The Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) in Ambaji has begun using a drone-based Airborne Magnetometer known as “Magarrow” for a Geophysical survey for mineral prospecting and exploration.Piyush Shah, GM, GMDC, said mineral prospecting and exploration can greatly benefit from this new technology, especially when conducting geophysical surveys in hilly and inaccessible areas. It will greatly benefit the mining sector as it takes drones to the next level.
The drone is being supplied by Squadrone Infra & Mining, a Bengaluru-based company involved in aerial intelligence in mineral exploration, mining & infrastructure.
“Magarrow” is a UAV-enabled drone-based technology equipped with non-radioactive laser-pumped caesium vapour with a total field scalar magnetometer to map shallow and deep-seated virgin mineral deposits ranging up to 600-800m below from the ground level.
Cyriac Joseph, Founder and CEO, Squadrone Infra and Mining, said the use of this drone-based technology would bring about a significant shift in the current methods of mineral prospecting and revitalise mineral discoveries in the country, particularly greenfield deposits of lithium, Copper, Gold, REE minerals and other Critical minerals.“We can locate mineral deposits faster and more accurately in many inaccessible areas, harsh terrains, forests, deserts, farmlands, etc., without physical human entry into these areas. As it is a drone-based technology there is no need to build approach roads or disturb the ecology and environment of the mineral prospect areas. Additionally, mineral prospecting projects which traditionally take up 3 - 4 years can be completed within 5 - 6 months, with greater efficiency and accuracy, using this technology,” he added.Squadrone is also exploring and working with GSI and other mining corporations/ companies to deploy this and other futuristic drone-based technologies for mineral discovery and exploration in India.
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