Major Drilling Indonesia is proud to announce the successful completion of an exploration drilling program with valued client, Sumbawa Barat Minerals. The exploration drilling program finished ahead of schedule, within budget, and with zero harm to all personnel and equipment. It also included social responsibility efforts that brought meaningful change to the local community.
Specialized Drilling Expertise at Work
The drilling program received support from 48 Major Drilling Indonesia staff. They provided diamond drilling services with heli-supported rig moves. From September 2020 to the end of February 2021, they completed their work with zero harm throughout the entire project during demanding conditions due to the region’s monsoon season from December to February. Through Major Drilling teams’ drilling expertise, the client received successful mobilization, set up, execution and demobilization even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jonathan Emmerzael, Operations Manager for Major Drilling Indonesia, says during the peak periods of drilling, the Major Drilling workforce included some 80% of local personnel who contributed to the successful completion of the project.
Local government officials, contracting staff and Major Drilling Indonesia staff celebrate completion of a renovated house in Indonesia.
“We look forward to one day returning to the West Sumbawa region to continue supporting our valued exploration partners,” he said.
Strengthening Communities
Locally employed Major Drilling Indonesia team members enjoy the view of the Sumbawa region as they work at the Sumbawa Barat Minerals Exploration Project.
In addition to empowering local employees for the duration of the project, the Major Drilling management team and site-based employees also gave back to the nearby community. They improved the homes of local residents and contributed personal protective equipment (PPE)—an ongoing effort to help mitigate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Major Drilling staff, led by Jonathan Emmerzael (center), join resident Rahmawati (in yellow), in her home in Menala Village, West Sumbawa Regency, Indonesia. Company contributions helped improve condition of the home. Photo credit: Lensa NTB
Major Drilling’s social responsibility efforts ran parallel to requirements and needs outlined by the Indonesian government. Emmerzael travelled to the municipality of Taliwang in late 2020 and met with local government officials to discuss areas where the company could best contribute and focus their efforts. The time in Taliwang also allowed a short visit to Menala Village to inspect houses which were in poor condition. Those visits sparked a plan to engage local contractors and start renovations to improve living standards.
From September 2020 to the end of February 2021, Major Drilling staff helped repair the two homes. Work included putting in septic tanks with plumbing, repairing and raising the roof height, installing brick walls, adding raised floors formerly of bare dirt, and adding a laundry and appropriate toilet facilities.
A home identified by the government receives needed improvements from Major Drilling Indonesia volunteers. From September 2020 to the end of February 2021, Major Drilling staff improved two homes like this one where they added septic tanks with plumbing, repaired and raised the roof height, installed brick walls, add floors over bare dirt, and a laundry and appropriate toilet facilities.
The work received attention from Indonesia news source, Lensa NTB, which reported that one recipient of the services, Rahmawati, a resident of Menala Village, was overwhelmed with happiness.
The November 6, 2020, news story states: “…she received the arrival of the boss of PT Major Drilling Indonesia, Jonathan Emmerzael, and his entourage who visited her home in early November 2020. She couldn’t hold back her tears when she heard Jonathan speak directly about the company’s sincere intention to make her home livable.”
Lensa NTB also reports how the Indonesian government Head of Industrial Relations expressed appreciation and said what Major Drilling has done to rehabilitate homes unfit for habitation is an example and can inspire other companies to do the same.
Emmerzael is happy to be part of it all.
“Our commitment to the surrounding villages is a meaningful part of our work with Sumbawa Barat Minerals and in the Sumbawa area,” he said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with our client, the government, and the local business community to bring help to people who need it the most.”
Major Drilling is committed to corporate social responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs as part of its work on projects across the globe.
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