Evaluation And Interpretation Of Full Tensor Squid Magnetic Gradiometer Data

ence Device) systems will most likely provide the mineral exploration industry with a new tool that provides significant benefits over current airborne magnetic systems. Full tensor measurement of the magnetic field allows the application of filtering, gridding and visualisation techniques that greatly improve the information and resolution relative to data acquired with standard sensors. Potential benefits to the mining industry include faster execution of exploration work programmes and a reduction in exploration costs. Remote sensing of magnetic remanence as a physical property through the use of SQUID magnetometers has not been used as an exploration tool before and the SQUID system’s ability to measure remanence indicators will add significant benefits to exploration programmes. In 2007 Anglo American and De Beers entered into an agreement with the Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) in Germany to develop and operationalise a full tensor airborne magnetic SQUID system. Final field tests with a helicopter tow-bird mounted system were successfully completed in February 2012. In December 2012 a test survey was flown for De Beers over an area near Finch in the Northern Cape. The survey produced excellent results with noise levels generally below 10 pT/m. Visualisation of the full tensor and filtered products showed significant detail and resolution in the final data and allowed for the extraction of a wealth of additional geological information from the data.