Drill Pad and Helipad Construction
Drill Pads and Helipads: Built Right. Built Fast. Built Safe.
Since 1987, exploration companies across Canada and throughout North America have counted on Minconsult to deliver drill pads and helipads that keep programs moving — no matter the terrain, timeline, or weather. We’ve completed over 10,000 setups across North America’s most challenging locations without a single lost-time incident, building timber-framed structures designed to withstand the harshest environments while meeting the tightest schedules.
When competitors quote weeks for mobilization and construction, we’re operational in days. Our crews don’t just build pads — we execute complete site preparation, from initial access and clearing through final deck assembly, ensuring your drill arrives to a ready-to-work platform. No standby time. No delays. No excuses.
Our Drill Pad & Helipad Services
Remote drill pad and helipad construction
Steep terrain and environmentally sensitive site preparation
Precision blasting and rock excavation
Helicopter-supported equipment transport
Custom deck sizing and engineered design adherence
Inter-tidal zone and alpine construction
Proven Track Record
In 2024, we completed 145+ structures for a single client’s expanded exploration program — an unprecedented volume delivered under extreme time compression. While managing pad-to-pad construction to support multiple active drills, we cleared and built sites across an entire valley system with zero delays attributable to pad readiness. Our crews worked through material shortages and weather challenges to ensure our clients’ drills never sat idle waiting for platforms.
That’s 24,000+ hours of construction work in 2019 alone, with zero lost-time incidents — a safety record we’ve maintained across every project since. When your drilling season is measured in weeks, and your program budget depends on metres drilled, you need pad builders who execute the first time. Flawlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you mobilize and construct drill pads for an active program?
We specialize in rapid deployment. While standard mobilization varies by location and access conditions, we routinely mobilize crews and construct pads within days of engagement. For urgent programs or time-compressed drilling schedules, contact us with your site location and pad requirements for a specific timeline. Our track record includes delivering multiple pads weekly to keep pace with active drill programs.
What types of terrain can you build pads on?
We’ve successfully constructed drill pads and helipads in steep alpine terrain, intertidal zones, muskeg, permafrost, and environmentally sensitive areas across North America. Our experience includes sites requiring precision blasting, helicopter-only access, and winter construction. If drills can reach it, we can build on it — safely and to engineered specifications.
Do you build to engineered specifications or can you adapt designs on-site?
Every pad we construct adheres to engineered designs and specifications. We maintain flexibility to adjust deck dimensions based on site-specific conditions while ensuring structural integrity minconsult.t2go.xyz/fullsite/ and drill safety requirements are met. Our crews carry the tools and expertise to make the necessary field adaptations without compromising build quality or the timeline.
How do you ensure safety on remote, helicopter-supported builds?
Safety isn’t negotiable. Our zero lost-time incident record across 10,000+ setups reflects comprehensive safety protocols, experienced crews, and proper equipment. We use custom-designed enclosed tool baskets with side gates for helicopter transport, ensuring equipment and materials arrive safely. Every crew member is trained in remote site safety, helicopter operations, and emergency response. Our approach prioritizes getting everyone home safely while meeting project deadlines.
Can you support multiple active drills simultaneously?
Absolutely. We’ve managed programs requiring continuous pad construction to support multiple drills operating simultaneously across large exploration properties. Our crew deployment model ensures we can build ahead of drilling schedules, prepare alternate sites when weather forces drill moves, and adapt to program changes without creating bottlenecks. We understand that drill standby time costs money — our job is to ensure pads are never the limiting factor.
What separates your pad construction from other contractors?
Execution. When we commit to a timeline, we deliver. Our crews are lean, experienced, and equipped to handle the unexpected conditions that come with remote exploration work. We don’t just build pads — we solve the logistical challenges that keep drills turning and programs on schedule. After nearly four decades and 10,000+ setups, we’ve seen every terrain challenge and weather complication. That experience means fewer surprises and faster solutions when conditions change.
Ready to Keep Your Drills Moving?
Your exploration timeline depends on having drill-ready platforms when and where you need them. Our crews are ready to mobilize with the experience and safety record your program demands.