Innovations in Airborne Exploration Geophysics. Benedikt Steiner

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1 Innovations in Airborne Exploration Geophysics Benedikt Steiner

2 What is exploration geophysics? 2 The use of the Earth s physical properties in locating geological features of interest to mining. Magnetics, Electromagnetics, EM, Gravity, etc. Source: BGR

3 What is exploration geophysics? 3 Alternative: intrusive investigation (drilling, trenching or pitting), but this is expensive. Geophysics is: Typically an order of magnitude less expensive Can cover a much larger proportion of a site on a much smaller grid Relatively quick and easy to mobilise, minimal environmental disturbance

4 Industry views 4 High-tech devices and geophysical surveys are very rarely of value in mine discovery. There should be an almost metaphysical communication between the rocks and the successful explorationist in which the rocks talk to the explorationist. If he turns part of this job of geological mapping over to a high-tech gadget, he may look good to uniformed management, but he is less likely to find a mine. Dave Lowell, Infomine.com, 2015 I do not agree.

5 Frontier Region: NW Zambia 5 Transported Kalahari sand in far NW Zambia (~100m thick) ineffectiveness of directly targeting soil geochemical anomalies strong reliance on geophysics & regional geology

6 Frontier Region: NW Zambia 6 Magnetics TMI

7 Innovations and Technology Wish List 7 Innovations will largely be based on the development of sensor devices and new airborne technology SQUID Airborne IP Drone-mounted local surveys Semi-automated and automated processing software and related computing power

8 Example: SQUID 8 Low temperature Superconducting Quantum Interference Device Highly sensitive instrument that combined with TDEM can measure extremely weak electromagnetic fields Particularly useful for finding buried metallic deposits (e.g. nickel sulphides) that are masked by conductive overburden. Enhances late time signal (depth).

9 Example: SQUID 9 Conductive overburden Lee et al. (2002)

10 Key references 10 Lee, J.B., et al Airborne TEM surveying with a SQUID magnetometer sensor. Geophysics, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, 82 (2), Weinstock, H., Overton, W.C., (Eds.), SQUID Applications to Airborne Geophysics. Society of Exploration Geophysicists, 206 pp.

11 Airborne Geophysics: Policy and non-policy enabling factors (Current Situation) Benedikt Steiner

12 12 Research & Development Currently R&D are the main technical drivers behind developments in airborne geophysics. Deposit type/ technology-specific EU Raw Materials Initiative 2008, Horizon 2020, etc.

13 Sustainable and Green Mining Approaches 13 The development of clean exploration methodologies warrants the development of advanced geophysical instrumentation (and software packages), ideally with minimal environmental impact. Tekes Green Mining Programme, Finland.

14 Sustainable and Green Mining Approaches 14

15 Sustainable and Green Mining Approaches 15

16 Sustainable and Green Mining Approaches 16 ArjunGUI was developed for the rapid inversion of airborne TEM anomalies caused by conductive targets of possible economic interest. One of the outcomes of the Tekes Green Mining Programme.

17 Other policies 17 EU Aviation Strategies and Laws National Tax Policies EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EWG See Part 3 Policy and Development Wishlist

18 Airborne Geophysics and Exploration: Policy and Development Wishlist View from an explorer in the field. Benedikt Steiner

19 19 1. Technological advances Innovations will largely be based on the development of sensor devices and new airborne technology (drones, 4D, analytics, IT) We need: Applied research to develop such technology Governmental or EU funds and initiatives to advance technology (Horizon 2020 et al.)

20 2. EU Aviation Laws and Acts 20 Some EU countries need to catch up with and standardise Aviation Laws. Aim: improve the legal useability of UAVs Regulation requirements involve keeping UAVs within the operators sight, not flying within <10kms of villages or airports and giving the aviation agency notification of every flight, even when done in remote locations. Fines can be unexpectedly high.

21 3. Licensing & National Tax Policies 21 Securing exploration ground is not straightforward everywhere, e.g. land ownership (UK). North vs. South. Relative ease of obtaining licenses in Scandinavia vs. challenges in central Europe (e.g. German federalism). Policies should aim to simplify and speed up the tenure application and management process throughout Europe. Tax benefits for explorers are also regarded as additional encouragement.

22 4. Role of Governmental Surveys 22 Provision of high quality, national/ regional geoscientific datasets free of charge and easily accessible for the explorer. Great examples: Scandinavia, Ireland/ UK, Spain Central and Eastern Europe are way behind and will have to catch up soon. Policy and financial support of EU and national governments.

23 5. Role of Academia and Education 23 Provision of hands-on geologists and geophysicists capable of running, processing and interpreting geophysical surveys. Increase focus on non-seismic research and teaching. Current students learn more maths than getting boots on the ground and generating targets. Getting fresh graduates up to speed: 5-10 months.