The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Metal Tech News - November 6, 2024
ExoSphere leverages Fleet Space's constellation of LEO satellites, earthbound sensors, edge computing, AI, and geophysics to scan for hidden mineral deposits.
Gravity geophysical surveys, which can help identify potentially metal-laden rock formations that weigh on Earth's gravitational field, have been added to Fleet Space's ExoSphere mineral exploration solution.
The satellite-enabled and AI-enhanced ExoSphere mineral exploration solution has already attracted the attention of Rio Tinto, Barrick Gold, and other global mining companies that are using this subsurface imaging technology to discover buried deposits of cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, and other critical metals.
Fleet Space Technologies, the Australian company behind ExoSphere, has now added the capacity to carry out gravity surveys to the powerful mineral exploration platform.
ExoSphere – a 21st-century upgrade to the geophysical techniques that geologists have used to scan for mineral deposits for decades – leverages Fleet Space's constellation of low-earth-orbit (LEO) nanosatellites, earthbound sensors, edge computing, AI, and ambient noise tomography (ANT) geophysical surveys to scan rock formations buried up to 2,000 meters below Earth's surface.
By "listening" to the Earth's background vibrations, ANT surveys provide geologists provide detailed 3D images of buried rock formations – a useful tool for locating potential mineral-rich orebodies that can be further verified with drilling and other exploration techniques.
ExoSphere offers several advantages over traditional geophysical techniques when it comes to quickly and sustainably delivering high-quality 3D images of subsurface geology and then using that data to define targets for mineral exploration and deposit definition drilling.
These advantages begin with Fleet Space Geodes, which are hand-transportable, wireless, and battery-powered geophysics sensors that are easy to deploy. Once sufficient data is gathered by a grid of Geodes, these sensors use edge computing to partially process the raw information before transmitting the data to Fleet Space's low-earth-orbit satellites. This streamlined data is then relayed to a ground station that is able to deliver nearly real-time 3D mapping of mineral systems and AI-powered drill targeting with near-zero environmental impact.
When compared to traditional geophysical survey methods, which require stringing a network of cables to connect the sensors and physically transporting the data to a location to be downloaded, ExoSphere offers a much faster and more efficient end-to-end data journey, making exploration activities more dynamic and precise. This speedy delivery and data processing provides geological teams at remote mineral exploration projects access to real-time actionable insights.
The addition of gravity surveys to the already successful ANT surveys trusted by more than 40 industry-leading mineral exploration and mining companies is expected to make ExoSphere an even more powerful mineral exploration solution.
"Integrating gravity into our multiphysics offering represents Fleet Space's commitment to delivering world-class, end-to-end exploration services that complement and enhance the data-driven strategies of the global mining industry," said Fleet Space Technologies CEO Flavia Tata Nardini.
The gravity geophysical surveys, now offered as an ExoSphere add-on, measure variations in Earth's gravitational field caused by differences in rock density. Geologists use this information to pinpoint heavier rock formations that may be laden with metals.
Gravity geophysical surveys, which can help identify potentially metal-laden rock formations that weigh on Earth's gravitational field, have been added to Fleet Space's ExoSphere mineral exploration solution.
ExoSphere says the combination of ANT and gravity provides geoscientists with a multidimensional view of subsurface structures, allowing for a clearer differentiation of rock types.
"By simultaneously analyzing multiple physical properties, we significantly de-risk and reduce the uncertainty of interpreting geophysical anomalies by delivering a far more comprehensive understanding of the subtle and significant geological connections of the subsurface composition," said Gerrit Olivier, chief scientist at Fleet Space Technologies. "This integrated approach to multiphysics reduces false positives while also maximizing the quality of data-driven decisions used to pinpoint high-value targets, making exploration faster, more efficient, and ultimately more successful."
ExoSphere Gravity, which is available as an add-on to the ANT surveys, will deliver a clear picture of potential deposits of minerals that are increasingly critical to AI, robotics, and the clean energy transition.
"By leveling up traditional geophysical methods with ExoSphere's vertically integrated hardware stack powered by space and AI, we can maximize the value of multiphysics datasets like gravity and decrease cost per discovery, all while minimizing environmental impact," said Nardini.
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
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