Top 10 TSP Core Bit Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers and Traders in Gabon

If you ask any local geologist for a TSP core bit recommendation, Gabon Drilling Solutions (GDS) is likely the first name they’ll ｄｒｏｐ. Founded in 2010, this Libreville-based manufacturer has become the go-to for “made-in-Gabon” quality. What sets them apart? They don’t just sell bits—they design them with Gabon’s rocks in mind. Their flagship product, the “GabonMax TSP Core Bit,” is engineered specifically for the country’s granite and gneiss formations, with a thicker diamond layer that resists chipping in hard, abrasive conditions.

GDS isn’t just about TSP bits, either. They also produce a range of diamond core bits for softer formations and even mining cutting tools for surface operations. But their TSP line is where they shine. They offer custom sizing, from small NQ bits (used for narrow core samples) up to PQ3 bits for large-scale exploration. Plus, their factory in Port-Gentil means quick turnaround—most orders ship within 3-5 days, a huge plus when your project is on a tight schedule.

Who are their clients? Big names like Gabon Mining Company and international exploration firms working in the country. They’ve even started exporting to neighboring Cameroon and Congo-Brazzaville, cementing their reputation as a regional leader.

Central African Mining Tools (CAMT) isn’t a manufacturer—they’re the middlemen who keep Gabon’s drilling sites stocked. This Douala-based wholesaler has a huge warehouse in Libreville, packed with TSP core bits, diamond core bits, and mining cutting tools from top global brands. Think names like Boart Longyear and Atlas Copco—brands known for reliability, but hard to source directly in Central Africa.

What makes CAMT popular? Their inventory. They carry everything from standard TSP bits for general exploration to specialized ones for high-temperature geothermal drilling. Need a 4 7/8-inch PQ3 TSP bit for deep mineral sampling? They’ve got it. Forgot to order mining cutting tools for your surface rig? They can deliver by the end of the day. Their prices are competitive too—since they buy in bulk, they pass the savings on to customers.

Smaller mining teams love CAMT because they don’t require minimum orders. You can buy one TSP bit or a dozen, and their staff is happy to help you pick the right tool for your rock type. “They once walked me through choosing between a surface-set diamond bit and a TSP bit for my project in the Chaillu Mountains,” one local miner told me. “Turns out, the TSP was exactly what I needed—saved me weeks of drilling time.”

DiamondBits Gabon is all about precision. This small but mighty manufacturer in Franceville focuses solely on high-end TSP and diamond core bits for geological exploration. Their claim to fame? They were the first in Gabon to introduce computer-aided design (CAD) for bit customization. Need a TSP bit with a unique cutter arrangement to tackle layered rock? Their team will model it, test it, and have it ready in weeks.

Their specialty is impregnated diamond core bits, but their TSP line is gaining traction. The “Explorer TSP Series” is designed for detailed geological sampling—think university research projects or government mapping initiatives. These bits produce ultra-clean core samples, with minimal fracturing, which is crucial for analyzing rock composition. They’re not the cheapest option, but for projects where accuracy is non-negotiable, DiamondBits is worth every franc.

Fun fact: They work closely with Gabon’s National Institute of Geology, testing new bit designs on the institute’s rock samples. It’s this collaboration that makes their bits so well-suited to local conditions.

Equatorial Drilling Supplies (EDS) is the trader that keeps things flexible. Based in Port-Gentil, they import TSP core bits from Turkey, China, and India, offering a mix of budget-friendly and mid-range options. If you’re a small mining operation or a startup exploration company watching your bottom line, EDS is where you’ll find value.

Their bestseller? The “BasicTSP” line—no frills, just reliable performance for general drilling. These bits aren’t designed for the toughest rocks (save those for GDS or DiamondBits), but for soft-to-medium formations like sandstone or limestone, they get the job done. EDS also stocks a range of related drilling accessories, from reaming shells to core lifters, so you can grab everything you need in one order.

What customers love most is their transparency. They’ll tell you upfront: “This bit is great for 50-100 meters in shale, but if you’re hitting granite, you’ll want to upgrade.” No hard sell, just honest advice—something that goes a long way in a market where trust is everything.

Gabon Mining Tech (GMT) is the underdog story of Gabon’s drilling scene. Founded by a group of ex-oil rig engineers in 2015, this manufacturer in Port-Gentil started small, making basic drill bits in a garage. Today, they’re known for their tough-as-nails TSP bits for mining operations.

