- Drill Hole Orientation: Azimuth and Dip

Azimuth: The compass direction the drill hole is pointed, measured in degrees from north (0°-360°). An azimuth of 090° means the hole is directed east.

Dip: The angle below horizontal. A dip of -90° is a vertical hole drilled straight down. A dip of -60° is angled at 60 degrees from horizontal.

Why it matters: If a drill hole runs parallel to a mineralised zone, it may produce an artificially long, high-grade intercept that exaggerates the deposit’s actual size. Good drilling practice aims to intersect mineralisation at as close to perpendicular as possible.