Top 10 Surface Set Core Bit Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers and Traders in Iran

1. Tehran Drilling Tools Co.

With nearly 30 years in the industry, Tehran Drilling Tools Co. (TDTC) has cemented its reputation as Iran's leading manufacturer of surface set core bits. Founded in 1992, the company started as a small workshop in eastern Tehran and has since grown into a state-of-the-art facility spanning 15,000 square meters, employing over 150 engineers and technicians.

TDTC's product line is centered on surface set core bits designed for extreme durability. Their bits are available in sizes ranging from BQ (36mm) to PQ (122mm), with diamond concentrations tailored to specific rock types—from soft sandstone to hard granite. What sets TDTC apart is its in-house diamond processing unit, where raw diamonds are sorted, graded, and set using computer-controlled precision machinery, ensuring consistent performance across batches .

Beyond surface set core bits, TDTC is a trusted supplier of PQ core barrel components , including overshots, couplings, and core lifters, making it a one-stop shop for drilling contractors. The company holds ISO 9001 certification and is API 7-1 compliant, a critical credential for serving Iran's oil and gas sector. Major clients include the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO).

"TDTC's bits have never let us down," says a senior drilling engineer at a leading gold mining firm in Kerman. "We've used their 89mm surface set core bits in the Zarshuran gold mine, and they consistently deliver core recovery rates above 95%—even in quartz-rich formations."

2. Isfahan Geological Equipment Ltd.

Nestled in the industrial hub of Isfahan, this 22-year-old company specializes in tools for geological exploration, with a focus on NQ impregnated diamond core bits and surface set core bits. Isfahan Geological Equipment Ltd. (IGEL) was founded in 2001 by a team of geologists and mechanical engineers who recognized the need for high-precision drilling tools in Iran's mineral-rich regions.

IGEL's surface set core bits are engineered for versatility. Their 54mm NQ bits, for example, are popular among small-scale exploration teams targeting base metals like copper and zinc in the Zagros Mountains. The company also produces HQ reaming shells , which work in tandem with core bits to stabilize boreholes and improve sample integrity. What makes IGEL unique is its commitment to sustainability: 30% of its energy comes from solar panels, and it recycles over 80% of its manufacturing waste.

Certified by CE and ISO 14001, IGEL exports 20% of its products to neighboring countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, where its bits are used in cross-border pipeline projects. The company's R&D team, comprising 12 geologists and material scientists, regularly collaborates with the University of Isfahan to test new diamond bonding techniques, ensuring its bits stay ahead of evolving drilling challenges.

3. Mashhad Mining Supplies

For over 35 years, Mashhad Mining Supplies (MMS) has been the backbone of Iran's coal and construction drilling sectors. Established in 1985, the company's roots lie in supporting the coal mines of Khorasan Razavi province, where its surface set core bits became known for withstanding the region's abrasive shale formations.

MMS's flagship product is the "Khorasan Series" surface set core bit, featuring a matrix body construction that resists wear in high-temperature environments. The company also produces HQ reaming shells with tungsten carbide inserts, designed to ream boreholes up to 1000 meters deep. With a production capacity of 500 bits per month, MMS caters to large-scale projects, including the Tabas coal mine expansion and the Mashhad metro tunnel drilling.

Certified ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001, MMS prioritizes worker safety, with its factory boasting zero major accidents in the last decade. The company's after-sales service is another highlight: it operates mobile repair units that travel to remote mining sites, reducing downtime for clients. "When our rig broke down in the Lut Desert, MMS's team arrived within 24 hours with replacement parts," recalls a project manager at a construction firm in Sistan and Baluchestan.

4. Shiraz Diamond Tools Industries

A relative newcomer founded in 2010, Shiraz Diamond Tools Industries (SDTI) has quickly made a name for itself with innovative surface set core bits for oil well drilling. Located in the Shiraz Special Economic Zone, the company leverages proximity to Iran's southern oil fields to collaborate closely with drilling contractors, developing custom bits for high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) environments.

SDTI's "Persian Gulf Series" surface set core bits are engineered with synthetic diamonds and a proprietary matrix blend that reduces vibration, a common issue in deep oil wells. The company also produces PQ core barrel components made from high-strength alloy steel, ensuring compatibility with international drilling rigs. API 5DP certification allows SDTI to supply bits to offshore projects in the Persian Gulf, where its 122mm PQ bits are used to extract core samples from pre-salt formations.

SDTI's focus on R&D is evident in its partnerships with Sharif University of Technology, where researchers are testing nanocoated diamonds to enhance bit lifespan. The company's small but agile team of 40 employees prides itself on rapid turnaround times—custom bits can be designed and manufactured in as little as two weeks, a critical advantage for urgent oil field projects.

5. Tabriz Drilling Solutions

Serving northern Iran's water well and infrastructure sectors, Tabriz Drilling Solutions (TDS) has been a reliable wholesaler and manufacturer since 1998. The company's surface set core bits are popular among small to medium-sized drilling firms, thanks to their competitive pricing and ease of use. TDS offers bits in standard sizes (BQ to NQ) and specializes in carbide-tipped surface set bits for soft to medium-hard formations like limestone and clay.

