Innovative exploration tool

A Toronto-based private firm has developed a new fixed-wing airborne surveying system, which has been described as the next generation of gravity gradiometer systems. Improvements of Gedex’s HD-AGG over the other systems on the market include a more sensitive sensor that measures the gravity gradient in a very different manner, and sophisticated isolation technology to enhance airborne operations and productivity. Gathering data at higher accuracy and spatial resolution with a lower noise level (less than 1 Eotvos) allows even weak geophysical signatures to be detected, greatly enhancing the system’s ability to discover new mineral deposits. The HD-AGG system can detect larger density differences as deep as 12 km, providing valuable information in exploring for oil, gas, minerals and precious metals. In a mid-2006 strategic agreement, De Beers Inc. selected HD-AGG for its next-generation airborne surveys in the search for kimberlites.

The fuzzy image on the left (below) represents a survey using current gravity gradiometer technology. The image on the right represents the same area surveyed by the Gedex HD-AGG system, clearly showing the location of a kimberlite. For more information see www.gedex.ca.