What’s Moving in the Horizontal Directional Drilling Industry

The Horizontal Directional Drilling Association (HDDA) hosted its annual Fall Conference in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, from October 22–24. The sessions focused on trenchless technology, mud-disposal regulations, workforce development, and safety standards in HDD environments. The conference also covered important topics such as call-before-you-dig legislation and compliance trends shaping the global drilling and trenchless industry.

In Bay County, Florida, a significant Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) project is underway — a 5,000-foot (approximately 1,525 m) bore for a 24-inch fusible PVC pipeline beneath East Bay. This project highlights the growing demand for long-distance, trenchless installations that efficiently replace aging infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Blackhill Energy LLC in Pennsylvania reported an inadvertent return of bentonite mud during an HDD pipeline installation. The incident serves as a reminder that drilling fluid management and environmental monitoring remain critical in every HDD project.

What These Developments Mean for JML Trading and the Western Cape Industry

1. Stricter Regulation and Compliance

The HDDA conference emphasised tighter controls around drilling permits, fluid containment, and environmental protection. For JML Trading — a company specialising in Horizontal Directional Drilling, Pneumatic Moling, Trenching, Manhole and Fibre Duct Installations across the Western Cape — this reinforces the importance of proactive risk assessments, fluid recycling, and compliant reinstatement methods.

2. Longer and Deeper Crossings

The Florida HDD project demonstrates how the industry is evolving from short utility bores to deep, large-diameter crossings. To stay competitive in Cape Town and surrounding regions, JML Trading continues to invest in advanced HDD rigs, tooling, and tracking systems designed for deeper and more complex installations.

3. Fluid Management Remains Critical

The Pennsylvania mud-return case highlights that fluid containment and environmental response protocols are essential. JML Trading ensures best practices in mud management and fluid recycling during HDD, Fibre Duct Installations, Trenching, and Pneumatic Moling projects throughout the Western Cape.

4. Expanding Opportunities in Fibre and Utilities

With the rapid growth of broadband and infrastructure upgrades, demand is increasing for FTTB and FTTH Installations and Builds, Fibre Floating, Splicing, and Cabinet Prepping, as well as Manhole Construction. JML Trading is well-positioned to support these projects through efficient, low-impact trenchless solutions like Horizontal Directional Drilling and Pneumatic Moling.

JML Trading Focus Areas – October 2025

• Review and update HDD processes: Assess fluid recycling and cuttings disposal procedures to maintain full compliance with environmental standards.

• Audit tooling and rig performance: Ensure HDD rigs, HDPE Butt Welding tools, and tracking systems are ready for deeper and more complex projects.

• Expand into utility and fibre infrastructure: Identify upcoming infrastructure and fibre contracts in the Western Cape, including Cape Town and Stellenbosch.

• Upskill HDD teams: Continue developing workforce skills in steering, trenching, moling, and splicing to deliver high-quality trenchless installations.

• Showcase recent work: Publish new case studies featuring successful HDD, HDPE Pipe Installations, and Hot Asphalt, Concrete, and Paving Reinstatements.

Industry Trends to Watch

Regulatory Changes

Emerging HDD regulations in the United States could inspire similar standards in South Africa, particularly regarding call-before-you-dig systems and fluid return management.

Advancements in Technology

Modern HDD equipment is increasingly incorporating real-time steering and bore monitoring technology, improving precision and reducing risk during drilling operations.

Fibre and Utility Market Growth

The expansion of fibre networks across the Western Cape continues to drive demand for FTTB and FTTH Installations, Fibre Duct Installations, and Cabinet Prepping — all areas where trenchless techniques offer a clear advantage.

Sustainability and Environmental Standards

As clients become more environmentally conscious, they are prioritising contractors who minimise surface disruption and follow best practices in fluid management and reinstatement of asphalt, concrete, and paving after trenchless work.