Developed from 2008 to 2015 as part of a University-Industry Partnership funded by Atlantic Innovation Fund, Research and Development Corporation, Husky Energy, and Suncor Energy Mission to investigate and develop technologies and processes for drilling and related activities, targeting oil and gas, mining, construction and environmental industries. Includes experimental, numerical and theoretical investigations, technology development, and field trials. Led by Principal Investigator, Dr. Steve Butt and multiple faculty members from several engineering disciplines and earth sciences, approximately 30 graduate students, 15 undergraduate students, 2 visiting scientists and 5 project engineers to date.