These Terms of Service govern all drilling, exploration, construction, and consultancy projects undertaken by STS Drilling and Exploration Limited (“the Company”). By engaging the Company, the client (“the Client”) agrees to the following terms.
The Company guarantees the structural integrity of the borehole for a period of six (6) months from the date of drilling completion. This guarantee applies exclusively to defects in casing, grouting, and borehole wall stability caused by faulty workmanship or materials. It does not cover:
The Client must ensure that the drilling rig, support vehicles, and equipment can safely access the site without obstruction. This includes clearing roads, providing sufficient turning space, and obtaining any necessary landowner or authority permissions. Any delays or additional mobilization costs due to poor access shall be borne by the Client.
The Company does not guarantee the presence of water, the borehole yield, or the potability or chemical quality of water encountered. All hydrogeological assessments are estimates only. The Client acknowledges that subsurface conditions are inherently unpredictable.
Based on real-time geological conditions (e.g., collapsing formations, rock layers, water strikes), the Company reserves the sole right to determine the quantity, type, and depth of casing required. The Client will be informed of any changes from the initial proposal and charged accordingly.
The Company may immediately cease drilling operations if, in its professional opinion, geological conditions become unsafe, unproductive, or technically impossible (e.g., severe cavity zones, artesian pressures, toxic gases). The Client shall pay for all work and materials up to that point.
If the project site is remote or requires extended operations, the Client must allow the Company to establish a temporary campsite (e.g., for crew accommodation, equipment storage). The Client shall provide:
Failure to provide these may result in mobilization delays or additional charges.
After successful drilling and completion (casing, screen installation, development), the Company bears no liability for any subsequent:
Geophysical surveys (e.g., resistivity, VES, TEM) for borehole siting will be conducted by an independent third-party contractor selected by the Company or the Client. The Company does not guarantee that the recommended drilling point will yield water, as geophysical methods indicate subsurface structures only. Any survey costs are borne by the Client regardless of drilling success.
The Company may attempt to flush or rehabilitate existing boreholes using airlifting, surging, or chemical treatments. However, the Company provides no guarantee of success due to unknown prior damage, encrustation, or collapsed casing. The Client will be charged for time and materials regardless of outcome.
Any changes to scope (e.g., deeper drilling, extra casing, pump upgrades) must be agreed in writing as a change order. Unforeseen conditions (e.g., hard rock requiring specialized bits, lost circulation zones, abandoned wells) will incur additional charges at standard rates.
The Company is not liable for delays or failure to perform due to causes beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to: extreme weather, floods, lightning, road closures, civil unrest, strikes, or government orders.
The Client indemnifies the Company against claims arising from:
These Terms are governed by the laws of Zambia. Any dispute shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved, the matter shall be submitted to arbitration in Lusaka under the Zambia Institute of Arbitration rules.
By signing a work order, making a down payment, or permitting the Company to access the site, the Client acknowledges having read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.
STS DRILLING & EXPLORARION LTD - 01/01/2026
