In hard rock mining and quarrying, this is achieved through a controlled process of drilling and blasting. A blast hole drill rig is a specialised piece of equipment that creates a series of holes in a specific pattern, depth, and diameter across a section of rock known as a “bench.”
[pdf] But here is the silver lining: cheap, affordable geotechnical drilling rigs are plentiful and price with performance. In this buyer's guide, you will learn important considerations in choosing the best geotechnical rigs for small contractors and cost-effective soil testing strategies.
[pdf] The answer ranges from just a few thousand dollars for a manual rig to several hundred thousand for a high-capacity commercial unit. The right rig for you depends on your drilling needs, budget, and long-term goals. Choosing the right rig is about more than price.
[pdf] 
