A Global Leader in
Drilling Services

Integrity • Innovation • Involvement

About Us

Foraco International is a leading global provider of related services to the mining, exploration, water, and geotechnical industries, with a fleet of over 260 rigs operating in 11 countries.

With over 60 years of experience spanning five continents, we’ve built a reputation for delivering complex drilling projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Our network-driven structure gives each region the autonomy and agility to make decisions quickly, ensuring accountability, clarity, and consistent results worldwide.

2,200+
Employees

260+
Operating
Drill Rigs

5
Continents

Our Commitment to You: I³

Foraco has three core values that are integrated into all of the work we do: Integrity, Innovation, and Involvement. Our commitment to these three values has been instrumental in our past successes and they are our commitment to you.

Integrity

From our field operations to corporate offices, we conduct business with integrity, respecting local laws and cultures. We prioritize the health, safety, and security of our employees while minimizing environmental impact. Our experienced team has earned customer trust by consistently delivering quality service at exceptional standards.

Innovation

As the world evolves, we evolve with it. Responding to economic and geological change with innovation, precision, and purpose. By combining advanced drilling methods with custom-designed equipment, we continually enhance performance and efficiency, delivering comprehensive and cost-effective drilling solutions for clients around the world.

Involvement

We value open communication that keeps every employee informed and engaged across all levels of our operations. Our leaders remain accessible to customers and staff alike, fostering collaboration and addressing concerns promptly. This inclusive approach ensures exceptional service, effective risk management, and consistent project success.

Our History

Foraco International commenced operations in 1961 manufacturing drilling equipment and exporting products to Africa and Brazil. During this period, the company also developed the first Vibro Percussive (Sonic) drills, which Parker Drilling commissioned to drill the support piles for the Trans Alaska Pipeline. By the early 1970’s the company had established itself as a Drilling Contractor in the Ivory Coast with a contract to deliver 800 village drinking wells. These early African roots led to drilling wells for the man-made water scheme in Libya and large (>1,000 well programs) in Mali and Niger.

During the 1980’s, Foraco underwent several ownership changes, including French oil Major Elf, who later transferred ownership to the internationally renowned French Geological Bureau – BRGM, following the oil crisis.

The current major shareholders of Foraco purchased the company in 1997, and after witnessing the China-driven minerals boom of 2004 – 2012, actively diversified the company’s service offering to include mineral exploration services in their traditional West African markets as well as water well drilling.

In 2007, Foraco was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:FAR) and established a Canadian drilling division. This was followed by the acquisition of Mosslake Drilling in Australia in 2009 (and later JND in 2012). FORACO later acquired Adviser Drilling in Chile and Argentina. In 2012, Servitec FORACO in Brazil was added to their growing global footprint.

Since 2012, Foraco has continued to expand and refine its operations across six continents, advancing in deep directional and large-diameter drilling while diversifying into water, geotechnical, and specialized drilling services. In 2021, the company completed a major financial restructuring, positioning it for sustainable growth and renewed focus on stable, mining-friendly regions such as Canada and Australia. In 2024, Foraco reinforced its North American presence by establishing Foraco USA, headquartered in North Salt Lake, Utah, to support both mineral exploration and water well drilling across the United States.

Our Directors

Foraco’s Directors bring together extensive experience in drilling, mining, and corporate leadership. United by a commitment to safety, innovation, and responsible growth, they help shape the company’s direction and ensure long-term success.

Daniel Simon
Chairman

Jean-Pierre Charmenstat
Director

Bruno Chabas
Director

Warren Holmes
Director

Jorge Hurtado
Director

Management Team

Foraco’s management team blends field experience with strategic insight to ensure every project is delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.