R&D&I

DEXPLORE is a European project spanning 36 months (October 2024 – September 2027) funded by the HORIZON-CL4-2024 programme. Its goal is to transform mineral exploration in Europe, focusing on the detection of deep deposits essential for the transition to a decarbonised economy. The project utilises innovative technologies, such as mineral detection with drones and advanced terrestrial geophysics techniques capable of exploring up to 600 metres in depth.

Xcalibur plays a key role in the project, leading the optimisation of airborne gravimetry with unmanned vehicles and the development of 3D models for a geological visualisation platform. This platform will integrate geological, geophysical, and remote sensing data, enhancing access to information on Europe’s critical resources while also promoting public awareness of these strategic materials.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

HELiCE is a 36-month collaborative project (October 2024 – September 2027) aimed at exploring and mapping lithium deposits in Spain, a crucial resource for energy storage and electric vehicles. The project combines traditional exploration methods with advanced aerogeophysics technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms to identify new lithium deposits in regions such as Cáceres and other areas in western Spain.

Xcalibur is working alongside organisations like the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME) to conduct magnetometry and gravimetry flights using drones and helicopters over the selected areas. HELiCE not only aims to meet the growing demand for lithium but also seeks to boost Spain’s mining industry, contributing to the transition towards electric mobility and energy sustainability.

GEMA is an 18-month project (August 2023 – February 2025) designed to develop innovative solutions that integrate artificial intelligence into the interpretation of geophysical data. Its primary objective is to create models based on deep neural networks that combine multiple data sources, such as geophysics (magnetic, radiometric, hyperspectral), satellite imagery, and digital terrain models. These models will enable the generation of ultra-high-resolution maps, enhancing both the accuracy and speed of geological data interpretation.

The project aims to reduce the time and costs associated with the manual interpretation of large volumes of data, thereby improving efficiency in exploration processes. Xcalibur is leading this initiative, which is part of a broader project focused on the development of artificial intelligence applied to geophysics.

We merge environmental data science, web development, and human-centered design to drive sustainability. Our data-driven approach ensures decisions are evidence-based and rigorously scientific. Leveraging cutting-edge web techniques, we create intuitive platforms empowering organizations to access, analyze, and share environmental data for informed, sustainable action.

• Automated selection of Technology application at regional scale to maximize detectability and economic value
• Integration of Geophysical and Geospatial Information
• Integrated data acquisition and data interpretation
• Data Driven SMART Interpretation
• Application of Machine Learning and data driven algorithms to provide integrated interpretation of multi-physics data
• Application of Machine Learning to Country Economic Models

Our R&D Team merges cutting-edge AI with earth science data, enabling rapid analysis and accurate predictions of environmental dynamics. By detecting patterns and anomalies in satellite imagery, we empower proactive decision-making for ecosystem management. Partnering with Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Stanford University’s Mineral-X program, we’re committed to safeguarding nature’s wealth for future generations.

Semacret is a project funded by Horizon Europe Program (2022-2024), coordinated by Oulu Mining School in the University of Oulu, and composed of 16 parties from 12 different countries including EU, South Africa, and UK with a total budget of 7.5 M euros, with the idea to develop sustainable exploration techniques for critical raw materials used in the green transition found in orthomagmatic ore deposits. This project  bridge the gap between academic research and the mineral exploration industry.

Specific objectives are:

• Generate improved ore models for orthomagmatic deposits that explain all petrological features of known magmatic ore deposits in the EU.
• Apply the new ore models to design geochemical and geophysical vectors that can be applied at regional scale exploration to delineate high potential areas in the EU.
• Apply the new vectors to generate drilling targets and delineate extensions to known magmatic ore bodies, enhancing the efficiency of local-scale exploration.
• Promote social awareness of the significance and responsible sourcing of raw materials in the EU.
• Generate comprehensive maps of the exploration and production potential for key metals hosted in orthomagmatic deposits (Ni, PGE, V, Ti, Cr, Cu) in the EU and key third countries, in line with UNFC and UNRMS standards.

H-MAS, or Hydrogen Mapping Airborne Spectrometer, represents an innovative project aimed at revolutionizing the approach and understanding of hydrogen as an energy source. Developed through a collaboration between Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Curtin University of Technology, H-MAS is designed to enable reliable, rapid, and remote detection of low concentrations of atmospheric hydrogen. This innovative instrument holds the potential to significantly impact the energy landscape by facilitating the transition to natural hydrogen as a clean and abundant energy source.

Specific objectives are:​

• Develop an instrument capable of long-range detection of hydrogen, facilitating the reliable identification of natural hydrogen resources.
• Enable rapid and remote detection of low concentrations of atmospheric hydrogen, supporting the transition to hydrogen as a clean energy source.
• Provide a valuable tool for the detection of hydrogen leaks from large-scale storage, production facilities, or pipelines, enhancing safety measures in hydrogen infrastructure.
• Leverage the expertise of the development team, comprising specialists in semiconductor optoelectronics, remote sensing research, ultrafast laser spectroscopy, and applied geophysics, to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the H-MAS instrument.
• Contribute to the global pursuit of a just energy transition by advancing hydrogen detection technology, aligning with the urgent need for sustainable and secure energy sources.

CONDOR AIRBORNE LAPLACIAN GRAVITY (ALG) is a collaborative project between Xcalibur Smart Mapping and Lockheed Martin Corporation aimed at creating the next generation airborne gravity gradiometer. This innovative instrument is designed to support the natural capital mapping and energy transition goals of the geoscience industry by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of non-invasive data acquisition and analysis from Xcalibur’s airborne platforms.

Specific objectives are:​

• Develop a novel next-generation airborne gravity gradiometer in collaboration with Lockheed Martin Corporation.​
• Augment Xcalibur’s existing technology to enable efficient and targeted exploration of natural resources.​
• Enhance sensitivity and resolution for mapping geology, detecting specific targets, and modeling data.​
• Revolutionize the way governments, exploration teams, and scientists use and integrate multi-physics data for informed decision-making regarding natural resource management.​
• Contribute to the protection of biodiversity and the energy transition by providing high-quality remotely sensed data through advanced technology.​
• Democratize access to high-quality remotely sensed data by leveraging the new technology and expanding Xcalibur’s capabilities in natural resource mapping and exploration.

Xcalibur Smart GeoMap is an advanced geospatial visualisation platform developed by Xcalibur that integrates geoscientific, geophysical, and remote sensing data with artificial intelligence technologies. Its aim is to enhance mineral resource exploration through tools that enable the efficient visualisation and analysis of large volumes of spatial and geological data.

Xcalibur Smart GeoMap is utilised in various international projects, facilitating the interpretation of geophysical data and decision-making in mining exploration projects in countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The platform is continually evolving, with ongoing improvements to meet client needs, integrating cloud solutions and advanced functionalities, such as automated satellite image processing and automatic report generation. Its flexibility makes it a powerful tool for managing geoscientific data in the mining industry.

The exploration of groundwater is crucial for the energy transition, as it ensures sustainable water resources necessary for renewable energy projects. We are further optimizing TEMPEST® for water, the world’s leading fixed-wing airborne electromagnetic system, specifically designed to acquire high-resolution, broadband, and fully calibrated AEM data for ground water exploration. This advanced technology allows for the mapping of aquifers, paleochannels and other structures relevant to managing groundwater at regional scales reserves. By accurately identifying and managing these resources, TEMPEST® supports the development of renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.