Nov 23 2016
Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), the business arm of the Tahltan Nation, has expanded its service offering through a partnership with Geotech Drilling Services Ltd. (Geotech), a global, B.C.-based, multi-discipline surface and underground drilling company. Tahltech Drilling Services Ltd. will provide industry-leading exploration, geotechnical, environmental, construction, and geothermal drilling services to natural resource and industrial development projects in Tahltan territory in Northwest British Columbia.
"Geotech's extensive knowledge, experience and specialized technology will be extremely valuable to companies operating in Tahltan territory, ensuring efficiency, accuracy of data collection and adherence to safety and environmental standards. The partnership significantly strengthens TNDC's capability and competitiveness in resource and industrial development as the economic recovery unfolds. We look forward to working with Geotech to capitalize on sustainable, responsible projects that bring value to our respective companies and benefits to the Tahltan Nation," said TNDC CEO Garry Merkel.
"Geotech is very excited to partner with TNDC to introduce Tahltech Drilling Services Ltd., providing exploration, geotechnical, geothermal, construction and environmental drilling services within the Tahltan Nation territory. Geotech has long-respected TNDC's efforts toward responsible and sustainable development within the Tahltan's resource-rich territory encompassing some 11 percent of British Columbia. In conjunction with the entrepreneurial nature of the Tahltan people, Tahltech looks toward a bright future respecting both the traditional values of the Tahltan people and the mission and core values of Geotech," said Geotech President Jody Lambert.
Geotech's exploration services include exploratory drilling for numerous mining and exploration companies, many of which have properties in the Golden Triangle, that contract drilling service providers to facilitate these subsurface investigations to evaluate their properties. Its geotechnical services include exploratory drilling combined with testing and instrumentation installation to determine sub-surface ground characteristics for infrastructure development purposes including tailings storage feasibility or upgrades, pipeline alignment investigations, hydroelectric dam feasibility investigations and upgrades, road network evaluation, LNG facilities, construction/foundation design for buildings, rock anchoring for transmission lines and wind mills, and geothermal exploration investigations. Geotech also provides construction, environmental and geothermal drilling services.
The partnership will see Geotech Drilling become the preferred drilling company operating in Tahltan territory, providing exploration, geotechnical, environmental, construction and other specialized drilling services for resource and infrastructure development projects. TNDC and Geotech will collaborate to secure drilling work on projects in Tahltan territory. Under the agreement, Geotech also will provide subcontracting, employment and training opportunities to Tahltan members.
Tahltan territory is rich in natural resources, including the prolific Golden Triangle, which is the catalyst for dozens of existing and proposed energy, resource and industrial development projects in the region. TNDC selects business partners with the expertise to complement its service offering and strengthen its competitiveness, and commitment to establish mutually beneficial relationships that bring economic benefits to the Nation, including jobs, training and contracts for Tahltan members.