Product Overview

Summary: This Standard Operating Procedure provides a structured, practical framework for reducing the environmental footprint of drilling projects across Australia. It helps organisations embed sustainable practices into planning, mobilisation, drilling operations and demobilisation, while supporting compliance with environmental and WHS obligations and strengthening tender competitiveness.

Drilling projects in mining, civil construction, geotechnical and exploration activities can have a significant environmental footprint through fuel use, emissions, waste generation, water consumption, land disturbance and noise. This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) translates high‑level sustainability goals into clear, day‑to‑day instructions for planning and running drilling operations with a reduced eco footprint. It sets out how to integrate environmental considerations into project design, equipment selection, site layout, consumables, logistics and contractor management.

Developed for Australian conditions and regulatory expectations, the SOP helps organisations move beyond ad hoc environmental initiatives to a consistent, auditable system of work. It addresses practical controls such as fuel and energy efficiency, spill prevention, water sourcing and reuse, waste minimisation and segregation, rehabilitation of drill pads, and engagement with local communities and Traditional Owners. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under environmental and WHS legislation, cut operating costs linked to fuel and consumables, and strengthen their position in ESG‑driven procurement and investor scrutiny.

The SOP is designed to integrate smoothly with existing WHS and environmental management systems, including ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 frameworks. It clarifies roles and responsibilities, defines measurable environmental performance indicators for drilling projects, and provides templates and checklists that make it easier for supervisors and drill crews to follow through on sustainability commitments in the field.

Key Benefits

• Reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from drilling plant, vehicles and generators through structured planning and equipment optimisation.
• Minimise environmental harm from spills, waste, noise, dust and land disturbance while maintaining drilling productivity and quality.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian environmental legislation and industry expectations for ESG performance on drilling projects.
• Standardise eco‑efficient practices across contractors, sites and regions, improving consistency and accountability.
• Enhance competitiveness in tenders and client audits by evidencing a robust, documented approach to sustainable drilling operations.

Who is this for?

• Drilling Project Managers
• Environmental Advisors
• WHS and HSEQ Managers
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Exploration Managers
• Mining and Resources Sustainability Managers
• Civil and Geotechnical Engineers
• Contract Administrators and Tender Writers
• Compliance and ESG Managers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Company Policies
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Planning and Environmental Risk Assessment for Drilling Projects
• 6.0 Eco‑Efficient Equipment Selection and Maintenance (Rigs, Compressors, Generators and Vehicles)
• 7.0 Site Layout, Access and Land Disturbance Minimisation
• 8.0 Fuel, Energy Use and Emissions Reduction Measures
• 9.0 Water Sourcing, Use, Recycling and Discharge Controls
• 10.0 Chemical and Consumables Management (Drilling Fluids, Additives, Oils and Greases)
• 11.0 Waste Minimisation, Segregation, Storage and Disposal
• 12.0 Noise, Dust and Light Pollution Management for Drilling Operations
• 13.0 Spill Prevention, Response Interface and Environmental Incident Reporting
• 14.0 Rehabilitation of Drill Pads, Tracks and Temporary Infrastructure
• 15.0 Community, Landholder and Traditional Owner Considerations
• 16.0 Contractor and Supplier Environmental Requirements
• 17.0 Monitoring, Measurement, KPIs and Recordkeeping
• 18.0 Training, Communication and Toolbox Talks on Eco‑Efficient Drilling
• 19.0 Continuous Improvement, Auditing and Review of Environmental Performance
• 20.0 Appendices – Checklists, Forms and Example Environmental Management Plans for Drilling Projects

Legislation & References

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)
• Relevant State and Territory environmental protection legislation (e.g. Environmental Protection Act 1994 (QLD), Environmental Protection Act 2017 (VIC))
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth model) and corresponding State and Territory WHS Acts
• AS/NZS ISO 14001:2016 Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016 Quality management systems – Requirements
• AS/NZS ISO 50001:2018 Energy management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice (for integration of environmental controls with site management)
• Relevant State/Territory Codes of Practice and guidelines for drilling, exploration and petroleum/geothermal activities