New developments with the HeliSAM and UAVSAM systems, for use in mineral exploration

Since 2016 Gap Geophysics Australia has been developing and testing a commercial UAVSAM system. Originally completed in 2017, a series of follow up miniaturisation development steps and trial work were completed. This system is now commercially ready and the UAVSAM system is capable of both EM and MMR acquisition between frequencies of 1 - 12.5 Hz. Gap has completed a series of trials to confirm the operational parameters of the platform and inherent noise floor. These trials included comparing many commercial UAV systems and their benefits for geophysical exploration. The UAV system chosen is a multicopter capable of flight times of 1.5 - 2 hours using a hybrid motor. In miniaturising the SAM system for UAV deployment, Gap has also produced its 'Generation 2' HeliSAM system. This system now is completely contained within a slung bird, and no longer has any rack mounting inside a Helicopter. This system has completed commercial work, most recently in Greenland for massive sulphide exploration at deep depths.