MAGNETICS

Magnetic surveys are crucial elements of geological mapping projects. By measuring variations in the Earth's magnetic field, these surveys provide key data about the distribution of magnetic minerals in the subsurface. This information can reveal the dominant structural trends of geological provinces, the truncation of those trends at structural boundaries, and the characteristic patterns of suture zones. Major dike swarms can be traced over hundreds of kilometers due to their linear magnetic pattern, and the magnetic signature of basement rocks can often be discerned through the cover of sedimentary basins.

Decoors provides both drone-based and ground-based magnetic surveys.

Drone-based magnetic surveys offer a highly efficient alternative to ground methods, able to cover approximately 100 line kilometers in a single day. Despite the slight reduction in the magnetic signal due to elevation, the high density of data collected results in detailed magnetic images, with minimal noise from boulders and operator movement that are common in ground surveys.

Ground-based magnetic surveys, while more time-intensive than drone-based surveys, continue to be a valuable approach in mineral exploration. These surveys are conducted by operators on foot, who traverse a specific area with handheld magnetometers to measure variations in the Earth's magnetic field. Although ground-based surveys can't match the speed or coverage of drone-based surveys, they allow for more precise control over the areas surveyed and can provide a higher level of detail in certain contexts, particularly in areas with complex geology. They are often used in conjunction with drone surveys, providing a complementary dataset that can refine the interpretation of aerial magnetic data.

A combined approach, using both drone and ground-based magnetic surveys, offers the best of both worlds. Drone-based surveys provide a broad overview and initial magnetic map of the area, identifying regions of interest. Ground-based surveys can then be used to hone in on these regions, providing detailed, localized data to inform the next steps in the exploration process.

The choice between drone and ground-based surveys, or a combination of both, depends on several factors, including the size and accessibility of the area, the specific geological context, and the goals of the exploration project.