Varel International Expands Blast Hole Mining Drill Bit
Offering with Introduction of D-Force Series

(LAS VEGAS - 22 September 2008) - Varel International, the world's largest independent supplier of drill bits to the mining industry, introduced an all new line of high performance roller cone drill bits, the "D-Force" series, for the open pit mining industry.

The new D-Force series is engineered for highly abrasive and broken ground applications, often found in gold bearing formations as well as some copper and coal bearing formations. Advancements in this series provide added durability and increased penetration rates in the most challenging blast hole drilling formations.

"We are extremely pleased to add D-Force bits to the family of roller cone products we provide to our global customer base," said Speed Collingsworth, Vice President - Mining, Varel International. "Our success from the launch of the Ridgeback roller cone series at MINExpo in 2000, the introduction of Ridgeback Marathon bits at MINExpo in 2004, and our exceptional field service, has already earned Varel the top position in performance for mining applications worldwide. This new series helps to continue our legacy as the preferred choice by many of today's major gold, copper, coal and iron ore producing mines worldwide, as well as customers with minerals exploration, industrial and water well drilling requirements."

Features of the series include:
• Advanced Bearing Package- Bearings are engineered to minimize heating, providing a longer bearing life under a wide variety of operating conditions.
• Enhanced Shirttail Protection - Abrasion resistant Semi-Round Top (SRT) inserts are set into the Varel Sidewinder design, or "S" pattern, in the leg. This insert design, coupled with the body of the D-Force bit, creates an extremely strong gauge, beneficial for holding gauge while drilling ahead and effective in unstable/fracturing formations and collaring protection.
• Improved Cutting Elements - Precision cutting elements are further processed with Varel's patented High Energy Tumbling^TM (HET) method which produces a unique cutting structure surface that extends bit life and increases drilling rate.

D-Force bits are currently available in 6-3/4" (171 mm) through 16" (404.4 mm) sizes.

"Extensive pre-introduction testing on three continents (South America, North America and Australia) has shown an increased rate of penetration of 5 percent to 25 percent when using D-Force bits, with a simultaneous improvement of an average 25 percent in bit life," added Collingsworth. "This type of performance can significantly lower the cost of drilling, providing increased value which can easily be measured by the customer."

Jim Nixon, President and CEO of Varel International, added to Collingsworth's remarks, "The D-Force series of products are an expression of Varel's ongoing commitment to innovative product development and engineering. Our goal is to provide our global customer base with high value drill bit products designed and built to perform exceedingly well across the entire spectrum of blast hole mining requirements. We are excited to bring the D-Force series products to the market at a time of increasing customer expectations for speed and durability in their roller cone drilling applications."

About Varel International
Founded in 1947, Varel International is the world's largest independent supplier of drill bits to the global oil, gas, mining and industrial drill bit market. It is the largest supplier worldwide to the mining and industrial market, and the 5th largest supplier to the global oil and gas markets. Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, Varel services oil & gas, mining, and industrial markets with its comprehensive suite of roller cone and fixed cutter drill bits. The company employs more than 1,000 people and has manufacturing facilities in Carrollton, Texas; Houston, Texas; Matamoros, Mexico and Tarbes, France, as well as sales offices throughout the world. Varel's proprietary design capabilities, efficient manufacturing, and global sales force uniquely positions the company to provide high-quality drill bits that deliver excellent performance and value to its customer base. For more information, visit www.varelintl.com.

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