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Xcalibur Smart Mapping completes 66,000 km airborne survey in France’s Central Massif

Xcalibur Smart Mapping has successfully completed a significant airborne geophysical survey across France’s Central Massif region. Since early July, this extensive project has spanned over 66,000 kilometres (30.000 km2), employing state-of-the-art airborne technology to capture crucial data for mineral exploration.

The operation has utilised two Cessna Caravan aircraft, each equipped with cutting-edge geophysical sensors. These specialised aircraft have flown meticulously over designated areas, gathering comprehensive subsurface geological data. This will contribute essential insights for future resource evaluations and exploration initiatives.

“Our survey in the Central Massif is a significant undertaking, where we’ve applied cutting-edge airborne geophysical technology to provide a detailed understanding of the subsurface,” said Víctor González, VP and Managing Director for Europe & North Africa at Xcalibur Smart Mapping. “By meticulously covering over 66,000 kilometers (30.000 km2), we are not only delivering vital data that will inform resource exploration but also ensuring that this knowledge supports sustainable management practices, aligned with both local and national priorities for resource conservation and environmental stewardship.”

Following the survey’s conclusion, Xcalibur is focused on the thorough processing and analysis of the acquired data. This ensures that the project aligns with the technical requirements of the stakeholders, delivering on both objectives and timelines.

About Xcalibur Smart Mapping

Xcalibur Smart Mapping is the global leader in airborne and mapping geophysics industry, providing comprehensive and sustainable solutions for mapping and assessing natural capital, renewable and non-renewable resources with +100 years of accumulated experience.

With over 1.400 executed projects and an astonishing total of more than 50 million linear kilometers flown, we have become global leaders across six continents. Our worldwide presence is underpinned by a fleet of more than 40 specialized aircraft owned by the group, all equipped with state-of-the-art geophysical systems. Our workforce, consisting of over 400 highly qualified employees, serves as the driving force behind our continuous innovation and industry success.

To learn more, visit www.xcaliburmp.com

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3D Hydrogen Plume Mapping with Quantum Raman Spectrometer


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Xcalibur Smart Mapping’s R&D team, led by Andrew Lockwood, has successfully mapped a hydrogen plume in 3D using our Quantum Raman Spectrometer. While conducted in a laboratory environment, this represents a significant step forward in remote hydrogen detection and mapping.

3D Atmospheric Hydrogen Concentration (values are volume fraction – max is ~3%) Note : Effect of air conditioner blowing air from right to left

Traditional methods for measuring hydrogen

Traditional methods for measuring hydrogen, such as electrochemical sensors, require direct gas sampling. In contrast, our Raman Spectrometer prototype detects hydrogen remotely, offering a more efficient approach. This capability is especially relevant for field applications, where direct sampling is often impractical.

H2 Gas dispersion model showing concentration in log base 10 PPM at an altitude of 60m with a gr

Importance of Hydrogen Dispersion Understanding

Hydrogen dispersion in the atmosphere is not yet fully characterised. Our team has developed theoretical models to better understand how hydrogen disperses under different conditions. This is a key step in interpreting airborne data and accurately pinpointing hydrogen sources during real-world surveys.

The Mali Natural Hydrogen Borefield
The Mali Natural Hydrogen Borefield

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Xcalibur Smart Mapping Expands North American Operations with Air Tractor Aircraft for Critical Mineral Exploration


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Air Tractor is renowned for their maneuverability and stability at low altitudes, which will significantly enhance both precision and accuracy in data collection.

 

Air Tractor aircraft

Xcalibur Smart Mapping, the global leader in airborne geophysics, with over 40 aircrafts, today announced a significant expansion of its North American operations with the addition of Air Tractor aircraft to its fleet. These specialized aircraft will be deployed in Canada and the United States to conduct low-level, high-resolution surveys aimed at accelerating the discovery and development of critical minerals essential for the transition to a sustainable energy future. 

With a proven track record of over 1,400 successful projects across six continents, Xcalibur Smart Mapping continues to lead in providing innovative geophysical solutions for mapping and assessing natural resources. This milestone is the result of a collaborative effort between teams from South Africa and Canada, leveraging Canada’s extensive experience in aerial surveys and ensuring compliance with local safety and data quality standards. 

