This year, a major milestone is happening in Mendoza, Argentina, where Major Drilling’s local drilling experts are celebrating 30 successful years of operation. To mark the occasion, the Argentina Branch welcomed client partners, local government representatives, trusted suppliers and community leaders to celebrate this proud milestone—three decades of specialized drilling excellence, innovation, and community impact in one of the world’s most dynamic mining regions.
“The Argentina Branch is an integral part of our Latin America operations,” Ashley Martin, Major Drilling Chief Operating Officer, said. “It’s been a privilege to be part of Argentina’s mining industry since 1995 and win the trust of our clients who know we can mobilize equipment to their projects that best meets their needs from anywhere in the world. They know through the power of our global reach, we can operate under any geographic and climatic conditions unique to the region.”
The branch is a well-known partner in gold, copper and lithium exploration in Latin America. It’s joined by Explomin Perforaciones, acquired in 2024, and by branches operating in Brazil, Chile, Mexico and throughout the Guyana Shield. Together, these regional specialized drilling hubs offer service excellence with a long-standing reputation of satisfied customers due to well-maintained drills, deeply knowledgeable leaders, and teams of expert drillers.
Technical Milestones and Equipment Innovation
Major Drilling Argentina is the first in the country to deploy Starlink satellite internet, enabling real-time data transmission from remote sites. The branch also operates two SCX 750 rigs with 100% hands-free rod handling, aligning with the company’s Chile operations and setting a new standard for safety and automation. With AI and data integration, the branch has significant capabilities to integrate real-time geological data and core imaging through partnerships with DGI Geoscience and KORE GeoSystems.
Major Drilling Argentina celebrates 30 years of operations, bringing together valued clients and trusted suppliers to honor decades of partnership and success.
From left to right, Major Drilling Argentina General Manager — Yannick Lafreniere, Director of Mining of Mendoza — Jeronimo Shantal and Vice Governor of Mendoza — Hebe Casado.
Members of Major Drilling’s Argentina and Chile branches collaborate on setup of new equipment.
The team is preparing to further integrate Rock5 drill data analytics, which enhances performance through automated insights and measure while drilling information. These innovations position the branch as a leader in digital transformation within Argentina’s mining sector.
From Canadian Roots to Argentine Leadership
After fifteen years of operations, in 1995 Major Drilling established the Argentina branch as part of the company’s strategic expansion from Canada into Latin America. The branch quickly established itself in Mendoza, a region known for its proximity to key mining operations and its logistical advantages. In 2023, expansion to a service center in Salta sealed the ability to service thriving exploration activity in geologically rich Lithium Triangle region that spans parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile.
Drilling supports exploration at McEwan Mining’s Los Azules project in 2023. Source: Canadian Mining Journal.
Over the years, the Argentina team has supported clients like Challenger Gold and McEwen Mining at the Los Azules Project in San Juan province, one of the most significant undeveloped copper deposits in the world. The branch has grown to operate a wide variety of rigs, from horizontal to core sampling to robotic rod handling rigs, and has become known for its ability to mobilize across Argentina’s diverse terrain.
Leadership That Delivers Results
Under the leadership of Yannick Lafreniere, General Manager since 2021, the Argentina team has embraced a culture of innovation, client service, and mentorship. Yannick brings a global perspective shaped by his early start in drilling at age 16, owning his own drilling company by age 27, his aviation career in Canada, and his work across more than 25 countries with Energold Drilling before joining Major Drilling.
“I come from a family of drillers—from Quebec to British Columbia—I’ve always been around drills,” Lafreniere said. “I shoot from the hip. Intuition matters, so does listening to clients and building trust.”
“Yannick is an energetic force of leadership and growth for our Argentina branch,” Ashley Martin, Major Drilling Chief Operating Officer, said. “He leads by example, and with the confidence of his teams. We’ll continue to see him advance every aspect of his oversight including our strong leadership team of several formidable women, our cutting-edge equipment, and our culture of safety and innovation.”
Women in Leadership: A Growing Force
From purchasing to safety, women are leading key functions at the Argentina Branch. Their contributions are shaping the future of drilling in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Yannick Lafreniere at the 2025 PDAC Conference in Toronto.
