The mining and drilling community is today mourning the loss of Mark McKay — founder and long-time Managing Director of McKay Drilling. Though details remain limited, industry networks have begun to circulate condolences, with one post describing the news as “deeply saddening,” and acknowledging McKay’s leadership and pioneering spirit.
McKay Drilling was established in 1990, and over the decades grew to become one of Western Australia’s most respected drilling contractors. The company specialized in reverse circulation, hydro and diamond drilling — delivering services to mining and resource exploration projects across Australia and internationally.
Under McKay’s leadership, the company built a modern fleet of high-capacity rigs, developed a reputation for technical excellence and reliability, and adhered to stringent safety, environmental and quality standards. His commitment to strong management systems and continuous improvement laid the foundation for decades of success.
Beyond rigs and revenue, colleagues remember McKay for his dedication to the people behind the machines. As one former associate put it:
“From pioneering deep high-pressure RC to building one of Australia’s most respected drilling brands … Mark excelled at everything he touched — always on his own terms.”
In 2021 the company was acquired by Major Drilling Group International, enabling McKay Drilling to join a global network while retaining its brand identity and core staff.
Though McKay will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the global drilling community, in the standards he set, and in the many professionals whose careers he helped shape. Tributes continue to pour in, celebrating a man who built not just a company, but a community.
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