Top 10 Electroplated Core Bit Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers and Traders in Papua New Guinea

When we asked around, PNG Diamond Tools came up more than any other name. Founded in 2008, this Port Moresby-based supplier has built a reputation for reliability that’s hard to beat. Their sweet spot? Electroplated core bits designed specifically for PNG’s mixed geology. We spoke to a geologist from a gold exploration company in Enga Province who raved, “We’ve used their NQ-sized electroplated bits in both soft claystone and hard quartz veins, and they outlasted the imported bits we used to buy by 30%.”

What really sets them apart is their local warehouse. With stock in Lae and Mount Hagen too, they can often deliver bits within 48 hours—critical when you’re on a tight exploration timeline. They also offer free samples for first-time buyers, which is a nice touch for teams hesitant to switch suppliers. While they’re best known for diamond core bits, they also stock a solid range of drilling accessories like reaming shells and core lifters, making them a one-stop shop for many small to mid-sized operations.

PDS has been a staple in PNG’s mining scene since 2012, and for good reason—they specialize in high-end electroplated core bits for complex projects. If you’re drilling in challenging conditions—think deep exploration holes or areas with high temperatures—these are the folks to call. A project manager at a copper mine in Madang told us, “We were struggling with bit wear in our 800m+ holes until we switched to PDS’s heat-resistant electroplated bits. Now we’re getting consistent core recovery even at depth.”

They’re not the cheapest option on the list, but users say the investment pays off. PDS also offers something many suppliers don’t: on-site training. Their team will come out to your drill site to teach your crew how to properly maintain and sharpen bits, which can extend bit life by up to 25%. They’re based in Port Moresby but have partners in Goroka and Kokopo, so regional support is strong too.

For teams operating in the Highlands—think Chimbu, Jiwaka, or Simbu—Highlands Core Bit Traders is a local legend. Founded in 2015 by a former geologist who knows the region’s geology firsthand, they focus on bits that handle the Highlands’ unique mix of schist and gneiss. “The rocks up here are tough and abrasive,” one drill foreman in Kundiawa explained. “Highlands’ bits have a higher diamond concentration in the crown, which means they don’t glaze over as quickly. We’ve cut down on bit changes by half.”

They’re a wholesaler at heart, so if you need to stock up on multiple sizes (BQ, NQ, HQ), they offer bulk discounts that can save you money. They also pride themselves on their “no-nonsense” customer service—no waiting on hold for hours here. Just a quick call or WhatsApp, and they’ll have your order on a truck to the Highlands. Their only downside? They don’t ship to coastal areas as regularly, so if you’re in Lae or Port Moresby, you might face longer delivery times.

As the name suggests, Coastal Diamond Drilling Supplies caters to the coastal regions—Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, and Kavieng. What makes them stand out? Their focus on corrosion-resistant electroplated bits, perfect for projects near the ocean where saltwater can eat away at equipment. A marine geologist working on a seabed mineral exploration project near New Ireland told us, “We’ve tried other bits that rusted out after a few weeks in saltwater, but Coastal’s electroplated coating holds up. We’re still using some bits we bought six months ago!”

They’re also known for their fast turnaround on custom orders. Need a non-standard bit size for a specific core barrel? They can have it ready in 10–14 days, which is faster than most international suppliers. While they’re coastal-focused, they do ship to the Highlands via third-party logistics, though it can take a week or more. If you’re in a hurry, they offer same-day delivery in Port Moresby and Lae for orders placed before 10 AM—handy for last-minute emergencies.

PMET is a relative newcomer, founded in 2018, but they’ve quickly made a name for themselves by focusing on affordability without sacrificing quality. They source their electroplated core bits from reputable manufacturers in Asia and Australia, then pass the savings on to customers. “We’re a small exploration company, so budget is always tight,” a geologist from a junior mining firm in Western Province said. “PMET’s bits cost about 20% less than the big brands, and we haven’t noticed a ｄｒｏｐ in performance. They’re our go-to for low-budget projects.”

They don’t just stop at bits, either. PMET stocks a wide range of drilling accessories, from drill rods to core catchers, making them popular with teams that want to consolidate their orders. Their warehouse in Port Moresby is open six days a week, and they offer online ordering through their simple website—convenient for crews in remote areas with spotty internet. The only catch? Their customization options are limited compared to some competitors, so if you need a highly specialized bit, you might need to look elsewhere.

