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Industry Glossary Term

Bore Path

The planned underground route a drill bit follows during horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Subcontractors use bore path data to plan equipment placement, crew positioning, and utility clearances. Deviations from the bore path can trigger rework costs and schedule delays.

Related Terms

Compression

Industry

The mechanical process of increasing natural gas pressure for pipeline transport or storage. Subcontractors are frequently mobilised to install, maintain, or repair compressor units and associated equipment. Compression work is common in gas processing facilities, wellsites, and midstream pipeline operations.

Coal Bed Methane

Industry

CBM (Coal Bed Methane) is natural gas extracted from coal seams rather than conventional reservoirs. Field crews typically handle dewatering operations, pipeline tie-ins, and wellsite maintenance on CBM projects. Work is often spread across large numbers of shallow, closely spaced wells requiring frequent travel between sites.

Mine Reclamation

Industry

The regulated process of restoring a mine site to an environmentally acceptable condition after operations cease. For subcontractors, it generates specialised scopes including grading, revegetation, and water treatment work. Reclamation projects often extend years beyond mine closure, providing longer-term contract opportunities.

Walkover System

Industry

A above-ground tracking system used in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to monitor and guide a drill head's position underground. A handheld receiver walks the surface above the drill path, reading signals from a transmitter in the drill head. Subcontractors use this data to steer accurately and document bore paths for client sign-off.

Easement

Industry

A legal right allowing access to land owned by someone else for a specific purpose, such as running pipelines or power lines. Subcontractors must confirm easement boundaries before mobilising equipment or breaking ground. Working outside easement limits can trigger legal liability and project shutdowns.

Preconstruction

Industry

The planning phase before field work begins, covering scope review, site assessments, and schedule alignment with the GC. Subcontractors are often engaged during this phase to provide pricing, labour forecasts, and constructability input. Early involvement can improve mobilisation timelines and reduce costly scope changes later.

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