The introduction of Air Tractor aircraft, renowned for their maneuverability and stability at low altitudes, significantly enhances the company’s ability to deliver precise and detailed data for critical mineral exploration projects. After two years of dedicated work and recognizing the sector’s need for more efficient geophysical surveys, Xcalibur Smart Mapping developed an Air Tractor capable of geophysical survey equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank to extend aircraft endurance. This groundbreaking project was made possible through collaboration with Metal Innovations Aero in Oregon, USA. 

The Air Tractor is approved for low-level geophysical survey with MAG/RAD (Magnetics and Radiometric) and iCORUS technology, allowing for greater accuracy in data collection, particularly in areas with challenging topography. The high-resolution surveys conducted by Xcalibur Smart Mapping will provide valuable insights into the distribution and concentration of critical minerals, aiding in the identification of potential deposits and informing resource development strategies. 

“We are thrilled to expand our operations in North America with the addition of Air Tractor aircraft,” said Andres Blanco, CEO of Xcalibur Smart Mapping. “These aircraft, combined with our state-of-the-art geophysical technology and expertise, will enable us to conduct surveys with unprecedented precision, contributing to the responsible discovery and development of critical minerals vital for a sustainable future.” 

Davin Allen, Managing Director – Americas of Xcalibur Smart Mapping, noted, “The Air Tractor is the ideal aircraft for geophysical survey given its powerful turbine engine enabling better terrain following. The aircraft also has superior situational awareness with a ‘heads up’ display mounted outside the cockpit and superior safety features such as a built-in safety cage around the cockpit and airbags incorporated into the 5-point restraint harness.” 

Securing the modified aircraft approvals was a significant milestone, as this Air Tractor will now be able to develop projects anywhere in the world, facilitating the detection of critical minerals necessary for the energy transition. The complexities involved were enormous, but the benefits for both the industry and the environment are substantial. 

Xcalibur Smart Mapping’s clients include the USGS as well as major and junior mining clients in Canada exploring for critical minerals. By improving the efficiency of aerial surveys, the company is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future. This innovation not only supports the detection of critical minerals but also contributes to the broader goal of environmental conservation and efficient resource management. 

Committed to responsible and sustainable resource development practices, Xcalibur Smart Mapping ensures that its geophysical surveys minimize environmental impact while maximizing data quality, ensuring that critical mineral exploration is conducted with utmost care for surrounding ecosystems.  

The expansion of Xcalibur Smart Mapping’s North American operations and the deployment of Air Tractor aircraft represent a significant milestone in the company’s mission to unlock natural capital responsibly and accelerate the global transition to a sustainable energy economy. 

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Xcalibur Smart Mapping delivers data for 2023 project to National Geological Survey of Mongolia 


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OVER 600M DEPTH IMAGING ACHIEVED WITH HELITEM2 SYSTEM  

THE PROJECT COVERS AN EXTENSIVE AREA WITH 500M LINE SPACING IN A METALLOGENIC ZONE SOUTH OF THE WORLD-CLASS OYU TOLGOI COPPER MINE. 

DATA ACQUISITION INCLUDES LOW BASE FREQUENCY HELITEM2, MAGNETIC, AND RADIOMETRIC SURVEYS 

 

Xcalibur Smart Mapping has successfully delivered a comprehensive set of geophysical data to the National Geological Survey of Mongolia for the 2023 project. The data, gathered from the Khanbogd project area in Omnogovi Province, includes advanced Helitem2 electromagnetic, magnetic, and radiometric surveys. This project marks a significant milestone in Xcalibur’s ongoing collaboration with Mongolia’s geological research efforts, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, detailed mapping solutions for critical raw materials exploration. The project’s primary objective was to map the location and extent of conductive lithologies associated with base metal mineralization, identifying high conductance targets from near surface to substantial depths. 

Andrés Blanco, CEO, has expressed his satisfaction with Xcalibur Smart Mapping’s contribution to the sustainable development of Mongolia’s natural resources. “We are thrilled to have successfully delivered comprehensive geophysical data for the 2023 Khanbogd project to the National Geological Survey of Mongolia,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of the detailed data and high-resolution imaging achieved with the Helitem2 system in providing innovative and effective tools for critical raw materials exploration. He concluded by expressing his anticipation for continued collaboration with Mongolia. 

Teo Hage, CEO of Xcalibur Smart Mapping Australia, added that “This project represents a significant achievement for our team. The data acquired from the Khanbogd project area is instrumental in identifying conductive lithologies associated with base metal mineralization, ensuring precise targeting of both deep and shallow structures; we are proud to support Mongolia’s exploration initiatives with reliable and detailed geophysical data.” 

