How Tim Topham built Topdrill into a drilling powerhouse
Founded by Tim Topham, Topdrill began in 2006 in a small yard in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia. Tim, who had relocated from New Zealand after completing a degree in agricultural science, initially aimed for farm ownership and began working as a Driller’s Offsider. But after witnessing the booming mining sector of the Goldfields, Tim quickly shifted his sights to the drilling industry.
The early years were not without their challenges. Tim purchased a second-hand drill rig in 2006, and when things were starting to look up, the Financial Crisis hit. Overnight, drilling contracts became incredibly scarce. Despite the challenges, in 2008, Tim purchased Topdrill’s first brand-new drill rig. From there, Topdrill steadily grew, weathering downturns and market softening by leveraging strategic capital purchases and expanding its capability with industry-first mechanical innovations, such as bringing hands-free rod handling to diamond drill rigs.
Today, Topdrill stands as one of Australia’s largest privately owned, founder-led exploration drilling companies, a testament to relentless determination, innovation, and the ability to pivot in a fast-moving industry. Topdrill’s commitment to delivering exceptional drilling solutions, backed by digital innovation and continuous fleet improvement, is why they are a trusted exploration partner for Australia’s top-tier miners.
Today, Topdrill stands at the front of the pack
Topdrill is more than an exploration drilling company—it’s a complete project partner. Operating across Australia, the company is supported by its wider network, Topgroup, which brings together JB Contracting, Topcamps, and Tophire. This integrated offering means clients benefit from early-stage earthworks, pad preparation, logistics, fully serviced exploration and mine site camps, as well as vehicle hire and mechanical support. All under one trusted group.
What gives Topdrill its competitive edge is the combination of operational excellence, industry-first digital systems, and an uncompromising focus on safety. Unlike larger corporations, Topdrill’s privately owned structure provides the agility to make fast, informed decisions that deliver results for clients. From mobilization through to transparent digital reporting, every stage of the process is built for performance and accountability.
At the heart of Topdrill’s success are its people—highly trained, experienced, and committed to project outcomes. With a strong culture that puts people first, Topdrill continues to set the standard in safety, reliability, and drilling performance across the exploration industry.
Topdrill’s strategic edge
Topdrill’s strategic advantage stems from full operational control, extensive remote area exploration experience, and a systems-driven approach that prioritizes safety, drilling uptime, and real-time data transparency. From the carefully selected standardized rigs they run, to the teams that operate them, every operational element is designed and managed to deliver in environments others find technically difficult.
Their integrated structure, reporting capabilities, and proactive maintenance and safety systems ensure Topdrill stay ahead of risk while driving drilling efficiency and delivering value for their clients.
‘Topdrill’s safety protocols and proactive steps to ensure safety and well-being stood out to us. These efforts really highlight how committed Topdrill is to the safety of their people,’ says Kale Ross, GM Safety of Ora Banda Mining.
Exploration drilling services
Renowned for their precision-focused approach and backed by industry-leading equipment, Topdrill specializes in reverse circulation (RC) drilling, diamond (DD) drilling, grade control drilling, and water well drilling. They also offer geotechnical services, including tailings dam work and site investigation.
Topdrill is proud of its reputation and partners with major mining clients, including Northern Star Resources, Greatland Gold, Capricorn Metals, Westgold, Ora Banda Mining, and Brightstar Resources, to name a few. Topdrill was also part of the discovery hole team for De Grey Mining’s Hemi Project and Spartan Resources.
‘Brightstar has chosen Topdrill for safety, professionalism, and efficiency. Beyond the rig, the support provided by Topdrill is second-to-none,’ says Dean Vallve, COO of Brightstar Resources.
Engineered for performance and, above all, safety
With a fleet of over 38 standardized Schramm and Sandvik rigs, and over 400 support trucks and light vehicles, Topdrill has designed a world-class fleet built for precision, power, and reliability.
Backed by an in-house maintenance team, live rig monitoring, AI-powered preventative maintenance servicing, and an aviation team to ensure rapid response across all locations, Topdrill is well known for its fleet of equipment that delivers consistent output with minimal downtime and maximum performance.
Built for success
Topdrill’s fleet is built tough, choosing only to invest in durable, high-performance equipment engineered to tackle any terrain. The inclusion of innovations such as hands-free rod handling, rod breakout tools, GPS location tracking, and live rig monitoring helps operators work safely and more efficiently.
With a dedicated aviation division, regional operations managers, supervisors, and on-the-ground fitters, Topdrill delivers unmatched responsiveness. Whether it’s a part, a person, or a whole support crew—if it’s needed on site, Topdrill can get it there fast.
