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Locating Drinking Water under Challenging Conditions
Volcanic ground is a challenging place to drill water wells. In central Nicaragua, situated on volcanic bedrock, only three of every 10 wells drilled produces sufficient water even for one household.

New Carbide Inserts for Button Bits
Rockmore International has developed a new carbide insert design for its button bits - the MultiPoint. This new carbide insert design provides multiple strike points. With the new design, there is said to be better transfer of energy for more effective rock fracture, and button wear should be reduced in even the most abrasive and hardest rock conditions. The MultiPoint design currently is available in 1/2- to 3/4-inch diameter carbide inserts, in Rockmore's DTH and top-hammer bits, 3.5 inches to 10 inches in diameter.

For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.rockmore-intl.com.

Trevi Group Expansion

The Trevi Group has completed the acquisition of three companies in three different geographical areas for a total initial investment of about $30 million. The companies are Arabian Soil Contractors Ltd. in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Galante S.A. in Bogata, Colombia; and Watson Inc. of Fort Worth, Texas.

The Trevi Group is a global entity in the field of soil engineering (special foundations, tunnel excavations, soil consolidation and the building and marketing of special rigs and equipment relevant to this engineering sector); the Group also is active in the drilling sector (oil, gas and water), both in the production of plant and the supply of services, and it also builds automated, underground car parks. The Group was established in 1957 and today has more than 30 branches in as many countries.

These transactions form part of a broader strategy of growth and diversification in foreign markets, which are expected - in the short- and medium-term - to experience development trends, which will be significant for the realization of important infrastructure projects.