In drilling projects, purchasing decisions are often made by comparing unit prices: the price of a drill bit, a hammer, or a rod. While this approach may appear logical at first glance, it frequently leads to higher total costs during actual operations.

Experienced drilling contractors and engineers increasingly evaluate tools using a more practical metric: cost per meter drilled. This method reflects real performance in the field and provides a clearer picture of true operational cost.

Understanding Cost per Meter in Drilling Operations

Cost per meter refers to the total cost required to drill one meter of rock, rather than the upfront price of a single tool. It typically includes:

lTool purchase cost

lTool service life

lDrilling efficiency and penetration rate

lDowntime caused by tool changes or failures

lLabor and equipment idle time

When viewed this way, drilling tools are no longer isolated products; they become part of a cost system that directly affects productivity and profitability.

Why Unit Price Is a Misleading Indicator

A lower unit price does not automatically mean lower cost.

For example, a cheaper drill bit may appear attractive during procurement, but if it wears out faster, requires frequent replacements, or causes unstable drilling, the hidden costs quickly accumulate. These costs often include:

lIncreased downtime for tool replacement

lLower effective drilling time per shift

lHigher labor and machine operating costs

lInconsistent hole quality affecting downstream operations

In contrast, a slightly higher-priced tool with stable performance and longer service life can significantly reduce the overall cost per meter.

The Role of Tool Stability and Service Life

Two factors have the greatest impact on cost per meter:

1. Predictable Service Life

Tools that wear gradually and consistently allow operators to plan replacements more efficiently. Unpredictable failures, even if infrequent, can disrupt entire drilling cycles.

2. Performance Stability

Stable penetration rates reduce operator fatigue, improve drilling accuracy, and minimize unnecessary stress on equipment. Stability is often more valuable than achieving short-term peak performance.

From an engineering perspective, stability is a cost-control mechanism.

Downtime: The Most Expensive Hidden Cost

Downtime is rarely listed in quotations, yet it is one of the most expensive elements in drilling operations.

Every unplanned stop means:

lMachines are running but not producing

lOperators are paid without output

lProject schedules are delayed

When evaluating cost per meter, downtime caused by tool changes or failures must be considered as part of the total cost, not as an external inconvenience.

Field Conditions Matter More Than Laboratory Results

Many drilling tools perform well under controlled laboratory tests but behave differently in real field conditions. Variations in rock formation, abrasiveness, and operational practices all influence tool performance.

This is why cost per meter analysis should always be based on field experience, not theoretical data alone. Real-world feedback provides the most reliable foundation for cost optimization.

Cost per Meter: A Smarter Procurement Approach

For procurement teams, cost per meter offers a more strategic evaluation framework. Instead of asking:

“How much does this tool cost?”

The more effective question becomes:

“How much does it cost us to drill each meter using this tool?”

This shift in thinking aligns procurement decisions with operational reality and long-term project goals.

A Long-Term Perspective on Drilling Cost Control

Cost per meter is not about choosing the most expensive or the cheapest tool. It is about selecting tools that deliver:

lConsistent performance

lReliable service life

lReduced downtime

lLower total drilling cost over time

As drilling projects become more cost-sensitive and efficiency-driven, this approach is increasingly becoming the industry standard.

In drilling operations, unit price is easy to measure, but cost per meter is what truly matters. Companies that adopt this mindset gain a clearer understanding of their real costs and are better positioned to improve productivity and competitiveness.

Evaluating drilling tools through cost per meter is not just a financial decision—it is an engineering decision.