What’s their niche? Mining cutting tools and TSP bits for heavy-duty use. Their “MiningPro TSP” line is built for high-speed drilling in ore deposits—think iron, manganese, or gold. These bits have reinforced steel bodies and extra-durable diamond segments, designed to withstand the constant pounding of mining drilling. GMT also offers repair services—if your bit gets dull, they’ll re-tip it for a fraction of the cost of a new one, which is a big win for budget-conscious miners.

They’re not as flashy as some international brands, but their bits are tested in Gabon’s mines, by Gabon’s miners. As one customer put it: “GMT bits don’t just drill—they work like they’ve seen our rocks before.”

African Exploration Tools (AET) is the regional wholesaler with a footprint across Central Africa. With a warehouse in Libreville and offices in Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, they specialize in supplying large-scale exploration projects. Their TSP core bit selection is impressive—they carry API-certified bits for oil and gas drilling, as well as specialized bits for mineral exploration.

What sets AET apart is their technical support. They employ a team of drilling consultants who can help you choose the right bit for your project. Stuck on a tricky formation? Send them a rock sample, and they’ll recommend a TSP bit with the perfect diamond concentration and cutter angle. They also offer training workshops for drill operators, teaching them how to maintain bits for longer life—a service that pays off in the long run.

Their client list includes international firms like Rio Tinto and BHP, but they don’t ignore smaller clients. Even if you’re ordering 5 bits instead of 500, their team treats you like a priority.

Gabon Rock Tools Factory (GRTF) is the local gem for small-scale operations. This family-run manufacturer in Oyem, northern Gabon, produces affordable TSP and diamond core bits for artisanal miners and community-based exploration teams. Their bits aren’t the most advanced, but they’re reliable, cheap, and made to order.

Founded in 2008 by a father-son duo, GRTF started by making basic drag bits but expanded into TSP bits as demand grew. Today, their “Community TSP” line costs half the price of imported bits, making it accessible for miners who can’t afford big-brand tools. They focus on smaller sizes—NQ and BQ bits—perfect for shallow sampling projects.

What’s inspiring about GRTF is their mission: to empower local miners. They offer payment plans for regular customers and even host free workshops on basic bit maintenance. In a market dominated by big players, GRTF is proof that small can still make a big impact.

Congo Basin Drilling Supplies (CBDS) is all about speed. This wholesaler in Makokou, eastern Gabon, prides itself on same-day delivery to mining sites in the region. If you’re drilling in the Ogooué-Ivindo province and need a TSP bit ASAP, CBDS is your lifeline.

They stock a mix of local and imported bits, including GDS’s GabonMax line and EDS’s BasicTSP. Their warehouse is packed with inventory, so they rarely run out of the most popular sizes. They also carry mining cutting tools, from carbide tips to trencher bits, making them a one-stop shop for eastern Gabon’s mining communities.

What customers rave about is their logistics. They use a fleet of 4x4 trucks to reach remote sites, even during the rainy season. “We once ordered a TSP bit at 8 a.m. and had it by 3 p.m. at our camp in the Minkébé National Park,” one miner recalled. “You can’t beat that kind of service.”

Global Drilling Solutions (GDS Gabon) is the international heavyweight in the room. As the local branch of a U.S.-based drilling tools giant, they bring global expertise to Gabon’s market. Their focus? High-end TSP core bits for complex geological projects—think deep oil exploration or rare earth mineral surveys.

Their “UltraTSP” line is the crème de la crème. These bits use advanced diamond technology to drill through the hardest rocks, like basalt or peridotite, with minimal wear. They’re pricier, but for projects with tight deadlines or high stakes, the investment pays off. GDS Gabon also offers on-site technical support—their engineers will visit your drilling site to optimize bit performance, adjust drilling parameters, and troubleshoot issues.

They mainly work with large corporations and government projects, but they’ve started partnering with mid-sized exploration firms too. For those willing to splurge on top-tier tools, GDS Gabon is the gold standard.

Rounding out our list is the Gabon Artisanal Drilling Co-op (GADC), a unique player with a social mission. This cooperative of small-scale manufacturers in Lambaréné pools resources to produce affordable TSP and diamond core bits for artisanal miners. By sharing equipment and expertise, they keep costs low and quality consistent.

Their “Co-op TSP” bits are simple but effective, designed for shallow drilling (up to 50 meters) in alluvial gold or manganese deposits. They’re not meant for deep exploration, but for the thousands of artisanal miners in Gabon, they’re a game-changer. GADC also prioritizes sustainability—they recycle scrap diamond cutters from larger manufacturers to make new bits, reducing waste.

What makes them special? Every purchase supports local communities. A portion of their profits goes toward training programs for young miners, teaching safe drilling practices and environmental stewardship. In a sector often criticized for exploitation, GADC is showing that business can be both profitable and responsible.