Companies Specializing in Geophysical Survey Services are a Good Investment for Mineral Prospecting

Mining companies in the prospecting stage source out airborne geophysical companies that specialize in conducting highly precise surveys and employ reliable data acquisition services, as well as precise interpretation capabilities. The success of a geophysical survey is dependent not only upon the survey itself, but the ability to interpret the data obtained accurately and apply it appropriately.

 

Mining companies conduct geophysical surveys to source out high concentrations of minable magnetic ores within the Earth's crust. These surveys can indicate the locations of commodities such as kimberlites, magnetic iron ores, petroleum, hydrocarbon, coal, and precious and base metals.

 

Services provided by an airborne geographical company include gathering and interpreting highly regarded data, applying methods that are cost-effective and highly optimal. Airborne geographical surveys secure geophysical data and test the ambient magnetic fields of areas that are widespread. A typical survey will provide a broad overview of a specific area's geology. In addition, it is possible to test and accurately measure the fluctuating magnetic signatures found in the Earth's crust.

 

Airborne surveys employ the use of aircrafts that undergo months of modifications that ensure the aircraft is "magnetically quiet” in order to conduct a reliable survey. Examples of these modifications include:

There are four key types sensors used in airborne geophysical surveys:

The above four sensors are unique in the information they gather. Magnetic data is generally acquired at a higher altitude and higher speed. Radiometric data is acquired at a low altitude and speed. Information on gravity is acquired at a rate of 60 meters per second.

 

In addition, a geophysical company should be able to field on-site geophysicists who review the flight data on a daily basis for emissions and quality control. Accuracy in data acquisition is of upmost importance as the results of a geophysical survey are often the facts utilized when mining companies decide to commence a mineral exploration. If the data is misleading, it can lead to wasted time and money on exploring in areas that are not profitable.

 

Most geophysical surveying companies are capable of conducting both ground and airborne surveys and will have appropriate equipment that will supply the most precise results for both types.

 

The most common airborne surveys conducted are airborne magnetic surveys. These surveys employ the use of a magnetometer that is either attached to an aircraft or towed behind. It works by testing the variations in ambient magnetic fields. In turn, it offers indication as to the location of minable magnetic ores in the terrain below.

 

Using an aircraft that has a fixed wing horizontal gradiometer, it is possible to conduct detailed surveys at low altitudes, acquiring highly accurate and precise data. These surveys have been known to pinpoint the exact locations of commodities such as kimberlites.

 

A specialized aircraft combined with an accurate data acquisition system increases the chances that the survey will be a successful one, potentially rendering valuable information that will lead to a profitable mineral exploration.

 

When sourcing out the geophysical services of a specific geophysical company, check the state of the data acquisition systems that will be used. It is good to look for the following characteristics:

Geophysical companies are able to apply their equipment to both regional and detailed aeromagnetic surveys, and are capable of interpreting the data in a readable and accurate manner. Regional surveys are used mainly in mapping surveys and detailed surveys are capable of acquiring data at a higher resolution. These surveys are conducted at a traverse line spacing of less than 500 meters and are able to detect concentrations of sought-after commodities in the Earth's crust.