NGDB has been around since 2005, making them one of the oldest players on this list. They started as a small trading company but now manufacture their own electroplated core bits in a facility just outside Lae. This vertical integration lets them control quality from start to finish, and users say it shows. “We had a problem with inconsistent core diameter from another supplier—some bits were 5mm smaller than advertised,” a mining engineer in Morobe Province told us. “NGDB’s bits are always dead-on spec, which makes our core logging much easier.”

They’re particularly strong in the geological drilling niche, with bits optimized for research projects and university-led expeditions. Their small-diameter bits (AQ size) are a favorite among academic teams doing detailed stratigraphic studies. NGDB also offers a recycling program—bring back your worn bits, and they’ll give you a discount on new ones, which is a nice eco-friendly touch. The downside? Their manufacturing lead times can be longer (3–4 weeks for custom orders), so plan ahead if you need something specific.

Bougainville Drilling & Tools is a regional specialist, serving the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and nearby islands like New Britain. If you’ve worked in Bougainville, you know the logistics challenges—rough roads, limited shipping—and this supplier has built their business around overcoming them. They maintain a warehouse in Buka and a small office in Arawa, so even remote projects in the interior can get bits within 2–3 days. “We were stuck in the Panguna area with a broken bit and no way to get a replacement,” a local exploration geologist shared. “Bougainville Drilling sent a driver over the mountains with a new electroplated bit—saved our project!”

Their product line is tailored to Bougainville’s geology, which is heavy on volcanic rocks and mineralized zones. Their “Bougainville Tough” series of electroplated bits has extra diamond concentration in the crown to handle the region’s abrasive ores. They also offer flexible payment terms, which is helpful for local businesses operating on tight cash flow. The tradeoff? They don’t have the same range as national suppliers, so if you need a bit for very soft rock (like alluvial sediments), they might not have the best option.

CDE is based in Port Moresby but has a strong online presence, making them popular with tech-savvy drillers. Their website features detailed specs for each electroplated bit, including recommended rock types and expected drilling speed, which takes the guesswork out of ordering. “I’m not a geologist—I just run the drill rig,” a contractor in Central Province told us. “CDE’s website has a ‘drill bit selector’ tool where I plug in the rock type and hole depth, and it tells me which bit to buy. It’s saved me from making expensive mistakes.”

They specialize in fast-moving inventory, so if you need a standard bit (NQ or HQ size) in a hurry, they usually have it in stock. CDE also partners with international brands like Boart Longyear, so they can source high-end bits if your project demands it. Their customer service team is available via live chat on their website during business hours, which is a plus for quick questions. The downside? Their focus on standard bits means they’re not the best choice for highly specialized projects—if you’re drilling in permafrost or underwater, you might need a more niche supplier.

WPDS is the go-to supplier for projects in Western Province, the Gulf, and parts of the Southern Highlands. They understand the unique challenges of drilling in the region’s swampy, low-lying areas, where equipment can get bogged down and access is limited. To counter this, they’ve developed lightweight electroplated core bits that are easier to transport by boat or helicopter. “We were drilling in the Fly River delta—no roads, just dugout canoes,” a geologist from an oil exploration company told us. “WPDS’s bits are 15% lighter than others we’ve used, which made moving them between drill sites a lot less of a headache.”

They also offer a mobile repair service—their technicians will come to your camp and sharpen or recondition your bits on-site, saving you the trouble of shipping them back to a warehouse. WPDS is a family-owned business, and users say that personal touch comes through in their service. “They remember your name, your project, even the specific rock you’re drilling,” one customer noted. The downside? Their reach is limited—if you’re outside Western Province, you’ll pay higher shipping fees, and delivery can take a week or more.

Rounding out our list is NDE, a trader based in Madang that focuses on connecting PNG buyers with international manufacturers. They don’t stock large inventories but instead source bits directly from suppliers in China, India, and Turkey, often at competitive prices. “We needed a very specific PQ-sized electroplated bit with a custom thread—no local supplier could help,” a project manager in East Sepik Province said. “NDE found a manufacturer in China that could make it, and it arrived in 3 weeks. The price was better than anything we could get locally, too.”

NDE is a good option if you’re looking for something unique or if you’re working with a tight budget and can wait for international shipping. They also offer import assistance, handling customs clearance and logistics so you don’t have to navigate PNG’s sometimes complicated paperwork alone. The tradeoff, of course, is lead time—standard orders take 4–6 weeks, and delays can happen. They’re not ideal for emergency replacements, but for planned projects, they’re a solid choice.