20 Years of Exploration Excellence
In 2026, Topdrill proudly marks 20 years of drilling Australia’s exploration frontier. What started on 2006 with 1 rig in small yard in Kalgoorlie-Boulder has grown into one of Australia’s most trusted exploration drilling partners.
20 Years of Trusted Performance
In 2026, Topdrill proudly marks 20 years of drilling Australia’s exploration frontier. What started on 2006 with 1 rig in small yard in Kalgoorlie-Boulder has grown into one of Australia's most trusted exploration drilling partners.
In 2026, Topdrill proudly marks 20 years of drilling Australia’s exploration frontier.
What started in 2006 with Tim and Phil Topham and a single rig in a Boulder shed has grown into one of Australia’s largest and most trusted exploration drilling companies. Two decades later, Topdrill operates a fleet of 40 RC and Diamond rigs and employs over 450 skilled people across Western Australia and beyond.
In 2026, Topdrill proudly marks 20 years of drilling Australia’s exploration frontier.
What started in 2006 with Tim and Phil Topham and a single rig in a Boulder shed has grown into one of Australia’s largest and most trusted exploration drilling companies. Two decades later, Topdrill operates a fleet of 40 RC and Diamond rigs and employs over 450 skilled people across Western Australia and beyond.
Our story is built on relentless improvement, innovation in safety and performance, and backing our people to deliver results in the field. From introducing hands-free rod handling to the diamond drilling market, to setting new benchmarks in RC drilling performance, Topdrill has continued to push what “best in class” really means.
We’ve grown our footprint, our fleet and our capability, but our purpose remains unchanged: deliver unrivalled drilling performance, backed by industry-leading services.
Trusted to perform. Proven to deliver.
As we celebrate 20 years, we thank our clients, partners, and people who have helped shape Topdrill into what it is today.
The next chapter is already being drilled…
Our Journey
2006
RIG01 Enters the Chat
Tim and Phil purchase Topdrill’s first rig
The spark that started it all
The purchase of RIG01 marked Topdrill’s first step into the field, laying the foundation for a drilling business built on grit, growth, and performance.
2008
Fresh Steel on the Yard
RIG02 arrives, a new Schramm T685
Expanding the fleet
The arrival of RIG02 strengthened Topdrill’s operational capacity, allowing the team to take on larger programs and meet growing client demand.
A Place to Call Home
First yard purchased in Boulder
Planting permanent roots
Securing the Boulder yard gave Topdrill a permanent base of operations, supporting fleet maintenance, logistics, and the steady growth of the business.
2009
Discovery Under the Drill Bit
DeGrussa discovery hole drilled
A landmark exploration moment
Topdrill crews drilled the Sandfire DeGrussa discovery hole, contributing to one of Western Australia’s most significant modern mineral discoveries.
2013
Into the Diamond Game
First Diamond Drill rig purchased
Entering DD operations
Topdrill expanded into Diamond Drilling, opening new technical capabilities and partnerships while broadening service delivery across more complex exploration programs.
2014
Safety, Hands-Free
Hands-free rod handling introduced
Raising the safety bar
Introducing hands-free rod handling transformed on-site safety, reducing manual handling risks and setting new expectations for safer exploration drilling practices.
Geos in the Spotlight
First Drilling for Geologists event hosted
Connecting industry and crews
Over 100 geologists attended Topdrill’s first Drilling for Geologists event, strengthening client relationships and building shared understanding between field crews and technical teams.
2019
Discovery Strikes Again
Hemi discovery hole drilled
On the frontline of success
Topdrill crews drilled the De Grey Hemi discovery hole, playing a role in one of Australia’s most exciting recent gold discoveries.
Industry Recognition
Best Large Business, 40 Under 40 Awards
Performance acknowledged
Topdrill is recognised as Best Large Business at the 40 Under 40 Awards, celebrating leadership, growth, and operational excellence.
Community Applause
Best Large Business, Kalgoorlie Business Awards
Local success recognised
The Kalgoorlie Chamber of Commerce awarded Topdrill Best Large Business, recognising sustained growth, community contribution, and strong local industry impact.
2020
Giving Back Begins
First Resources Industry Charity Sundowner hosted
$63,000 raised in one night
Topdrill launched its first Resources Industry Charity Sundowner, raising $63,000 and embedding community support into the heart of the business.
Hydration Goes High-Tech
MX3 hydration testing introduced
Backing crew wellbeing
MX3 Hydration Testing was introduced to improve workforce health, safety, and performance in demanding field environments across exploration programs.
A New Home Base
Kalgoorlie workshop and office established
Built for scale
Topdrill invested in a 3,000m² state-of-the-art Kalgoorlie facility, strengthening maintenance capability, operational efficiency, and support for growing fleet demands.
2021
Data Gets Drilled
Toplytics commercial team formed
Smarter drilling insights
A dedicated commercial team was established to build the Toplytics brand, delivering enhanced data, reporting, and performance insights for clients.
Strength in Support
TopEX established
Backing exploration operations
TopEX, formerly JB Contracting, was established to support exploration drilling operations with specialised services that strengthened on-site capability and project delivery.
2022
Training the Next Crew
Topdrill Drill School launched
Investing in future talent
The Topdrill Drill School launched to support sustainable career pathways, developing skilled drillers and creating long-term opportunities for the next generation.
Building the Ecosystem
Tophire and Topcamps established
Diversifying support services
Tophire and Topcamps were established to strengthen Topdrill’s diversified exploration services, providing workforce and accommodation solutions to support field operations.
2023
Large and In Charge
Large Business of the Year, RISE Awards
Excellence recognised
Topdrill was named Large Business of the Year at the RISE Business Awards, recognising sustained growth, leadership, and industry impact.
2024
A Million Reasons
Over $1 million raised for charity
Giving at scale
Through the Resources Industry Charity Sundowner, Topdrill surpassed $1,000,000 raised for RFDS and Full Circle, amplifying its impact across regional communities.
2025
City Shift
Subiaco office purchased
Expanding our footprint
The purchase of the Roberts Road Subiaco office marked Topdrill’s expansion into Perth, strengthening corporate presence and client connectivity
Drilling Records
900m RC hole at Benz Mining
Pushing depth limits
Topdrill set a new benchmark by drilling a record-breaking 900-metre RC hole at Benz Mining, demonstrating technical capability at extreme depths.
2026
Two Decades Deep
Celebrating 20 Years of Topdrill
Trusted to perform. Proven to deliver.
From one rig in Boulder to a leading exploration drilling company, Topdrill celebrates 20 years of growth, performance, innovation, and people-driven success.
“They delivered exactly what they promised – no fuss, no drama, just solid, professional drilling from start to finish. It’s clear why Topdrill have an outstanding reputation. Great crew, great communication, great results.”
– Mark Lynch-Staunton
CEO, Benz Mining
The Next 20 Years Start Now
From one rig in Boulder to a national operation delivering performance at scale, our journey is far from over. The future is deeper, safer, and smarter drilling. And we’re only just getting warmed up.