Case study
Topdrill RIG05 experienced a mechanical failure while on site. Under inspection, it was determined that its engine had blown and required immediate replacement for work to recommence. The Topdrill field maintenance crew removed and stripped the engine. A replacement engine was sent to the site with critical spares, and a mechanic was flown in using the Topdrill aviation team. The new engine was installed, commissioned, and the rig was back up and drilling within 26 hours.
Trusted to perform. Proven to deliver.
The Topdrill name has become synonymous with safety and performance. Their experience brings an understanding of client responsibilities and a commitment to making compliance effortless through the continuous investment in proactive safety protocols and technology. By leveraging innovations such as real-time data and monitoring, Topdrill is able to mitigate risk, ensuring their people and clients are protected at every stage of the drilling project.
By harnessing data through their proprietary analytics software—Toplytics—Topdrill turns reporting into real-time actionable insights. Toplytics brings 13 different platforms into a single digital solution and helps clients make smarter, more informed decisions that optimize performance, mitigate risk, and achieve successful project outcomes.
Through the innovation of Toplytics and AI-powered predictive analytics, Topdrill can identify and resolve any potential issues before they impact productivity. This key feature alone has helped to reduce downtime by 77% over the past five years and increase drilling efficiency by 49%.
Backed by the best
Topdrill employs over 400 staff, a considerable expansion from its early days. The team includes skilled operators, experienced tradespeople, qualified managers, a dedicated digital and analytics team, and an extensive support crew.
With the development of Topdrill Drill School, Topdrill ensures all team members are highly trained and safety-focused. Their success isn’t just driven by their industry-leading fleet, but also by having the right people to deliver results, safely and efficiently.
Expert drill crews
Topdrill’s drill crews are some of the most highly skilled in the industry. Hand-picked for their technical skills and experience, every crew member works within a structured support system and is trained to deliver consistent performance.
In-field fitters and maintenance
Topdrill’s in-field fitters and maintenance team operate around the clock to ensure rigs stay operational and productive. With extensive knowledge and fast response times, they keep drilling programs moving to limit costly downtime in the field.
In-house support team
Exploration doesn’t stop at the rig. Topdrill’s in-house support team works alongside operations to ensure clients receive accurate, timely, and actionable information from the field. Through efficient systems and digital integration, Topdrill can streamline sample tracking, daily reporting, and data handover to support better decision-making in the field.
Safety and training specialists
One of Topdrill’s standout differentiators is its dedicated safety and training team, which ensures every team member is fully prepared, compliant, and site-ready. From induction through to continuous upskilling, Topdrill embeds a safety-first mindset across all operations and helps crews maintain compliance in dynamic drilling environments.
Driving culture and inclusion
Culture and inclusion aren’t just a check box at Topdrill. They have taken a proactive approach, setting targets and standards for accountability and growth. From attaining a triple ISO rating to the initiation of a strong ESG strategy, Topdrill is focused on doing things the right way, safely, responsibly, and with the future in mind. With benchmarks set across safety, community, and workforce development, Topdrill has committed itself to leaving a lasting positive impact on the environments in which the company works.
Topdrill is recognized for its inclusive culture, having over 20% female executive and senior leadership team members. Its community endeavors are also well-regarded, having raised over AUD 1.5 million in funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Kalgoorlie-based not-for-profit Full Circle Therapies over the past five years through its Resources Industry Charity Sundowner. Topdrill actively invests over AUD 200 000 each year in community initiatives, understanding that a strong community supports their families and business.
Their strategic local supply partnerships, such as first-choice procurement with First Nations-owned businesses, a commitment to a 40% decrease in emissions, and early investment into electrification all reflect a broader commitment to community and sustainability.
Case study
Traditionally, Topdrill’s mechanical fitters rely on diesel-powered generators, which present several challenges. These factors highlighted the need for a more responsible and efficient solution. So, in late 2024, the Topdrill team explored the potential of the Instagrid One portable power station supplied to one of Topdrill’s in-field mechanical fitters by APS.
The introduction of the Instagrid One improved vehicle space capacity due to its compact design, required no refueling or dedicated transport, and required no routine maintenance. Able to power high-amperage stick welding, charge a 12V and 8V battery, and support a Starlink unit for a full day, it is estimated that the introduction of the Instagrid One power station will reduce costs by more than AUD 12 000 over the lifespan of the product, whilst reducing emissions by over 20 000 kg (44 092 lb).
Topdrill’s journey, from inception through to building one of Australia’s most resilient, digitized, and socially responsible exploration drilling companies, is a remarkable story of grit, vision, and innovation.
As the company nears 20 years in business, one thing is clear—Topdrill continues to lead the exploration industry in safety, performance, and technology. Its people, culture, and community focus will remain the strongest pillars in a competitive landscape.
For more information: Visit topdrill.com.au