TDS's warehouse in Tabriz stocks over 2,000 bits at any given time, ensuring quick delivery to clients in Gilan, Ardabil, and Mazandaran provinces. The company also imports carbide core bits from Turkey and China, providing customers with budget-friendly alternatives to premium local brands. While TDS may not have the advanced certifications of larger manufacturers, its ISO 9001 compliance and 24/7 customer support have earned it a loyal following among regional contractors.

"TDS's surface set bits are perfect for our water well projects in the Alborz foothills," says a drilling contractor from Rasht. "They're affordable, and if we ever have an issue, their team in Tabriz is just a phone call away."

6. Ahvaz Oilfield Supplies

Located in the heart of Iran's oil country, Ahvaz Oilfield Supplies (AOS) caters exclusively to the upstream oil and gas industry. Founded in 2005, the company has built a reputation for producing high-pressure surface set core bits capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of deep oil wells. AOS's bits are designed to operate at depths exceeding 5,000 meters, with diamond concentrations optimized for the hard limestone and dolomite formations common in the Khuzestan province.

In addition to surface set core bits, AOS manufactures NQ impregnated diamond core bits for detailed geological analysis of reservoir rock. The company's API 7-1 and ISO 29001 certifications are mandatory for supplying to NIOC and its subsidiaries. AOS's facility includes a testing lab where bits are subjected to simulated downhole conditions—temperature, pressure, and rock abrasion—to ensure they meet oil industry standards.

With a focus on long-term partnerships, AOS offers training programs for client engineers on bit selection and maintenance. The company's annual production of 1,200 bits is almost entirely dedicated to the oil sector, making it a niche but vital player in Iran's energy infrastructure.

7. Qom Industrial Tools Trading

Founded in 2015, Qom Industrial Tools Trading (QITT) is a young but ambitious wholesaler bridging the gap between manufacturers and small drilling firms. The company sources surface set core bits from established producers like TDTC and IGEL, then distributes them at wholesale prices to traders in central and southern Iran. QITT's strength lies in its extensive network of over 200 regional partners, ensuring bits reach even remote areas like Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan.

QITT also stocks PQ core barrel components , including drill rods and couplings, making it a convenient supplier for small contractors with limited purchasing power. The company's online platform allows clients to place orders and track shipments in real time, a modern touch that has helped it gain market share. While QITT doesn't manufacture its own bits, its ISO 9001 certification ensures strict quality control over imported and sourced products.

"QITT's prices are unbeatable for small operators like us," says a gold prospector from Yazd. "We buy 10-15 surface set bits a year, and they always deliver on time, even during peak drilling season."

8. Kerman Drilling Technologies

Kerman Drilling Technologies (KDT) was born out of the need for specialized drilling tools in Iran's copper mining region. Established in 2008, the company focuses on surface set core bits designed for hard rock formations—particularly the chalcopyrite-rich ores of the Sarcheshmeh copper mine, one of the largest in the world. KDT's bits feature a unique diamond distribution pattern that minimizes heat buildup, a critical factor in Kerman's hot desert climate.

In addition to surface set core bits, KDT produces HQ reaming shells with reinforced steel bodies to withstand the high torque of deep drilling. The company's 8,000-square-meter facility includes a testing rig where bits are put through simulated drilling trials using actual rock samples from local mines. KDT holds CE and ISO 14001 certifications and works closely with the Iran Copper Industries Company (ICIC) to develop new bit designs.

What makes KDT stand out is its commitment to local employment—over 80% of its workforce is from Kerman province, and the company runs a training program for young engineers interested in drilling technology. "KDT understands the geology here better than any other supplier," says a mining engineer at Sarcheshmeh. "Their bits last 30% longer than generic brands in our copper ores."

9. Rasht Exploration Equipment

Since 1995, Rasht Exploration Equipment (REE) has been a key player in northern Iran's gold and water exploration sectors. Based in Rasht, the company specializes in surface set core bits for alluvial and hard rock gold deposits, with sizes ranging from BQ (for narrow veins) to NQ (for bulk sampling). REE's bits are known for their high core recovery rates, a critical factor in gold exploration where every gram of ore matters.

REE also produces diamond casing shoes, which protect core bits from damage when drilling through unconsolidated formations like gravel and sand. The company's ISO 9001 and API 5CT certifications reflect its commitment to quality, and its client list includes international mining firms like Barrick Gold (through local partnerships). REE's small factory in Rasht prides itself on craftsmanship—each bit is inspected by hand before shipment, ensuring no defects slip through.

"We've been using REE's surface set bits in the Alborz gold fields for over a decade," says a geologist with a Canadian exploration firm. "Their attention to detail is unmatched—core samples are clean and intact, which makes our analysis much more accurate."

10. Yazd Core Bit Wholesalers

Rounding out our list is Yazd Core Bit Wholesalers (YCW), a trader founded in 2012 to serve central Iran's agricultural and small-scale mining sectors. YCW imports surface set core bits from China and Turkey, alongside local brands, offering clients a range of price points. The company's specialty is NQ impregnated diamond core bits , which are popular among farmers drilling water wells in Yazd's arid landscape.

YCW's warehouse in Yazd stocks over 1,500 bits and accessories, and its team of 15 sales representatives travels to nearby provinces to meet with clients face-to-face. The company also offers flexible payment plans, a boon for small farmers and prospectors with seasonal cash flow. While YCW may not have the technical expertise of manufacturers, its focus on customer service has made it a trusted name in central Iran.