CAPABILITIES
Project Base Mapping
PhotoSat’s 15 cm accuracy 1 m elevation grids, 1 m contours, and 50 cm resolution precision satellite ortho photos are routinely used as mining project base maps at scales as fine as 1:1,000. These engineering quality base maps help to ensure that all of the exploration data, particularly drill hole data, is properly located using our consistent, reliable coordinates.
Structural Geology
Our 15 cm accuracy topographic mapping package includes a colour elevation image and slope direction (aspect) image that clearly map the subtle surface traces of geological structures. Mining geologists find the elevation data ideal for identifying structures, while engineers can use the same dataset for base mapping, resource estimates, cut and fill volume estimates, and mine site planning.
Alteration Mineral Exploration Targeting
Generate new exploration targets for minerals indicative of epithermal gold and silver and porphyry copper deposits. New satellite systems and processing methods detect and map a wide range of alteration minerals key to exploration targeting.
Feasibility Studies
Mine feasibility and pre-feasibility studies require engineering quality survey data. PhotoSat’s 15 cm accuracy satellite surveying is being used by mining companies and engineering consultants for scoping studies and planning for mine pits, ore stockpiles, leach pads, tailings impoundment areas, and plants and facilities throughout the world.
Reserve and Resource Estimates
Reserve and resource estimates for 43-101 reports for most mineral deposits require accurate surface topography to calculate stripping and mining volumes. Mining and consulting engineering companies around the world are using PhotoSat’s satellite surveying for their 43-101 compliant reserve and resource estimates.
Drill Hole planning and Coordinate Validation
Inconsistent and mismatched drill hole survey data is one of the major causes of delays for reserve and resource reporting and feasibility studies. PhotoSat’s satellite mapping provides independent verification of drill hole coordinates and maps their location to within 50 cm in east and north, and 30 cm in elevation. On many projects our mapping process is more cost-effective and reliable than GPS surveying of the drill hole locations.