Contributions of women on the Argentina team are a strong part of the keeping the branch operating at its full potential.
From left to right, Sofia Gallardo, Vanessa Lana, and Tamara Cerioni.
The management team includes Vanesa Lana, Assistant Branch Manager; Sofía Gallardo, Operations Assistant; and Tamara Cerioni, HR Manager, an exceptional group of women who keep drills turning behind the scenes. Their presence reflects the growing role of women in leadership at Major Drilling Argentina, as highlighted in recent social media campaigns.
Lafreniere said, “At the heart of our success is a top management team led by remarkable women in mining who are advancing the industry and championing careers that have long been widely unavailable. Recognizing their contributions is a big part of who we are at Major Drilling.”
Safety at Its Core
This year, the branch celebrates more than 2,000 days LTI-free. This is due to adherence to world-class safety programs, including TAKE 5, 10 Lifesaving Rules and robust Critical Risks Management, which help Major Drilling lead the industry in safety.
The conscientious management team enhances the reportability of personnel security activities through the Intelex App, visible leadership on the ground, standardization of drilling equipment, certification of qualified operators (welders, forklift operators, hydrocrane and road machinery operators), and training of personnel in First Aid and CPR through the Argentine Red Cross.
Team Spirit
Several original team members from the branch’s early days remain actively employed, contributing their experience and mentoring new hires including 29-year veteran of the branch, Financial Controller Laura Martin.
Among the newer additions to the branch is Diego Dahlbokum, who joined with more than 15 years in the drilling industry managing project contracts. Others, like Area Manager Agustín Fava, often represent the branch at trade shows and industry events. Maintenance Manager Mario Tello and HSEC Manager Alejandro Minni support and lead teams closely connected with the field.
What’s more, among the branch’s most beloved mascots is Flaca the drilling dog, who made appearances on Major Drilling’s social media and in the hearts of field crews. This presence symbolizes the camaraderie and family spirit that defines the Argentina team. Poignantly, Flaca’s final days coincided with the branch’s 30th anniversary celebration. Yet, her spirit will live on as the branch welcomes a new puppy in the coming year.
Vision for the Future
Lafrenier’s career is marked by a deep understanding of both technical operations and client relationships. Fluent in French, English and Spanish, he has built bridges with government agencies, supported ESG initiatives, and led philanthropic efforts.
Through the association with community involvement partners, the branch carries out a variety of donations that boost the local community. Aware of paying it forward with an eye on sustainability, the branch donates scrap metal proceeds to support nearby retirement homes and school supply sacks to children in poverty. Additional donations fund school support and recreational activities like local soccer teams.
With a strong team, cutting-edge equipment, and a culture of safety and innovation, Major Drilling Argentina is poised for continued success. The branch’s 30-year legacy is not just a celebration—it’s a launchpad for the next era of excellence.
Find the latest updates on our Argentina Branch on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
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MAJOR DRILLING ARGENTINA SERVICES |
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SURFACE |
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Core Drilling |
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Directional |
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Reverse Circulation |
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Rotary |
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Dewatering |
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Energy |
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Rock5 – Measure While Drilling |
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Automated Rod Handling |
About Major Drilling
Follow Major Drilling on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram to see company news and updates. Major Drilling Group International Inc. is the world’s leading provider of specialized drilling services in the metals and mining industry. The diverse needs of the Company’s global clientele are met through field operations and registered offices that span across North America, South America, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Established in 1980, the Company has grown to become a global brand in the mining space, known for tackling many of the world’s most challenging drilling projects. Supported by a highly skilled workforce, Major Drilling is led by an experienced senior management team who have steered the Company through various economic and mining cycles, supported by regional managers known for delivering decades of superior project management.
Major Drilling is regarded as an industry expert at delivering a wide range of drilling services, including reverse circulation, surface and underground coring, directional, sonic, geotechnical, environmental, water-well, coal-bed methane, shallow gas, underground percussive/longhole, and surface drill and blast, along with the ongoing development and evolution of its suite of data and technology-driven innovation services.
