Analysis and interpretation of magnetic data acquired with a rotary-wing UAS (unmanned aircraft system) for gold exploration

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Gold exploration in the Canadian boreal forest is typically done first at reconnaissance scale using manned**aircraft and helicopters instrumented with magnetometers. Prospective areas are later investigated in more**details by ground crews. Ground magnetic surveys are laborious and costly, and deliver datasets where the**coverage is irregular due to the presence of obstacles such as swamps and steep topography. Unmanned aircraft**systems (UASs) have much potential for gold exploration because they bridge the gap between**reconnaissance-scale and ground surveying. UASs fly closer to the ground and slower than conventional**manned aircraft. They also acquire very detailed, regularly-spaced data faster and without the difficulties of**ground surveying.**The proposed project will investigate the usefulness of acquiring UAS magnetic data as part of a gold**exploration campaign. A few test surveys have demonstrated that UASs instrumented with magnetometers can**fly safely, follow a regular flight pattern, and acquire high-quality data. This project will go further in that**magnetic data will be analyzed in unprecedented detail to lead a three-dimensional model of the subsurface. It**will take advantage of a 2018 survey done with a rotary-wing UAS in Iamgold's Nelligan property, located**60 km SW of Chibougamau, Quebec.**As part of the project, the effect of the wind and the UAS behavior in flight on data quality will be investigated.**The UAS magnetic data will be processed and presented as maps and cross-sections. Finally, a**three-dimensional model of the subsurface will be assembled, taking into account knowledge of the local**geology.