manager of Zenex Drilling. A first of its kind in the region, the LRS275 Duo brings a leap forward in capability, versatility, and reliability. Its high-performance sonic head delivers superior core sample quality in complex geology, including stockpiles, tailings, and unconsolidated formations where conventional methods struggle. Sonic vibration reduces friction, improving penetration while preserving sample integrity.
True to its name, the Duo is engineered for flexibility. The integrated dual-head system enables seamless changeover to diamond coring, allowing crews to shift methods without demobilising or bringing in a secondary rig. That translates to fewer mobilisations, a smaller footprint, and tighter project schedules — benefits that matter in PNG’s rugged conditions and on international programmes with demanding timelines.
“One rig, two disciplines, no compromise,” says Bonte. “It’s the kind of adaptability our clients increasingly expect.”
Under the hood, the LRS275 Duo is as digital as it is mechanical. A state-of-the-art remote maintenance platform streams live telemetry to Zenex’s maintenance team, enabling data-driven diagnostics, predictive component changes, and faster fault resolution. Real-time operational data supports better planning, fewer interruptions, and more consistent utilisation.
“Downtime is the silent cost in any drilling campaign,” Bonte notes. “With live data and remote support, we can prevent problems before they appear on site.”
As with every major asset, Zenex is pairing the investment with a people-first rollout. Site-based training will ensure operators and offsiders gain confidence on the new platform, while select maintenance specialists will travel to the Netherlands for factory training with Eijkelkamp’s engineering team. The focus is on long-term capability and knowledge transfer, not just commissioning.
“We don’t just buy technology, we internalise it,” Bonte says. “By sending our people to the source, we bring world-class expertise back to PNG.”
That approach aligns with Zenex’s broader workforce philosophy: build locally, grow from within, and create meaningful progression pathways. The company’s “Way We Work” programme — an open coaching model that blends safety, leadership, and technical proficiency — is being extended to incorporate sonic-specific modules and data-driven maintenance practices.
The deployment of the new sonic rig will help geologists make faster, higher-confidence decisions. Combined with Zenex’s expanding logistics capability and disciplined maintenance systems, the new rig strengthens the company’s position as a partner for complex exploration across PNG and abroad.
Strategically, the investment signals how Zenex intends to scale: sustainably and selectively. Rather than chasing volume, the focus remains on capability — integrated services, reliable delivery, and a safety record that clients can trust.
“We’re not trying to be everywhere,” says Bonte. “We’re choosing the right work, with the right partners, where our technology and our people can create outsized value.”
As the nation celebrates half a century of independence, Zenex’s move captures a broader story about PNG’s technical maturity and international relevance. Advanced equipment, rigorous systems, and local leadership are no longer aspirations — they’re daily practice.
“Innovation is not a destination for us,” Bonte reflects. “It’s a discipline. When we invest in people and the right tools, we lift the standard for our whole industry.”
With the LRS275 Duo joining the fleet, Zenex Drilling is marking the country’s golden jubilee with a clear view of the next 50 years — where independence is measured not only in history, but in the confidence to lead.
