Xcalibur Smart Mapping to support sustainable mining and natural capital exploration in Bhutan

• Xcalibur Aviation (Australia) Pty Ltd will map more than 40,000 linear kilometres across the Low Southern Belt and the Thimphu-Paro region in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
• The results from the project will produce “Bhutan Natural Resource Prospectivity” maps created from newly acquired and already existing data.
• Xcalibur’s innovative mapping technology, data interpretation, and local training modules will revolutionise mapping and exploration in Bhutan.

Xcalibur Smart Mapping, the world’s leading geophysical exploration company, will team up with the Bhutan Department of Geology and Mines (DGM) to revolutionise geophysical data acquisition in the region. The project will involve two helicopter platforms to map more than 40,000 linear kilometres using Xcalibur’s innovative mapping and sensor technology.

The airborne survey will also be supported by detailed geophysical interpretation, training from Xcalibur Smart Mapping,  and separate field geological mapping, geochemistry, geochronology, resource prospectivity surveys conducted by the Bhutan DGM.

This integrated mapping program will produce geological and “Natural Resource Prospectivity” maps at 1:50,000 regional scale. The agreement marks Xcalibur Smart Mapping’s first survey in Bhutan, a country renowned for its rugged terrain topography and vast vegetation. Active tectonics, a fragile geological environment, steep topography and the effects of climate change make Bhutan highly vulnerable to geological hazards such as landslides and earthquakes. In this context, the acquired data can also be used to support valuable hazard mapping improvements and solutions.

Crucially, the agreement will also cover the development of training programs to enhance local expertise in mapping and geophysical exploration. As Xcalibur Smart Mapping continues to pioneer advancements in geophysical exploration, this collaboration underscores its commitment to reshaping the future of sustainable exploration, mining and resource discovery.