Project highlights and technical details 

Survey Equipment: Xcalibur deployed its proprietary Helitem2 system, known for its deep imaging capabilities. Its 35m transmitter loop and concentric receiver ensures low noise, high signal and high resolution. The Helitem2 system works by sending out a powerful pulse of 560,000 Am2 and operates at a low base frequency of 6.25 Hz. This allows it to create detailed images of the underground structures across the entire survey area, reaching depths of over 600 meters depending on the conditions. Importantly, this technology can provide clear and precise images of both deep and shallow targets, ensuring that even the most subtle details are not missed. 

Data Types Acquired: The survey captured Helitem2 electromagnetic data, helicopter magnetic data, and helicopter radiometric data, providing a comprehensive geophysical profile of the survey area, from the very near surface to significant depths. 

Project Area: The survey covered the MMHI’s Khanbogd project area, as detailed in the attached KML file compatible with Google Earth. 

Xcalibur’s industry-leading quality assurance procedures and specialized PC-based processing software ensured the production of preliminary geophysical products during the survey. Our commitment to safety was upheld through a rigorous Safety Management System, with a comprehensive Project Safety Plan and ongoing safety meetings throughout the survey. 

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Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Stanford University Initiate a pioneer AI and machine learning Project for the Energy Transition


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Xcalibur Smart Mapping, Stanford University in collaboration with Mineral-X, are launching a pioneering project to revolutionize the mapping of natural capital using cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning. This initiative addresses critical challenges in large-scale natural capital mapping and will play a key role in the global energy transition.

Both AI and machine learning algorithms will enable Xcalibur to offer its clients higher-value-added products for utilizing their natural resources, with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and environmental respect.

The AI Lab that both research teams are developing aims to transform the mapping of natural capital on a global scale. This pioneering project will address key challenges of country mapping in integrating geophysical and borehole data, and in quantitively geological interpretation using advanced artificial intelligence techniques. Additionally, the lab will focus on automating the generation of labeled data and creating accurate economic models as part of the Smart Regional Interpretation Solution for the sustainable management of natural resources, thus supporting the global energy transition.

The project will tackle several major challenges, including integrating geophysical and borehole data into actionable formats like 3D geological and prospectivity maps at large scale, effectively capturing and using qualitative geological interpretations in machine learning applications, and Large Dataset Management with advanced software and computational infrastructure.

To address these challenges, this collaboration will develop Innovative Spatial Information Methods including Automated Spatial Domaining and Interactive Training Label Generation. We will further advance 3D Multiphysics Inversion and 3D Mineral Prospectivity Mapping and develop Economic Models for Natural Resources and Smart Regional Interpretation. All research developments will be transformed into Xcalibur Smart Mapping systems with Advanced Software and Infrastructures.

“This collaboration between Stanford and Xcalibur Smart Mapping not only represents a significant advancement in the Smart Country Mapping Solution.  The application of artificial intelligence in aerial geophysics also underscores our shared commitment to preserving and understanding our planet’s natural capital. Through the synergy of scientific knowledge and innovative technology, we are charting a path towards a future where the study of natural capital is not only more accurate, but also more sustainable, enabling us to protect and harness our resources more effectively for future generations” has stated Jorge Urios. Innovation Director at Xcalibur Smart Mapping.

Teo Hage, Head of Technology at Xcalibur Smart Mapping, commented: this collaboration with Stanford is, on one hand, a significant boost to our Smart Country Mapping solution; on the other, the combination of our new sensor technologies and machine learning solutions is charting the path towards a future where the surveying of natural capital, at scale, is quick and accurate  

“Mineral-X is delighted to contribute Xcalibur’s mission to map country-scale natural resources. In this project, we will collaborate to develop new technology based on 3D modeling, artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate and facilitate the expedient processing of geophysical data directly into a three-dimensional view of a country’s subsurface resources”, has added Jef Caers, Director and Professor at Mineral-X, Stanford University are the project leaders.

“We have established our own AI Lab to develop innovative services for our clients, and the agreement with Stanford will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities by leveraging cutting-edge research. This collaboration will enable us to offer higher value-added products for the optimal utilization of natural resources, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and environmental stewardship”, expressed Andrés Blanco, CEO at Xcalibur Smart Mapping.

 

About Stanford University

Stanford was founded almost 150 years ago on a bedrock of societal purpose. Our mission is to contribute to the world by educating students for lives of leadership and contribution with integrity; advancing fundamental knowledge and cultivating creativity; and accelerating solutions and amplifying their impact.

 

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