QUAMINEX - a drone deployed integrated gravity/ magnetics measurement system for mineral exploration

对新矿产资源的需求是能源从碳氢化合物过渡的关键。不幸的是，许多容易找到的矿藏已经被开采，这给世界带来了寻找新的电池和电气化矿藏的挑战。长期以来，磁性和重力传感一直被认为是探测矿藏的工具，但目前的传感器存在操作局限性，在使用时需要独立部署。SB Quantum利用氮空位金刚石的量子特性，开发了一种尖端的量子磁力计，该磁力计提供矢量分析，无需仔细定位。紧凑和坚固的传感器可以安装到自动驾驶汽车中。然而，磁力测量提供了一个非唯一的解决方案，因此使用额外的传感器来补充磁力测量是很重要的。重力测量已经在采矿业中使用了很多年，但是使用传统技术部署起来既耗时又昂贵。它们不能通过无人机/ ATV部署或与其他测量相结合。SMG开发了基于专有谐振MEMS传感器的下一代重力传感器。MEMS传感器体积小，重量轻，更坚固，功耗低，灵敏度非常高。手持式便携式重力仪的现场试验将于2023年下半年开始，一系列行业已表现出浓厚的兴趣。该项目将在无人机部署解决方案中结合联合收割机这两种技术，以加快这两种新技术的采用。无人机将被要求着陆以进行静态重力测量，但将有能力在商业上可行的时间尺度内以显著的粒度测量大面积区域。重力和磁力传感器合用同一地点不仅有利于及时进行调查，而且有利于数据解释。将Quantum和MEMS技术结合在一个集成包中将加快量子技术的采用。将这两种技术结合到无人机安装的采集系统中将需要解决诸如无人机和重力仪对磁测量的影响等问题，并需要减轻影响。对于重力仪来说，高精度的自动调平和高程测量是至关重要的。该联合体已与必和必拓等主要矿业公司和加拿大地质学会等组织确认了项目目标，并将成立一个客户指导小组。

The need for new mineral resources is key to the energy transition away from hydrocarbons. Unfortunately many of the easy to find mineral deposits have been already exploited leaving the world with the challenge of finding new deposits for batteries and electrification. Magnetic and gravity sensing have long been identified as tools for detecting mineral deposits, but current sensors have operational limitations and when used, are deployed independently.Exploiting quantum properties in nitrogen vacancy diamonds, SB Quantum have developed a cutting-edge quantum magnetometer which provides vector analysis removing the need for careful orientation. The compact and rugged sensors can be fitted into autonomous vehicles. However magnetometry provides a non-unique solution so complimenting the magnetometry measurement with additional sensors is important.Gravity surveys have been used in the mining industry for many years but with traditional technology are time consuming and expensive to deploy. They cannot be deployed via drone / ATV or combined with other measurements. SMG have developed a next generation gravity sensor based on proprietary resonant MEMS sensors. The MEMS sensors are small, lightweight, more robust and low power consumption with very high sensitivity. Field trials of the hand portable gravimeter will start in the second half of 2023 with strong interest already demonstrated from a range of industries.This project will combine the two technologies in a drone deployed solution in order to expedite the adoption of both new technologies. The drone will be required to land to take stationary gravity measurements but will have the ability to survey large areas with significant granularity in commercially viable timescales. The co-location of gravity and magnetic sensors will bring benefits not only in time to survey but also for data interpretation. Combining Quantum and MEMS technology in an integrated package will expedite the adoption of the quantum technology.Combining the two technologies into a drone mounted acquisition system will need to address issues such as the impact of the drone and gravimeter on magnetic measurements with a need to mitigate impact. For the gravimeter self-levelling and elevation measurement to high degrees of accuracy will be critical. Form factor and power requirements for the combined device will need to be minimized.The consortium has validated the project objectives with major mining companies such as BHP and organisations such as the Geological Society of Canada and will set-up a steering group of customers.