Wallis Drilling is renowned for its innovative custom-designed drill rigs, experienced professional team, and commitment to quality and safety. We speak to CEO and Managing Director, Grant Wallis, about providing drilling solutions for every situation.
A PASSION FOR PRODUCTIVITY
Wallis Drilling (Wallis) began operations in 1965 and has grown impressively to become one of Australia’s largest privately-owned minerals drilling companies.
Today, the business is a leading drilling services provider with extensive experience throughout Australia, now boasting a team of more than 350 dedicated employees and over 50 drills.
Technology throughout the sector has changed dramatically since Wallis’ pioneering days of auger and air core drilling in the 1960s, and the company now offers a comprehensive array of modern drilling methods including Wallis Aircore, Reverse Circulation (RC), Grade Control, Blast Hole, and Mud Rotary.
“At Wallis, we have been building our technical knowledge and hands-on expertise for 60 years,” introduces CEO and Managing Director, Grant Wallis.
Utilising more than 20 years of experience with the company in various management roles, Grant has expertly overseen the Iron Ore, Mine Services, International, and Exploration Drilling divisions.
In 1974, Founder, Jamie Wallis, invented the Wallis Aircore drilling system, which revolutionised drilling globally.
“His passion for solving client challenges remains central to our company’s culture today, and we continue to lead the industry in developing innovative drill rigs that meet and exceed the expectations of our major resource customers,” Grant follows up.
“We build and design the latest equipment with enhanced safety, fuel efficiency, and productivity benefits. Our aim is to help clients to safely drill more metres per shift, provide accurate samples, and reduce the overall costs to the client.”
Throughout the industry, these state-of-the-art features are increasingly being embraced by large resource companies as standard operating drill rig specifications.
“We’re not simply operating equipment – we’re constantly refining it to solve real-world challenges in exploration”
Grant Wallis, CEO and Managing Director, Wallis Drilling
DEDICATION TO QUALITY
What continues to set Wallis apart is the company’s ability to deliver high-quality drilling services using rigs that it has designed, engineered, and manufactured in-house on Australian soil.
“This level of vertical integration gives us a unique edge. We’re not simply operating equipment – we’re constantly refining it to solve real-world challenges in exploration,” Grant prides.
“Our patented Aircore system is a great example. Developed in-house and continually improved over decades, it delivers uncontaminated samples with exceptional recovery, even in difficult ground conditions like clay, sand, and water-flooded formations,” he expands.
“Clients consistently tell us the difference is in the quality and consistency of the results.”
Elsewhere, Wallis is also proud to be regarded as one of the pioneers in automation and electrification.
Its impressive fleet includes automated RC and air core rigs, and the company is currently investing heavily in autonomous capability and electric rig development.
Wallis believes that it’s not just about innovation for its own sake – it’s about improving safety, productivity, and sustainability on site.
Additionally, Wallis remains a privately-owned, family-run business.
“Our clients deal directly with decision-makers, and our culture of accountability, agility, and long-term relationships runs deep. We’re big enough to deliver but still small enough to care,” Grant enthuses.
“We are very proud of our family culture, where employees are respected, trained, and supported to achieve their individual career aspirations. This investment in our people enables us to retain an experienced, stable team, delivering professional service and value to clients,” he states.
“Our clients deal directly with decision-makers, and our culture of accountability, agility, and long-term relationships runs deep. We’re big enough to deliver but still small enough to care”
Grant Wallis, CEO and Managing Director, Wallis Drilling
BUILDING CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY
Wallis acquired land in Hazelmere in the mid-1980s with a long-term plan to develop a dedicated manufacturing and repair facility.
Construction of the new facility finally began earlier this year and is scheduled for completion in Q1 2026.
“Once operational, it will double our manufacturing and repair capacity, significantly expand our main stores and engineering space, and support our projected workload for the next 30 years,” Grant tells us.
Alongside this, Wallis has committed to reducing its carbon footprint and is partnering with a Tier 1 client to develop an electric exploration RC drill rig.
“We were recently awarded a Western Australia (WA) state government Carbon Innovation Grant to accelerate the development of an electric drill,” he confirms.
“At present, Wallis engineers are investigating batteries, electric drive systems, system architecture, and electric truck conversations.”
This exciting initiative represents the culmination of a two-year project, with completion expected in Q4 2026.
A GREENER FUTURE
Wallis has been managing its environmental impacts for a long time and taking a circular view of all operations.
Over the past year, the company has committed to establishing its first sustainability report which aims to embrace transparency, accountability, and a commitment to a greener future.
As a primary drilling contractor and an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Wallis aligns itself with customers to achieve a more sustainable output.
“Our circular way of operating is standard practice and covered in both our strategic plan and annual sustainability report,” Grant sets out.
“For example, our facility in Midvale is powered by a 68 kilowatt commercial solar system, which has been in place for 10 years. We have seen a 70 percent reduction in our power draw from the state grid, greatly reducing our carbon footprint,” he elaborates.
Elsewhere, Wallis also recycles its scrap steel, waste oils, paper, and cardboard.
Meanwhile, the company’s Aircore drilling system has been designed to support a number of rotatable components to support their refurbishment and reuse.
Furthermore, the new Wallis 300RC and 400RC drills have been designed to reduce wear and tear on drill rods, doubling the lifespan of these components.
This is expected to reduce diesel consumption by an estimated 239,000 litres and CO2 emissions by 649 tonnes per year, per drill.
DEPLOYING THE MANTIS
One key project Wallis remains particularly proud of is the development and successful deployment of its Mantis 200 air core rig.
“This represents the latest evolution of our in-house engineering capability – a fully self-contained, high-capacity air core rig with advanced safety and automation features,” acclaims Grant.
Designed for deeper holes and tougher conditions, the Mantis 200 has proven itself in the field and been recognised with multiple industry awards, including the DMIRS Safety Innovation Award and ADIA Engineering Excellence Award.
“For us, the Mantis 200 reflects our broader commitment to driving innovation from the ground up – not just adopting new technology but building it ourselves to suit real client needs,” he posits.
In the iron ore sector, Wallis has delivered significant advancements in automation by manufacturing a fleet of RC rigs – including the 300RC and 400RC – that feature automated rod handling, remote operation, and onboard diagnostics.
“These rigs are currently operating in double-shift programmes with Tier 1 iron ore clients in the Pilbara region of WA and have been central to our ability to meet safety, efficiency, and carbon reduction goals whilst maintaining a high standard of production.”
Another standout success for the company has been its custom-built Mantis 60 and Mantis 80 rigs, developed specifically for bauxite, mineral sands, nickel, copper, and gold exploration and operating throughout Australia. Respectively, the Mantis 60 and 80 are engineered for minimal ground disturbance and high-quality sample recovery in challenging terrains.
Their low environmental impact and reliable performance have made them the preferred choice for long-term contracts with many Tier 1 miners.
“Each of these exceptional projects demonstrates our philosophy – when the drill rig is designed by the same people who operate and maintain it, performance improves across the board – from safety and sample quality to uptime and client satisfaction,” Grant asserts.
“Overall, with the global economic outlook uncertain, our main goals for the next 12 months are the safe execution of the current order book, completion of the new facility in Hazelmere, and smooth relocation of the business,” he concludes optimistically.
