Precision. Integrity. Ancestral Strength.
An Ilnu-owned drilling company.
Based in Mashteuiatsh, Québec, Canada.
Serving the mining industry across Nitassinan and Northern Québec.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Kuei,
First Nations Drilling was born from a vision — a vision that the Ilnu people of Mashteuiatsh would not only witness the development of our territory but actively lead it.
Nitassinan, the ancestral lands of the Ilnus who live in Northeast Quebec, is rich in mineral potential. For generations, we have known this land intimately — its rivers, its forests, its rock formations. Today, we combine that ancestral knowledge with modern drilling expertise to serve mining partners with professionalism, safety, and pride.
Our commitment is simple:
-
Deliver precise and reliable drilling services
-
Uphold the highest health and safety standards
-
Protect our land for future generations
-
Create skilled employment and economic opportunity for our community
We do not simply drill rock — we build partnerships grounded in respect.
David Gauthier
President
First Nations Drilling Inc.
OUR VISION & MISSION
Our Vision
To become the leading Indigenous drilling contractor in Québec and Eastern Canada, recognized for operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and meaningful community impact.
Our Mission
-
Provide diamond drilling services for exploration and resource definition
-
Support responsible mineral development on Nitassinan
-
Develop a skilled Indigenous workforce
-
Deliver value to mining partners through reliability and precision
Our Core Values
-
Integrity
-
Respect for the land
-
Safety first
-
Professionalism
-
Community empowerment
THE NITASSINAN:
RICH IN MINERAL RESOURCES
Nitassinan — the ancestral territory of the Ilnu — is located within one of Canada’s most promising geological regions.
Northern Québec and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean host significant deposits of:
-
Lithium
-
Tantalum
-
Phosphate
-
Niobium
-
Iron ore
-
Copper
-
Gold
-
Graphite
-
Rare earth elements
As mineral exploration intensifies in Québec’s Plan Nord corridor, First Nations Drilling is strategically positioned in Mashteuiatsh to provide rapid, locally based drilling services for exploration and for projects development.
Our proximity reduces mobilization time and improves project efficiency.
OUR SERVICES
Exploration and Drilling Services
Diamond Drilling
-
Surface Drilling
-
Underground Drilling
-
Helicopter - Borne Drilling (Fly Job)
-
NQ, HQ, and PQ Core Sizes
Geotechnical Drilling
Drilling Program Management
-
Mobilization Logistics
-
Camp Setup Coordination
-
Core Handling and Storage
-
Reporting Support
Our equipment is modern, well-maintained, and adapted to Quebec's northern climate.
OUR EQUIPMENTS
We use Drillco modular drilling systems.
Drillco systems are designed using the latest technologies, not by adding technology to existing systems. They are also capable of drilling all three standard drilling applications, including surface/skid, underground, and helicopter drilling.
The recent innovation of Clean-Tech technology makes Drillco systems the most environmentally friendly drilling system, which aligns perfectly with our Indigenous values. They also offer substantial fuel and electricity savings compared to conventional systems.
Furthermore, Drillco drills are recognized by Mining Canada as state-of-the-art drilling systems that meet government environmental standards.
OUR QUALITY STANDARDS
First Nations Drilling operates under strict operational controls, in compliance with Quebec mining and safety regulations.
Safety
-
Daily safety briefings
-
Occupational risk analysis (ORA)
-
Certified drill operators
-
Zero incident goal
Operational Excellence
-
Precise drill hole placement
-
Accurate core retrieval
-
Rigorous maintenance protocols
-
Transparent reporting to clients
Compliance
-
CNESST standards
-
Quebec environmental regulations
-
In the process of obtaining EcoLogo certification
-
Mining industry best practices
We aim for measurable performance, not promises.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Our land is not just a workplace; it is also our heritage.
We implement:
• Practices that minimize soil disturbance
• Controlled fuel storage systems
• Water protection measures
• Restoration of drilling platforms and site rehabilitation
• Waste management protocols
• Compliance with the EcoLogo standard
Each project includes environmental awareness training for the teams.
Responsible exploration today ensures sustainable development tomorrow.
HOW TO CONTACT US
Head Office:
First Nations Drilling Inc.
1020 Ouiatchouan Street,
Mashteuiatsh, Quebec,
Canada, G0W 2H0
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region
Telephone:
+1 (418) 251-1552
Email:
info@firstnationsdrilling.com
Website:
