Aeromagnetic survey

The authors pursued their goal to develop a system of approaches in the organization of unmanned magnetometer survey, implemented for structural and geological mapping. The data for the research were collected within the project in the Neryungrinsky district of Yakutia. Based on the obtained materials, the authors carried out the analysis, modified the office analysis of magnetometry data as well as created a physical and geological model of the investigated area.

Given the pandemic environment, not every subsoil user is ready to organize large-scale on-the-ground geophysical works. This is due to both the uncertainty in the future cost of resources and the risk of disruption due to COVID-19. At the same time, we would like to cover large areas with surveys, so as to obtain the data and plan the works for the next field season. One solution is to apply geophysical survey methods using UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).

In June Geoscan geophysicists completed aerial photography and UAV aeromagnetic survey in Burkina Faso at the request of the gold mining company Salma International Sarl. The project geography covered northern and southern territories of the country, and the amount of work was 2 956 linear kilometres.

Burkina Faso is in the Top 10 African countries for gold mining. Salma International Sarl is a major player in this sphere, and it is focused on development. Today, the company management is committed to implementing modern technologies.

We are glad to inform you that we have completed UAV-based mineral exploration of a Siberian deposit. The project has become the largest due to the amount of the aeromagnetic survey.

Aerial photography obtained via the UAVs rapidly replaces conventional geological exploration on foot. This is a convenient way allowing to obtain significantly more data in less time.

The UAVs can be widely used during the mining operations. The drones are used to collect data for mineral output calculation and preparation of the corresponding aerial maps, mining management under conditions when hand labor is replaced by machinery within the framework of the hazardous and monotonous operations.

The paper presents the results of high-precision magnetic surveys by a quantum magnetometer using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The object of research was an area of 10 hectares at the archaeological site of Novaya Kurya in Western Siberia. Magnetic anomalies caused by ancient mounds with amplitude of up to 5 - 10 nT were revealed. The received information makes it possible to plan a strategy for archaeological study of this monument at a qualitatively different level. Same technology can be applied at any other archeological site.

Introduction