Case Study: CED 100 Heli-Portable Drill Rig Now Operating in Mali | Compact Diamond Drilling for Remote Exploration
- Freddy Mann
- Feb 13
- 2 min read
From Mobilization to Production: CED 100 Delivering Results in the Field
Cylinder Exploration Drilling (CED) is pleased to confirm that the CED 100 compact diamond core drill rig recently deployed to Mali, West Africa is now fully operational and actively drilling.
Designed as a man-portable, heli-portable system mounted on compact tracks, the CED 100 is already proving its value in a challenging remote environment where access, mobility, and reliability are critical to project success.
The Challenge: Accessing Difficult Terrain
The exploration program is located in a remote area with:
Limited road access
Variable and uneven terrain
Restricted mobilization options
The need for rapid setup and relocation between drill sites
In such environments, conventional rigs are often impractical. The project required a solution that could be transported efficiently, deployed quickly, and maintain strong drilling performance despite logistical constraints.
The Solution: Compact, Portable, and Field-Ready
The CED 100 was selected for its unique combination of portability and capability.
Key Features in Operation
Man-Portable / Heli-Portable Design
Modular components for manual handling where required
Suitable for helicopter sling transport to isolated drill sites
Compact Track-Mounted Base
Excellent mobility across uneven ground
Reduced site preparation requirements
Fast repositioning between holes
Complete Operational Package
Full spare parts support on site
CED drilling consumables including bits, reamers, core barrels, and rods
Pre-dispatch testing and readiness
On-site commissioning and operator training
This turnkey approach allowed the client to move from delivery to production with minimal downtime.
Performance in the Field
Now established on site, the rig is delivering:
Efficient core recovery
Stable operation in difficult terrain
Rapid setup and relocation
Reduced logistical complexity
Lower overall mobilization costs
The compact footprint and track mobility are enabling the exploration team to access targets that would otherwise be difficult or costly to drill.
Supporting Exploration Across West Africa
This successful deployment highlights CED’s commitment to providing practical solutions for exploration in remote and demanding regions. The heli-portable CED 100 is ideally suited for:
Early-stage exploration programs
Remote greenfield projects
Mountainous or environmentally sensitive areas
Projects requiring minimal site disturbance
As exploration activity continues to expand across West Africa, CED remains focused on delivering reliable equipment, responsive technical support, and complete field-ready solutions.
Built for Remote Success
At CED, we understand that success in remote exploration depends on more than just the rig. It requires:
Equipment designed for mobility and durability
Reliable consumables and spare parts availability
Fast mobilization and commissioning
Ongoing operational support
The CED 100 deployment in Mali demonstrates how compact, heli-portable technology can keep projects moving — even in the most challenging locations.
Planning a Remote Exploration Project?
If your project requires a man-portable or heli-portable diamond drilling solution with proven field performance, Cylinder Exploration Drilling is ready to help.
Contact us today to learn more about the CED 100 and our complete exploration drilling support packages.
A solid example of how much planning goes into remote drilling beyond just the rig itself. The full package approach behind the CED 100 in Mali, from spares to commissioning and training, is often what really keeps projects moving once they hit site.
Good to see the CED 100 working in Mali. Remote projects are never simple, so having a rig that is easy to move and quick to set up clearly makes a difference. Always interesting to see how compact equipment performs once it is actually in the field.