Saudi Arabia launches first geophysical survey drone to explore mineral deposits

Geophysical survey drone to detect mineral deposits

Khalid Al-Mudaifer, Vice Minister for Mining Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, launched today, Aug. 24, the first drone for the geophysical survey project from Al-Dawadmi province in Riyadh.

The initiative aims to access accurate geological data about the Arabian Shield area, as well as explore mineral deposits in the Kingdom, said Abdullah Al-Shamrani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS).

The drone undertook its first flight for mineral exploration in Saudi Arabia.

This is the first project under the SGS’ general geological survey initiative at a total value of SAR 2 billion.

The initiative's programs aim to access diverse and accurate geological data for the Arabian Shield area, which covers up to 600,000 km2 of the Kingdom, according to data compiled by Argaam.

The projects include geophysical magnetic and radiological survey of the entire Arabian Shield area.

Through the initiative, the authority aims to obtain high-resolution geomagnetic and radioactive spectrum data, digital geomagnetic and radiological maps, in addition to geological interpretations of magnetic and radiological maps that reflect the most important geological structures and rock facies.

This helps to identify the most important areas of mining environments.